#BackChappers
A Bit About Me
I joined the Fire Service in the year 2000 as a young and very keen 22 year old.
Like many I joined the the Fire Service to enjoy an exciting and active career where no two days were the same.
As a teenager I had spent a great deal of time supporting charities like Cancer and Leukaemia in Children (CLIC), but when the opportunity arose to be a Firefighter and help people for a living it was a no brainer.
25 years on and that outlook of helping others has evolved, transitioning from a Firefighter helping those in need to instead being a Fire Brigades Union Official representing and helping Firefighters whenever they are in need.
That drive and commitment to help others is part of the fibre from which I am made and it is something I will always shamelessly be proud and passionate about.
Brief Overview of Union involvement
September 2000
2002 - 2003
2010 - 2023
2013 - 2015
2016
2016
2018
2021 - Present day
In the year 2000 I joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and began the 14 week training course at what was commonly known as "Beastly Eastliegh". I sign up as a member of the Fire Brigades Union as soon as the form is handed to me.
As I was completing the final part of my probationary period, the entire UK Fire Service found itself caught up in a national pay dispute with the Government. This is where I cut my teeth and became an active part of the Fire Brigades Union. Providing media and communications as a branch rep during this period of industrial action
The newly elected Tory Government begin slashing the funding to all public sectors and begins over a decade of pay stagnation and degradation for Firefighters. It is during this period that i am elected as Branch Secretary for Cosham Fire Station which was within MP Penny Mordaunts constituency.
The attacks on Firefighters and the public sector continue, focusing their aim on public sector pension provision and normal pension age for those within the public sector
Hampshire Fire and Rescue face the first wave of significant cuts and i step up my invovement in the Brigade Committee becoming an integral part of the machine fighting cuts to the frontline.
The attacks on Firefighters and the public sector continue, focusing their aim on public sector pension provision and normal pension age for those within the public sector. As a result I build engagement within the Brigade Committee
The Fire Brigades mounts legal challenges against the Government on behalf of its members and wins an age discrimination challenge.
At this point i am Vice Chair of Hampshire Fire Brigades Union.
The Fire Brigades Union at national conference agree the reversal of the Region 11 and 12 merging and the reformation of Region 12 (Southern Region). I stand for election and succeed as being the first formally ratified Regional secretary for the newly re-stablished region 12.