Justin Johnston served in the UK fire & rescue service for 30 years finishing his career as the Chief Fire Officer of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

In our conversation we explore the weight of leadership responsibilities, the need for professional growth, collaboration, more opportunities and the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities faced by leaders in the fire services. We also speak about the operations world debriefing Major incidents like the Cumbria Floods of 2009 & the Derick Bird shootings of 2010. We delve into personal experiences, mental health challenges, and the significance of work-life balance. 

connect with Justin HERE

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Today we are speaking Air Crash Investigation with Karl Scammel from Air Accidents Investigation Branch - 

The AAIB is an independent organization funded by the government to investigate accidents and serious incidents involving civil aviation in the UK and its overseas territories. They investigate accidents involving fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, gliders, and drones. Our conversation touches on:

• The growth of urban air mobility 
• Importance of a no-blame culture in accident investigation
• Hazards and safety protocols associated with ultralight aircraft, including fuel, electrical systems, and pressurized vessels
• Ballistic Recovery System (BRS)
• Awareness and training among first responders to effectively manage these incidents.

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In this episode, I sit down with my good friends Matt Adams and Dean Keeber to discuss a range of topics spanning firefighting, fitness, and life philosophy. We chat about an overview of the upcoming UK Firefighter Challenge events, the UK Pink Firefighters.

Beyond the fireground, we explore life balance—the fine line between motivation and burnout, the evolution of personal drive, and transitioning toward more sustainable sources of inspiration. We dig into different chapters of life, the realities of getting older while staying fit, and the truth that genes may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.

We discuss the fire service and whether it remains a “job for life” in an era where many people seem busier than ever but feel they achieve less. There’s an emphasis on personal and professional growth, with a nod to competitions this season, strategies for longevity, and redefining success—what does winning look like after you’ve already won? 

Tune in for insights, stories, and the drive to keep pushing forward

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Jan Morris has had a distinguished career in the UK Fire and Rescue Service. began her journey with Avon Fire & Rescue Service in 1998 as one of only eight women in the operational workforce at that time.

Beyond her operational roles, Jan has been an active member of Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) since 1999, contributing significantly to initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and supporting the development of women in the fire service. 

She later joined Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service as a temporary Area Manager before securing a permanent Area Manager position with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in March 2021. 

However, in just a few short years in April of 2024, Jan made the decision to leave Shropshire FRS, citing a culture of misogyny and sexism within the service. She & later confirmed by the national media it was revealed that senior officers had exchanged derogatory, offensive & violent messages about her, including discussions about wanting to harm her. These revelations were part of a broader investigation into misconduct within the service, leading to external and independent investigations into the allegations. 

Jan's departure sadly underscored the challenges faced by women in the fire service and highlighted the need for continued efforts to address discriminatory practices within the sector.

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My conversation today is with social psychologist Anne Templeton to explore the fascinating role of social psychology in emergency response. We discuss the critical importance of trust—how it shapes public cooperation, emergency management, and effective communication.

Anne shares valuable insights on how first responders can build trust by working with communities, involving trusted leaders, and clearly explaining the reasoning behind emergency guidance. We also dive into the role of technology in crisis communication, the resilience of the public in emergencies, and the balance between professional response and public assistance.

One of the key themes in our discussion is the power of language—how messaging and the way instructions are framed can significantly influence public behaviour during high-stress situations. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anne highlights the importance of clear, timely, and accurate communication in reducing confusion and ensuring public safety.

This conversation sheds light on how understanding crowd behaviour and effective communication can improve emergency response and save lives.

Contact Anne HERE

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Born in the 1960’s with ‘Birmingham Central Fire Station’ on his birth certificate, Dave Walton has had a remarkable journey from growing up around the fire service to now becoming a key leader in shaping its future. 

He’s a strategic thinker, an advocate for change, and a driving force behind improvements in leadership, diversity, and operational effectiveness in the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Today, we’re going to talk about some of the most pressing topics facing the fire and rescue sector as Dave shares his insights from a young recruit in 1985 to his roles now including as the NFCC lead for Hazmat. We discuss how fire services must adapt to changing societal expectations, emerging risks, and new technology and we make the argument for why emotional intelligence, professional curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement are crucial for future leaders. 

Dave also takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at the Drummond Mill Fire, one of the largest incidents in his career, and what it taught him about decision-making under pressure.

Throughout this conversation, you’ll get a candid, no-holds-barred look at the fire service from someone who has lived and breathed it for decades. Dave doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, and his perspective on leadership, innovation, and the importance of getting the right people in the right roles is invaluable for anyone looking to understand or improve the sector.

So grab a coffee, sit back, and get ready for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion with one of the most self-aware & experienced leaders in the UK fire service today.

(for context this was recorded in early 2024)

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In this episode, returning guest Dan Stephens takes us on a deep dive into the current state of UK firefighting, with a particular focus on how fire services respond to domestic dwelling fires. Using insights from his South Wales Fire and Rescue Service inspection report, we explore the evolving challenges faced by modern firefighters and the critical need for improved tactics, training, and operational assurance.

Our conversation highlights the importance of incident analysis and continuous improvement in firefighting practices. Discussion includes the underutilised approaches such as offensive exterior attacks, the underestimation of interior firefighting challenges in relation to resource given to its effective & efficient extinguishment. We discuss the possible gaps in current training methods that can leave firefighters unprepared for real-world scenarios and also the sometimes disjointed approach of operational assurance processes an what they focus on. We advocate for a reset in firefighter guidance, emphasizing a deeper understanding of hazard identification & the selection of operational tactics including more hands-on training in live fire environments and better operational risk alignment.

From the basics of pump operation and hose management to the importance of clear communication and adaptive tactics, this episode serves as a practical guide for improving fire service effectiveness and survivability for both victims &  firefighters.

Associated Document link HERE

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In this episode, I sit down with Justin Stoneham, a retired firefighter with nearly three decades of service in East Sussex Fire Brigade. Justin takes us through his extensive career, beginning as a retained firefighter in 1993 and progressing to roles such as Fire Control Operator, Lead Instructor at the Training Centre, and finally Watch Manager at Eastbourne Fire Station. His career came to a sudden shift in 2022 when he was forced into ill-health retirement due to spinal injuries sustained in the line of duty. Since then, Justin has embarked on a new journey, becoming a qualified counsellor and pursuing a diploma in trauma therapy. Throughout our conversation, Justin reflects on his career, the challenges of retiring due to injury, and the emotional toll of leaving a profession that shaped his identity.

The discussion also delves into broader themes of mental health in the fire service and beyond. Justin and I explore the negativity bias in the media and how it can impact mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of cultivating resilience and optimism in an often cynical world. We touch on the feelings of loneliness, shame, and loss of identity that can arise from both injury and retirement, and Justin highlights the critical role of social connections and self-compassion in recovery. Together, we reflect on the importance of person-centred counselling, asking better questions, and creating space for open conversations about trauma and emotional health. Wrapping up the episode, we discuss the value of storytelling—mentioning the film Inside Out as a useful tool for understanding emotions—and the need for accessible support systems for those navigating the complex journey of physical and mental recovery.

Negativity Bias - The Decision Lab

Home | PTSD999 (ptsd-999.com)

Mental health services for veterans | Combat Stress

Why? Counselling - BACP Therapist in Eastbourne - Why Counselling

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My guest today is Colette Black, Director of People Services and Assistant Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Colette holds postgraduate qualifications in executive coaching and strengths-based coaching and is a nationally accredited mediator. With a strong interest in occupational psychology, she has recently conducted research on psychological safety and positive action within UK Fire and Rescue Services. Nationally, she plays an active role with the NFCC, leading on the culture dashboard and people policies, and was recognized as one of the 'Most Influential Women in Fire' in December 2024.

Our conversation explores key themes such as organizational strategy, positive action, and challenges within fire and rescue services. Colette shares insights from her research on misogyny, bullying, and harassment, emphasizing the need for a psychologically safe work environment. We discuss the importance of balancing positivity and accountability in leadership, as well as the role of coaching and situational leadership in developing new leaders. Colette highlights the significance of role models, belonging, and behaviours in fostering diversity and inclusion, alongside the challenges of measuring success and the potential pitfalls of quotas. The discussion also touches on supporting women in the fire service, the role of fitness in recruitment, professional standards training, and the importance of collaboration in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

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Today, we’re diving into the world of drills, firefighter training, knowledge management, and the evolution of learning tools with my good friend Adam Bizley – creater of Drillbook, an app designed to collate sector knowledge, simplify training, streamline drills, and ensure that critical knowledge doesn’t get lost as experienced firefighters retire.

You can connect with Adam at [email protected]

You can Download the Drill book mobile app for FREE by clicking below
Drill Book - App on Apple Store
Drill Book - App on Google Playstore

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