We are committed to transparency, accountability, and strong leadership in delivering a high-quality emergency service to our communities. Our governance framework ensures that we operate efficiently, make informed decisions, and uphold the highest standards of public service.
Explore this section to learn more about our governance structure, decision-making processes, and the key policies that guide our work.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority (TWFRA)
TWFRS is accountable to the TWFRA. The Authority provides essential oversight and leadership for our fire and rescue service. It plays a key role in decision-making, ensuring accountability, and setting priorities to keep our communities safe.
What is Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority?
The TWFRA is the publicly accountable body that oversees the policy and service delivery of fire and rescue services on behalf of the community. It provides strategic direction, scrutiny, and governance to ensure we meet our legal responsibilities and public expectations.
The Authority is responsible for:
- Formulating policies and principal objectives to guide the fire and rescue service
- Approving the annual statement of internal control to ensure good governance
- Setting the precept that determines local funding for the service
- Overseeing financial management, including audits and prioritising capital schemes
- Acquiring land and buildings for operational use
- Determining members’ allowances and ensuring transparency in governance
While TWFRS leads the operational delivery of fire and emergency response services, the Authority ensures these services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in the best interests of the community. Together, they work to create the safest possible environment for the people of Tyne and Wear.
Who Are the Fire Authority?
The TWFRA consists of 16 elected members, nominated by the five constituent councils of Tyne and Wear, along with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner.
| Constituent Authority | Member name | Political party |
|---|---|---|
| Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council | Councillor K. Dodds | Labour |
| Councillor I. Patterson | Liberal Democrats | |
| Councillor G. Haley | Labour | |
| Newcastle City Council | Councillor D. Wood | Labour |
| Councillor G. Bell | Labour | |
| Councillor K. Kilgour | Labour | |
| Councillor T. Woodwark | Liberal Democrats | |
| North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council | Councillor J. Hunter | Labour |
| Councillor C. Johnson | Labour | |
| Councillor M. Thirlaway | Labour | |
| South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council | Councillor J. Welsh | Labour |
| Councillor J. Keegan | Labour | |
| Sunderland City Council | Councillor J. Warne | Labour |
| Councillor P. Tye (Chair) | Labour | |
| Councillor P. Edgeworth | Liberal Democrats | |
| Councillor J. Chapman | Labour | |
| Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner | Susan Dungworth |
Meetings
All Fire Authority and Committee meetings are held at TWFRS Headquarters, and the public is welcome to attend. Contact us if you wish to attend a meeting.
Meeting reports, except those restricted under the Local Government Act (Access to Information) Order 2006, are available on the Sunderland Council website. The pension board is part of our meeting process, but is not a sub-committee of the Authority.
You can find all the details of our next Fire Authority and committee meetings, alongside relevant papers by clicking the buttons below!
Governance
Governance refers to the structures and processes that ensure effective and transparent management of the fire service in the public’s interest. It outlines how decisions are made, how resources are managed, and the accountability mechanisms in place.
The Authority is responsible for publishing an annual Statement of Assurance. This statement details the measures taken to ensure that proper financial, governance and operational arrangements are in place. You can view our Statement of Assurance 2023/2024.
Previous Statements of Assurance:
Statement of Assurance 2022/2023
Statement of Assurance 2021/2022
The Authority adheres to a Code of Corporate Governance that outlines its approach to maintaining appropriate standards and frameworks. View the Authority’s Code of Corporate Governance 2025.