Peter Heath KFSM MSc MBA CMgr FCMI FCIPD

Peter became Chief Fire Officer in September 2023, after serving as Assistant Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer for the previous three and a half years. With over 30 years of experience in Fire and Rescue services, Peter now leads as the paid head of service, providing strategic direction and leadership. He is held accountable by the Fire Authority for the delivery of services to our communities.

Peter’s focus is on enabling everyone at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to contribute towards and deliver continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for all individuals – whether they work within the service or benefit from the services we provide.

Stewart is the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, having been appointed in 2023. As Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Stewart supports the Chief Fire Officer in ensuring the Fire Authority and the Service meet all statutory and regulatory obligations. He assumes command of the Service in the absence of the Chief Fire Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day Service activities, ensuring its efficient operation while promoting community safety, effectiveness, and a commitment to inclusivity, equality, and fairness.

Nationally, Stewart is the NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) Chair of Organisational Learning and Chair of Operational Learning. He also sits as Vice-Chair of ACER (Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research). Additionally, he is involved in work with the NFCC Operations Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Committee and is Regional Lead for this group and JESIP Joint Organisational Learning.

Dave is the temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Within this role, Dave oversees and is responsible for People Services, Corporate Services, and Mobilising and Digital Transformation. This includes key areas such as People and Culture; Health, Wellbeing, and Safety; Learning and Development; Service Improvement; Data and Information; Control Room Services; and ICT.

On a day-to-day basis, Dave drives organisational change through his function and provides strategic advice to lead and support the Service. This ensures that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service supports the communities we serve to the best of our ability.

Paul reports to the Deputy Chief Fire Officer and is responsible for overseeing the Fire Safety and Prevention and Education Department within the Community Safety function at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. He has strategic responsibility for business and home fire safety, including initiatives on water and road safety and various youth programs.

Paul is involved in multiple projects, including collaborating with the North East Combined Authority and other partners on the remediation of high-rise buildings. Additionally, he is focused on reducing unwanted fire signals across the service area and implementing actions from the Community Risk Management Plan for 2024-2027. Improving Fire Investigation within the service ensures that outcomes inform prevention and protection strategies as a key priority.

Ken is the Area Manager for Service Delivery at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. He is responsible for the effective day to day delivery of emergency response across the Service area. He has management responsibility for 17 operational fire stations and the Brigade Training Centre.

Ken ensures we have the right people, with the right training, in the right place at the right time, as we continue to be the fastest responding Fire and Rescue Service to dwelling fires.

Andy is the Area Manager for Operations and Resilience at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. In this role, he is responsible for leading teams in areas such as operational policy and guidance, risk management, and business continuity. He also chairs the Local Resilience Forum Risk Group and is the North East region lead for National Interagency Liaison Officers (NILO).

Andy is actively involved in ensuring the North East Fire and Rescue Services are prepared for high-threat incidents, working closely with emergency services to improve interoperability, response strategies, and joint training exercises. His work in operational standards and resilience continues to shape and enhance preparedness across the region.

Phil Clark is the Area Manager for Mobilising and Digital Transformation at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. He leads the Fire Control Room, Operational Communications portfolio of projects, and ICT, ensuring the Service embraces digital advancements to enhance emergency response and firefighter safety.

Phil has served in various leadership roles since joining the Service in 1993, including North Tyneside District Manager, Learning and Development, Community Safety and Strategic Planning. A qualified Fire Engineer, he has driven improvements in risk information, fire safety, and regulatory frameworks.

Nationally, Phil is the NFCC lead for Energy Technology and Research & Development and the North East Regional Lead for the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Project. His focus is on ensuring firefighters have the right technology, communications, and information to operate safely and effectively while supporting the Service’s wider digital transformation.

Louise is currently the Director of Corporate Services, and her role encompasses key areas within TWFRS, including corporate governance, inspection and assurance, service improvement, and executive services. She also plays a key role in delivering the TWFRS Strategy through the Programme Office.

In 2018, she led the Inspection Support Team for TWFRS’ first formal inspection by HMICFRS, which resulted in a ‘Good’ rating across all pillars. Passionate about equality and inclusion, Louise chaired TWFRS’ LGBT Network and Gender Equality Network, earning a commendation at the Northern Power Women Awards in 2021. She also mentors young women through the Girls Network.

Leanne is the Director of People Services at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. She is responsible for overseeing key areas, including People and Culture, Learning and Development, Occupational Health, and Safety and Wellbeing within the Service.

In her role, she is focused on leading cultural improvements and implementing a new values framework to ensure accountability at all levels within the organisation.

Leanne is also reviewing existing people policies and processes to create a consistent, fair, and positive employee experience. She is leading the implementation of improved people systems, which will enhance efficiency within the Service through process automation and better data access. Additionally, she is conducting a Green Book review to ensure role alignment and equity across the organisation and is developing an enhanced people management training program to drive a culture of high performance.

Michelle is the Director of Finance, Estates and Facilities at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, responsible for overseeing financial management, estates planning, and facilities operations. As the Service’s S151 Officer, she ensures robust financial governance, long-term sustainability, and value for money across all departments.

She provides strategic financial advice and leadership, supporting the effectiveness and efficiency of TWFRS. She leads the Finance, Procurement, Payroll, and Pensions teams, ensuring compliance with financial regulations while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. She also oversees Estates and Facilities, ensuring the Service’s infrastructure is maintained and developed to meet operational needs.

Michelle joined TWFRS in 2022 as Head of Financial Services, following a successful career in local government finance. She is committed to strong financial stewardship and service excellence.