Delivering the future of the fire and rescue sector through digital, data and cyber: a discussion with the National Fire Chiefs Council

In February 2024, techUK launched an official partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to foster closer collaboration between NFCC and the technology industry through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and skills.

Through this partnership, the Fire Innovation Forum was established to bring together fire sector DDaT leaders and techUK members to shape how technology and data can drive national transformation across fire and rescue services.

Session overview

The next session of the Forum will be held at the Emergency Tech Show in Birmingham, where NFCC leaders will discuss the emerging direction of the NFCC DDaT Strategy 2026–29 and what it means for the future of the fire and rescue sector. The discussion will explore the key challenges and opportunities facing services, including improving data quality and sharing, strengthening cyber resilience, developing workforce capability, and enabling more consistent and effective use of technology across the sector.

The session will also consider the role of innovation, AI and emerging technologies within this wider strategic context, examining how horizon scanning, collaboration with industry and responsible adoption of new technologies can support long-term sector transformation. Attendees will gain insight into NFCC's strategic priorities, the direction of travel for national DDaT activity, and opportunities for fire and rescue services and suppliers to work together to deliver tangible benefits for communities.

Speakers

• Steve Beakhust, Head of Data, Digital and Technology (DDaT), National Fire Chiefs Council

• Steve Taylor, Strategic Data Lead, National Fire Chiefs Council

• Gillian Fyfe, Strategic Digital, Technology and Cyber Lead, National Fire Chiefs Council

• Fran Richiusa, Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services at techUK

Who should attend

The session will be of particular interest to fire service leaders, DDaT and innovation specialists, and industry partners looking to shape the future of technology in the fire sector.

The Emergency Tech Show is the UK's largest showcase of emergency technologies and innovations that are driving change in the emergency services, offering more opportunities to discover the next generation of emergency tech for the sector. You can register to attend for free here.