Event roundup: Fire Innovation Forum – digital and data skills
As part of techUK’s MoU with the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), we were pleased to launch the forum’s 2026 activities with a session dedicated to digital and data skills and their crucial role in the fire service.
We were joined by NFCC DDaT representatives Steve Beakhust, Gillian Fyfe and Steve Taylor, as well as Sarah Taylor (Assistant Director and Head of DDaT, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service) and Kirsty James (Digital Transformation Manager, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service).
Steve Taylor provided context to the session by highlighting the essential role of digital and data literacy within the fire service. He emphasised the importance of utilising systems effectively and recruiting people with the right skills.
Outlining Essex Fire and Rescue’s commitment to digital inclusion, Sarah described how the organisation works to ensure people feel confident and capable when using technology. She highlighted the role of the Digital Skills Officer in supporting staff and helping them develop essential skills, with a strong focus on building both competence and confidence.
She discussed the Essex Fire and Rescue digital skills standard, which covers foundational abilities such as managing emails, locating files, and staying safe online. Sarah highlighted the importance of avoiding assumptions about an individuals’ digital abilities, noting that everyone starts from different points and may need tailored support to meet these standards.
You can access Sarah’s slides here.
Kirsty emphasised West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's commitment to developing digital and data literacy. Their approach includes a range of initiatives and training programmes designed to boost digital confidence, improve accessibility, and ensure that staff can use systems effectively. A key part of this work is the Change Ambassador Network (CAN), which supports the testing and rollout of new technology while helping embed good user experience and design principles across the service.
She also highlighted ongoing challenges, including gaps in user experience design, accessibility, and general confidence with digital tools. To address these, West Yorkshire is strengthening training and support, ensuring systems are intuitive and inclusive, and empowering staff to develop the skills they need to navigate an increasingly digital workplace.
You can access Kirsty’s slides here.
Following this, participants engaged in a thoughtful discussion on the challenges and strategies for improving accessibility in digital resources, user experience, and inclusive procurement, focusing on practical needs, user involvement, and balancing standard with custom solutions for fire services.
You can explore the newest updates from techUK's Fire Innovation Forum.
