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Former fire chief Roy Wilsher chosen as government advisor for fire reform

The Home Office has appointed Roy Wilsher as an independent advisor on fire policy.

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Roy Wilsher began his career in 1981, joining the London Fire Brigade and working his way up to assistant commissioner of community fire safety
Roy Wilsher began his career in 1981, joining the London Fire Brigade and working his way up to assistant commissioner of community fire safety
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The Home Office has appointed Roy Wilsher as an independent advisor on fire policy #UKhousing

In the newly created role, Mr Wilsher will provide support to the Home Office’s fire strategy and reform unit in developing a white paper on fire reform.

Mr Wilsher, who took up the role on 12 April, previously served as the first ever chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

During this time Mr Wilsher was a key part of the fire services response to the Grenfell Tower fire, including guidance around waking watch patrols and other interim fire safety measures.

He also sat on the government’s independent advisory panel, which recommended the prioritisation of buildings over 18 metres for fire safety remediation works. The focus on buildings 18 metres and taller has been criticised in recent weeks, with opponents urging government to extend funding to lower-rise buildings.

Mr Wilsher began his career in 1981, joining the London Fire Brigade and working his way up to assistant commissioner of community fire safety. He later became the chief executive for the Hertfordshire police and crime commissioner.


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Before chairing the NFCC Mr Wilsher was chief fire officer for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Wilsher said: “The fire and rescue service is a great institution with fantastic people who serve their communities.

“I have spent my whole working life in that service and I am really pleased to be asked to assist with the government’s reform agenda to ensure the fire and rescue service adds even more value in future.”

Fire minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “I’m very pleased that I will be joining forces with Roy in our ground-breaking work on fire reform.

“Roy’s operational experience and independent insight will be invaluable in helping us develop the White Paper on Fire Reform, with his long career in the fire and rescue service informing his day-to-day duties.”

However, cladding campaigners have criticised the appointment, saying they are disappointed that Mr Wilsher was chosen for the role.

A spokesperson for UK Cladding Action said: “As chair of the NFCC, Mr Wilsher was unable to provide any evidence base or show any tests of reasonable proportionality conducted before the imposition of ruinous interim measures such as waking watches on buildings.

“Under his leadership, the NFCC refused to take responsibility of the operation and fall-out of the guidance they had created.

“This has contributed to the bankruptcy of an innocent leaseholder, and brought enormous financial and mental hardship for many. Mr Wilsher repeatedly refused to support the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign, despite numerous requests to do so.”

It added that the building safety crisis requires leadership, resolve and a fresh approach.

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