The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a global professional membership body for those in the fire sector that seek to increase their knowledge, professional recognition and understanding of fire through a global discourse.

With over 100 years of history and approximately 12,000 members, the IFE - a charity - is instrumental in shaping a future world that is safer from fire. Through its ceaseless betterment and sharing of knowledge, it has led the way in enabling fire professions to become rigorously assessed through a well-established and dynamic system of internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. The IFE delivers more than 6,000 exams annually.

Managed for fire professionals by fire professionals, the IFE aims to promote, encourage and improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering, acting as a beacon of established expertise and guiding the way to a fire safe future.

Today, the IFE is an ambitious and forward looking organisation which has - under the executive leadership of CEO, Steve Hamm and a passionate and skilled board of volunteer Trustees - a bright and exciting future. Within the next strategic chapter are three key areas comprising a renewed focus on governance, membership growth and increased stakeholder engagement - especially with other related membership and professional bodies. The IFE has an important role to play in the public domain as an advocate for fire safety. In recent years the Institution has been increasingly relied upon for professional comment and as a respected and qualified ‘voice’ within the wider international health and safety landscape.

The next Chair will support the IFE to realise these goals. They will also support the IFE to be a strong platform for other related industries and imperatives such as engineering, sustainability, construction, energy and fuel storage, enabling them to reach a wide and diverse audience. Inspirational, and with the gravitas to take the whole membership on a journey of change, the next Chair will take a practical approach to leadership ensuring the IFE is the best it can be.

The IFE is led by a Board of Trustees. The Board consists of up to 12 volunteer members made up of eight elected members, two co-opted (appointed) members, the elected International President, Chair, Vice Chair and the Chief Executive Officer.

The IFE seeks an individual who has the vision and experience to:

• Place the IFE as a central institution in fire safety discourse
• Lead the organisation with clarity of purpose
• Provide considered decision making by managing a cohesive Board and establishing constructive relationships

The new Chair will especially:

• Lead the Board and ensure its effectiveness through clear decision-making
• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides strategic direction for the charity to achieve those objectives
• Maintain and develop relationships with the key internal and external stakeholders - e.g. Institute of Civil Engineers
• Support and supervise the Chief Executive Officer
• Act as a figurehead and ambassador for the IFE
• Chair all Board meetings and the annual AGM
• Liaise closely with the Committee Chairs and the CEO
• Take urgent action (but not decision-making unless authorised) between Board meetings when it isn’t possible or practical to hold a meeting

Other responsibilities include:

• Exercise their authority to lead the board and be accountable for its decisions
• Provide strategic leadership to the Institution and the Board, ensuring that the Institution achieves its mission and fulfils its governance responsibilities
• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
• Work with the Chief Executive, corporate management team and committees to provide support and advise on significant strategic initiatives or business development opportunities
• Provide mentoring support and guidance to the Chief Executive and other trustee directors as required
• Work with the Vice Chair to carry out the annual appraisal of the Chief Executive on behalf of the Board, including making recommendations on their remuneration and professional development opportunities
• Optimise the relationship between the Board and the Institution’s staff and volunteers
• Carry out one-to-ones with each Board member; ensuring that all trustee directors have been briefed and inducted into their roles and receive appropriate training, that they are aware of their status and expectations as charity trustees and company directors; and to obtain feedback at the end of their term of office
• Address and resolve conflicts that arise within the board
• Ensure the performance of trustee directors and the Board are appraised on an annual basis
• Ensure that the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the necessary balance of skills knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the Institution effectively, including the appointment of co-opted members
• Objectively and impartially plan, chair and facilitate Board meetings; ensuring these are run efficiently, and discussion and decision-making is democratic and fully participative
• Monitor that decisions and actions agreed at Board meetings are implemented
• Hold the casting vote in the event of a split decision
• Chair general meetings (AGM/EGM) and ensure these are carried out according to the governing document
• Present reports and answer questions at regular meetings and general meetings

This is a truly an exciting time to join the IFE Board as its new Chair, as the charity is preparing to position itself prominently within world of fire safety. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding the Board towards its strategic goals, driving the IFEs growth and success, and ensuring that the organisation remains the flagship for the fire safety it champions.

The IFE seeks a Chair who will bring a wealth of experience governing boards. The ideal candidate need not come from the world of fire engineering or safety, instead the board is focused on securing candidates with some or all of the following credentials:

• Strong governance experience - ideally as a Chair or Vice-Chair
• Exposure to leading other membership organisations
• Large scale change management experience 

Media experience would be considered an advantage, but not a deciding factor.

The successful candidate will be skilled in managing stakeholders, bringing people together to reach positive conclusions, and representing the charity at external functions, meetings and events. The successful candidate must be a confident and dynamic communicator in order to best represent the charity with its stakeholders. Those with experience in a key ambassadorial role would also align well. 

In addition to these qualifications, the new Chair will have a genuine passion for the leadership of an organisation focused on safety for all. This could take the form of a personal interest / CPD or arise from involvement in the wider emergency services or membership organisations. The new Chair will have the opportunity to shape the IFEs future, guide its strategic vision, and lead the organisation into a new era of growth and success.

A full list of the current Board of Governors can be found here.

The appointment is for a three year term. Reasonable pre-agreed domestic expenses will be reimbursed. Further terms (up to a maximum of 2 terms in total) could be offered, subject to agreement by both sides. The indicative time commitment is c. 10 hours per month. This will include the following: attendance at meetings of the Board which are typically held up to four mornings each year, attendance at other meetings as required to coincide with Board meeting dates, attendance at an annual “strategy away day” when held, attendance at the Institution’s AGM in person. The Institution has various committees. Each of these meet approximately 3-4 times per year and the Chair is expected to attend these meetings either in person or virtually. Representing the Institution from time to time at functions, external events and meetings and well as preparation to contribute effectively to the ongoing development and implementation of the Institution’s strategy.

UK - London

IFE welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. Applications from individuals from minority backgrounds are particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.