CHIEF Fire Officer Simon Shilton has announced his retirement following a “turbulent few years” for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
His successor could come from outside the fire service, after it was announced that applications from “leaders with comparable experience” elsewhere are being encouraged.
Mr Shilton submitted his resignation with six months’ notice in September, and the news was announced in early November.
It came after he acknowledged there was “still more to do” to improve the service, following new criticisms from inspectors.
The cross-party Avon Fire Authority committee, which is in overall charge of the service, has been asked to commit £20,000 for an executive search company to find suitable candidates for a successor in his role, which has a salary of £164,351 per year.
The authority says it is looking for a “Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive”.
Its recruitment announcement says: “While an understanding of fire and rescue services and related public safety challenges would be advantageous, AF&RS encourages applications from leaders with comparable experience in managing large teams and budgets in similarly vital public safety or crisis management sectors.
“AF&RS particularly welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds and those from groups traditionally under-represented in leadership roles, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.”
Avon Fire Authority chair Ben Nutland said: “The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership experience, a dedication to public safety, and a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality – both within the organisation and in the community.”
Mr Shilton has served as a firefighter for 32 years, stepping up from the position of assistant chief fire officer in March 2022, when his predecessor Mick Crennell retired.
Announcing his retirement, Mr Shilton said: “After fulfilling 32 years of a lifelong dream to be a firefighter, it comes with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to retire from Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve my community, and I am hugely grateful for the opportunities that the fire and rescue service locally and nationally has provided me during my career.
“It’s no secret, it has been a turbulent few years for the service, but my unwavering goal and focus has always been to ensure the organisation is in as strong a position as possible for a much brighter, sustainable future, a future built on a foundation of achieving outcomes, embedding continual improvements, and doing the right thing, recognising the right thing isn’t always comfortable, takes courage and time.”