Women in the Fire Service began in the 1990s as Networking Women in the Fire Service (NWFS), a volunteer-led group supporting women across the sector. The focus in the early years was practical and immediate: challenging poor facilities, raising concerns about uniform fit, tackling bullying and harassment, and providing a safe network of support.
Over time, the organisation grew in influence, contributing to national working groups, speaking at events, and shaping policy across the sector. As the needs of women in the fire service evolved, so did the organisation’s purpose, shifting towards development, mentoring, equality, and partnership working.
In 2014 the organisation re-launched as Women in the Fire Service UK, reflecting a broader mission: inspiring, enabling and developing women working in today’s Fire and Rescue Service.
Networking Women in the Fire Service (NWFS) is founded as a self-help group supporting women across the Fire and Rescue Service.
First national/international conference for NWFS at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh with keynote speaker, Captain Brenda Berkman, New York Fire Department.
NWFS runs national conferences and seminars, raising issues around uniform fit, facilities, bullying and harassment.
NWFS joins the national working group for ‘Towards Diversity I’ and ‘Towards Diversity II’.
Following the abolition of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Committee, NWFS gains a seat on the new Practitioner’s Forum (held until the forum was later disbanded).
The organisation delivers telephone support, one-to-one mentoring and coaching, and the NWFS mentoring scheme in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University. NWFS is regularly invited to speak at conferences and national events.
The association incorporates as a not-for-profit organisation.
Work expands to support services with recruitment campaigns, uniform development, facilities, policy design and equality work.
The organisation re-launched as Women in the Fire Service UK, reflecting a broader mission: inspiring, enabling, and developing women working in today’s fire and rescue service.
WFS continues to influence national conversations, attend sector forums, deliver training, mentoring and development, and advocate for recruitment, progression and retention across UK fire and rescue services.