DAWN WHITTAKER KFSM
Experienced female executive who has lived and influenced change
Dawn has over 20 years worth of experience in speaking at Conferences and events, both as a Fire Sector leader, but also as Chair of RLSS, UK NWSF.
Dawn oozes confidence when speaking, with a wide range of experience having worked in Public, Private and Third sector and a government adviser.
Dawn has had a varied career, from a graduate to John Lewis Partnership, to Fire Service via local authority and government adviser. She relishes making positive improvement through people and professionally managed change. Over her 35 years of leadership experience across various sectors, Dawn has earned multiple awards, including the prestigious KFSM in the New Year's Honours list 2023 for distinguished service. Dawn's greatest achievement remains knowing that she has contributed to saving lives.
Tommy Richardson QFSM, firefighter at Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service
Dawn Whittaker is a remarkable leader who wears many hats. She serves as the CFO of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, National Water Safety Chair, Lead for NFCC Water Safety Inc., Chair of NFCC Water Safety Practitioners Group, and an active member of the NFCC Prevention Committee and NFCC Executive Leadership Programme. Her ability to multitask is truly impressive.
Dawn is an exemplary leader who consistently goes above and beyond in every role she undertakes. Her dedication, commitment, and passion have enabled the organisations she is involved with to grow and become influential voices. Under her guidance, water safety has become a national priority, resulting in significant positive impacts.
Dawn is exceptionally generous with her time and has selflessly provided personal support and guidance to numerous individuals across UK Fire Services. She has also extended her support to those within the external water safety community, campaigners, and bereaved family members.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Dawn on the NFCC Water Safety Practitioners Group and on various national projects. I have also had the opportunity to speak alongside her at national conferences and have personally benefited from her invaluable support and mentorship.
Her kindness and magnanimous spirit make her not only an exceptional leader but also a highly respected individual at all levels.
Roy Wilsher,
HMI at HMICFRS
Dawn is a very active member of the National Fire Chiefs Council, which is the professional voice of the fire and rescue service in the UK. Dawn has a supportive and collaborative approach, understanding that the fire service can benefit from working together in an effective and efficient way to help serve our diverse communities. Dawn is always willing to contribute to debates, offer ideas and support colleagues with advice.
Beyond the meetings Dawn has been the NFCC lead on water safety for many years and sits on the NFCC Prevention committee. Her dedication and commitment to this workstream has seen it grew in stature and make a real contribution to water safety across the country. Dawn is also a member of the leadership workstream, where she leads on direct entry, she also helps assess for the NFCC Executive Leadership Programme. Dawn is a valued colleague and prominent member of the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Chris Blacksell
Dawn is someone that I work alongside as a colleague on the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the NFCC Leadership Board. I have also spoken alongside her at national conferences. She is an exceptionally thoughtful and people centred leader, and is someone I trust, and seek advice from. Her work on water safety drowning prevention is exemplary and has made significant national impact. She is passionate about the safety of the public and is a well respected Chief Fire Officer.
