Simon served as a Fire Officer for over 37 years, retiring from the post of Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive at Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in April 2016. While at Wiltshire, in December 2013, Simon played a pivotal role in developing and delivering a business case with Dorset FRS, leading to the merger of the two services into Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in April 2016. During a significant period of change within the UK Fire and Rescue Service, he developed the RESPECT agenda (Responsibility, Equality, Supportive, Professionalism, Excellence, Communication, Transformation), which drove cultural reform within the Service. Upon retiring from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in September 2016, Simon was appointed as an Assistant Inspector within HM Inspectorate for Fire (Scotland). In this role, he developed a new operational assurance inspection regime across Scotland. In June 2018, he was appointed HM Chief Inspector, leading the Inspectorate during a time of great change and challenge. As Chief Inspector, Simon provided independent, risk-based, and proportionate professional inspections of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He ensured that the general public of Scotland and Scottish Ministers had confidence in the efficiency and effectiveness of their Fire and Rescue Service. His leadership promoted continuous improvement and best value within the service. Simon had wide-ranging powers under The Royal Warrant. Simon offered independent professional advice and assurance on fire and rescue matters to key stakeholders, and he reported to Scottish Government Select Committees as an expert witness on fire-related issues. In Northern Ireland, Simon served as the Chief Fire Advisor for the Northern Ireland Administration, within the Department of Health. His role involved providing policy advice, strategic guidance, support, and mentorship to the NIFRS Board, Chief Fire Officer, and Senior Management Team. Since retiring as HM Chief Inspector, Simon has undertaken a number of roles. He was appointed by a leading passenger transport operator in Europe, following an external audit by their Shareholders, and was recruited to address shortcomings in Business Continuity across the Arriva Group. He developed and implemented a Business Continuity Management System across 12 European countries, creating a Group Policy and supporting documents to establish a common approach to Business Continuity. By the end of his contract, the process was ready for implementation. Continuing from his work with the transport operator, Simon designed and implemented a Business Continuity Planning System to meet a rail operators contract requirements as mandated by the Secretary of State for Transport. The government department approved his Business Continuity Management Plan and documentation, fulfilling the operator’s contract. Simon was appointed by the government to undertake two significant Human Rights Reviews. At the request of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Simon undertook a full review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. This involved confidential interviews with key stakeholders, the Chief Commissioner and Commissioner Board, CEO for the Commission, Northern Ireland Office Officials, and Human Rights Civil Society Groups. The review aligned with the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Good Friday Agreement, and the United Nations Paris Principles for Human Rights. Upon completion, his Review and recommendations were presented to the Secretary of State. Simon was appointed as an Independent Reviewer on the Governance of the Scottish Human Rights Commission As the Independent Reviewer, Simon delivered on the Terms of Reference as agreed by the Commissioners of the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to reach conclusions and offer strategic recommendations. The review covered areas such as the composition of the Commission, roles and remit of the Chair and Commissioners, Commissioners Handbook, Scheme of Delegation arrangements, grievance handling, whistleblowing procedures, and financial oversight. He is an Associate for the Emergency Planning College (EPC). Simon's role is to train individuals in a participative, reflective, and thought-provoking manner. Through his experience and expertise, he assists and guides delegates to build personal and organisational resilience and to understand Business Continuity planning.