Chief fire officer to retire after 32 years service

Simon Shilton will retire from his position as Chief Fire Officer in March

A Chief fire officer (CFO) has announced his retirement following a "turbulent few years" for the service.

Simon Shilton has worked at Avon and Fire Rescue Service (AFRS) for 32 years, and has held the position of CFO since March 2022. He previously served as assistant CFO alongside his predecessor, Mick Crennell.

Mr Shilton submitted his resignation in September, six months ahead of his retirement on March 31, to enable time for his successor to be appointed.

“It has been my honour and joy to serve my community, alongside so many incredible people," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“To be finishing my career in the service I joined is a great privilege and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every role I’ve had the honour of undertaking across the services I’ve worked in.

“Avon Fire & Rescue Service has some incredibly passionate and dedicated staff, truly committed to making the service the best it can be," he added.

Mr Shilton said working for AFRS has been a "great privilege"

In recent years, the service has been subject to damning reports by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

In 2017, a report from the watchdog revealed "deep-seated cultural issues", a lack of racial diversity, "endemic" bullying, particularly of staff from ethnic minorities, and an "old boys' club" which made backdoor payouts.

The following year, the watchdog found three "causes of concern", including a failure to do enough to protect the public through fire safety regulation.

In November 2023, the service was rated inadequate in four of 11 areas - a rating which Mr Shilton described as "upsetting".

While improvements had been made in some areas - such as fire prevention and information about high-risk buildings - inspectors said more needed to be done to address the service's culture.

Mr Shilton said: “I am confident that with the strong foundations I have been so passionate about developing within the service, alongside improvements in the service’s governance, the organisation will only continue to thrive.

“As I step away from the service, I have every confidence the organisation will continue its journey with new leadership.”