PROUDLY COVERING DORSET, HAMPSHIRE and THE ISLE OF WIGHT IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
About The IFE Southern Branch Committee
The IFE Southern Branch aims to meet regularly for CPD sessions both online and in-person to discuss news and topics related to fire safety. Coming together to push boundaries, we help to develop levels of knowledge and understanding and provide opportunities for mentorship at all levels. As a friendly and approachable group of people, we are always willing to listen and have a genuine passion for the industry.
President – DEAN MORRIS
I’m a fire consultant and a life long learner. Starting in the fire safety world at Harrods, I’ve developed knowledge over a wide range of environments, with a special interest in high rise properties.
Currently studying Fire Engineering, I’m keen to further myself where possible and also give back to a field that has provided so much for me. This involves volunteering on various IFE groups, including helping people obtain Members grade, as well as Eng Tech and joining the Risk Assessors Register.
Having a fire service background allows me to understand how my fire safety decisions have a practical implication during a fire situation. I look to have a positive impact and hope to make a difference both within the field and to help mentor people along the way. I believe in a holistic approach to engineering solutions and that everyone, no matter their role, has a part to play in making the world safer from fire. I am contactable on LinkedIn, by email or phone and welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone about fire safety or engineering, irrespective of the specific subject.
Having a fire service background allows me to understand how my fire safety decisions have a practical implication during a fire situation. I look to have a positive impact and hope to make a difference both within the field and to help mentor people along the way. I believe in a holistic approach to engineering solutions and that everyone, no matter their role, has a part to play in making the world safer from fire. I am contactable on LinkedIn, by email or phone and welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone about fire safety or engineering, irrespective of the specific subject.
Vice-President – JOE HART
Joe is a fire engineer with extensive experience in the design and management of fire safety in buildings. He is Director of Delta Fire Engineering Ltd where he specialises in fire engineered solutions and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling.
As well as working in the fire industry Joe is Lecturer in Fire Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire where he teaches across a wide range of degree programmes, primarily teaching industry-focused modules related to engineering practice and application of performance-based design.
Alongside his teaching role at the university Joe is actively involved in fire engineering research, with a focus on emerging technologies such as neural networking, artificial intelligence and virtual reality (VR). Joe holds a degree in fire engineering from UCLAN and a masters degree in Fire and Explosion Engineering from the University of Leeds
As well as working in the fire industry Joe is Lecturer in Fire Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire where he teaches across a wide range of degree programmes, primarily teaching industry-focused modules related to engineering practice and application of performance-based design.
Alongside his teaching role at the university Joe is actively involved in fire engineering research, with a focus on emerging technologies such as neural networking, artificial intelligence and virtual reality (VR). Joe holds a degree in fire engineering from UCLAN and a masters degree in Fire and Explosion Engineering from the University of Leeds
cOMMUNICATIONS LEAD – RHIANNON WILLIAMS
In January 2023, Rhiannon was appointed as Early Careers Representative for a 12-month voluntary post.
Rhiannon has 7 years’ experience working for the Health and Safety Executive, Science and Research Centre within the Major Hazards Sector. Here she has worked on numerous research projects and experimental campaigns in relation to fire, explosive atmospheres, and battery safety. Rhiannon went on to join Sweco, Buildings Division in October 2022, after graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a Fire Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree. She now works on various projects applying her knowledge and skillset to the discipline of fire engineering.
For the duration of the post, Rhiannon’s role is to represent the interests of early career professionals by advising the committee members on how activities may impact them. Alongside this, Rhiannon aims to utilise outreach to offer guidance and disseminate information to structure pathways of progression for those early within their career, thus enhancing the competence and professionalism of upcoming fire engineers - shaping a safer future
Rhiannon has 7 years’ experience working for the Health and Safety Executive, Science and Research Centre within the Major Hazards Sector. Here she has worked on numerous research projects and experimental campaigns in relation to fire, explosive atmospheres, and battery safety. Rhiannon went on to join Sweco, Buildings Division in October 2022, after graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a Fire Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree. She now works on various projects applying her knowledge and skillset to the discipline of fire engineering.
For the duration of the post, Rhiannon’s role is to represent the interests of early career professionals by advising the committee members on how activities may impact them. Alongside this, Rhiannon aims to utilise outreach to offer guidance and disseminate information to structure pathways of progression for those early within their career, thus enhancing the competence and professionalism of upcoming fire engineers - shaping a safer future
TREASURER - thomas marchant
TBC
SECRETARY – SASKIA STIMPSON
Saskia began her career in Fire Engineering six years ago as a Contracts Administrator within the Fire Engineering team at Warringtonfire after studying maths and chemistry at college. Whilst completing her bachelor’s degree in Fire Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire, Saskia took a role as a Graduate Fire Engineer at Design Fire Consultants (DFC). Saskia recently achieved a First-Class Master’s Degree in Fire Engineering, and currently works as a Fire Engineer for Ashton Fire Ltd, delivering fire safety strategies for complex and high-rise buildings.
Alongside her role as a Fire Engineer, Saskia also dedicates her time to Graduate Learning and Development, ensuring that people early in their career feel fully supported and meet the desired competencies to become a fully functional and well-rounded engineer, and is also currently studying towards her CMI Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and Leadership. Saskia is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) and a committee member for the IFE’s Women in Fire Engineering Group. In both 2021 and 2022, Saskia was a finalist for Woman of the Year in fire safety, an award supported by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)
Alongside her role as a Fire Engineer, Saskia also dedicates her time to Graduate Learning and Development, ensuring that people early in their career feel fully supported and meet the desired competencies to become a fully functional and well-rounded engineer, and is also currently studying towards her CMI Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and Leadership. Saskia is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) and a committee member for the IFE’s Women in Fire Engineering Group. In both 2021 and 2022, Saskia was a finalist for Woman of the Year in fire safety, an award supported by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)
WEBINAR HOST – DANA WINK
Skilled in Health and Safety and Fire Safety, I am a Fire Risk Assessor also working as a Building Safety Manager for a major housing association which is an ‘early adopter’ of The Hackitt Reviews recommendations. This is an exciting role, challenging myself and colleagues, introducing new policies and working closer than ever with residents.
I am passionate about continued development, not only because the industry is changing and evolving at such a fast pace, but I feel to exceed, and be your best you must continually learn. There are so many different and complex areas we work in that every interaction is an opportunity.
I’m currently an Associate member of IFE and a graduate member of IOSH. Earlier on in 2021 I was a finalist for woman of the year at the women in housing awards.
I am contactable via e-mail or on linked In and welcome the opportunity to connect.
I am passionate about continued development, not only because the industry is changing and evolving at such a fast pace, but I feel to exceed, and be your best you must continually learn. There are so many different and complex areas we work in that every interaction is an opportunity.
I’m currently an Associate member of IFE and a graduate member of IOSH. Earlier on in 2021 I was a finalist for woman of the year at the women in housing awards.
I am contactable via e-mail or on linked In and welcome the opportunity to connect.
WEBMASTER – STEPHANIE RAMPTON
Witnessing the growth and evolution of the fire safety industry over time reflects the increasing knowledge and ambition I have adopted in pursuing my passion for educating myself and others on fire safety. With 14 years of experience in the Housing sector, my journey has not been lateral, I have used my determination and inspiration (from individuals such as Andrea White) to drive and push my own development within the industry.
My analytical skills developed when I undertook the role of a support worker, which further reinforced my passion for helping others. In addition, my ability to work with a wide variety of individuals demonstrated my ability to work well in a team. In such a large industry, I feel that teamwork is a desirable quality that ensures wide-scale advances in the fire safety industry, as well as personal development.
My drive to progress in this field is evident in my history of work experience. I started as one of the first fire risk assessors for one of the G15 housing providers, this sparked my passion for helping people to feel safe and expand their fire safety knowledge. To be part of the institution of fire engineers provides me with the knowledge and tools required to consistently adapt to the changing conditions in the most efficient way possible. This efficiency and ongoing growth correlate with the values and goals which are fundamental and also underpin many layers of my personal goals and perspective.
My analytical skills developed when I undertook the role of a support worker, which further reinforced my passion for helping others. In addition, my ability to work with a wide variety of individuals demonstrated my ability to work well in a team. In such a large industry, I feel that teamwork is a desirable quality that ensures wide-scale advances in the fire safety industry, as well as personal development.
My drive to progress in this field is evident in my history of work experience. I started as one of the first fire risk assessors for one of the G15 housing providers, this sparked my passion for helping people to feel safe and expand their fire safety knowledge. To be part of the institution of fire engineers provides me with the knowledge and tools required to consistently adapt to the changing conditions in the most efficient way possible. This efficiency and ongoing growth correlate with the values and goals which are fundamental and also underpin many layers of my personal goals and perspective.
STUDENT / EARLY CAREER REP – TIA LEWIS
TBC
Looking to develop yourself?
The Southern Branch covers Dorset, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight. However, IFE members from any part of the country can elect to be a member of our Branch. Join our Branch to talk fire safety with friendly, like-minded individuals and take advantage of some great CPD opportunities