In the midst of Windrush 75 week, a seasoned councillor of African Caribbean heritage has taken the helm as Chairperson of the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority. This body is responsible for monitoring the operations, budgets, policies, and performance of the Fire and Rescue Service.
Labour Councillor Jacqueline Burnett of Luton has now been given the leadership of the Authority, with a new Executive comprised of Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors being established under her stewardship.
This Annual Meeting marked the first since the May elections in three Bedfordshire councils, wherein Labour comfortably retained control in Luton, and rose to be the dominant group in Bedford.
Councillor Burnett has previously held a position in the Authority in 2010-11, and again from 2021. She has just embarked on her fifth term at Luton Council and has filled numerous community-oriented Executive roles before re-joining the Authority.
In addition to her strategic leadership experience, Jacqui served as an interim Senior Officer of the Fire and Rescue Service in 2015, and thus contributes operational and personnel experience to the role.
Starting her career in Finance as a part-qualified Accountant, she is a Fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians (FMAAT) and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI). Presently, she consults on EEDI/Governance matters and was named Chair of Luton Council’s Audit and Governance Committee for 2023/24.
Councillor Burnett shared her excitement about her new role, stating, “I feel privileged and honoured to lead the strategic body governing a Fire Service that is held in high esteem, trusted, and respected by Bedfordshire residents. I’m thankful for those who backed me to take on this role.” She finds it particularly poignant that her appointment coincides with the Windrush 75 celebrations.
Jacqui added, “With Labour becoming the largest party across Bedfordshire, I felt it fitting, given my expertise and knowledge, to step up and accept the significant role of Chair.” She acknowledges the extensive work done behind the scenes, including liaising with senior Fire Officers, staff meetings, site visits, ensuring resilience, and engaging in vital budget discussions and decision-making.
Under Burnett’s leadership, a diverse five-member executive has been assembled, all committed to the hard work ahead. This team will introduce varied geographic and community needs and perspectives to the upper echelons of decision-making and the service areas they will oversee. Jacqui hopes this diversity will inspire Bedfordshire residents from all walks of life to apply for roles within the organisation, knowing they will be respected and treated fairly.
For additional information about the Bedfordshire Fire Authority, its members, and contact details, please visit: https://bedsfireresauth.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1