Cornwall's Chief Fire Officer has been named Outstanding Leader of the Year at a national ceremony celebrating the country's best managers.

Des Tidbury was presented with the accolade at the Chartered Management Institute's (CMI) Management and Leadership Awards in recognition of his work turning CFRS from 'Failing' to 'Achieving' in just 18 months.

When CFO Tidbury took over at CFRS it had just been designated placed under Government intervention after receiving an Audit Commission 'fail' notice. 

Under his management and a commitment to developing an open and transparent culture and improved partnership working, CFRS has gone from strength to strength, being named as 'Achieving' under the Fire and Rescue Services Equality Framework and gaining praise for health and safety management by achieving the coveted BSI 18001.

Speaking after receiving his award CFO Tidbury said: "I am delighted to have won this award - it is a reflection on how far Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has come over the last four years.

"My vision from the outset has been that our fire stations be at the heart of our communities and this is key to helping people learn more about staying safe. From this we have developed a series of successful partnerships to help the more vulnerable members of our community.

"The impact of this prevention work is clear - over the last year we have seen a five per cent reduction in the number of fires, a reduction in the number of fire deaths and we have visited almost 4,000 homes to give tailored fire safety advice, fitting more than 3,000 smoke detectors in the process."

Despite pressures on budget, under CFO Tidbury CFRS have continued to invest in its resilience with preliminary work ongoing to deliver a new fire station in Hayle and a new purpose-built complex at Tolvaddon that will incorporate the Service's new headquarters, the 999 Control Room, engineering workshops and training & administration.

Councillor Lance Kennedy, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Community Safety and Public Protection said: "This recognition for Des is well deserved and a reflection on his qualities as a great leader and ambassador for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service." 

Posted 12/10/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com