The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has held its inaugural hybrid Annual General Meeting, with members joining both online and in person in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The event marked a pivotal step in the IFE’s ongoing drive to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and international engagement across its membership.
By enabling remote attendance, the IFE ensured that members from around the world could actively participate in the meeting, regardless of location. The result was a notable rise in attendance, highlighting growing enthusiasm and involvement across the organisation’s global network.
The AGM also saw the announcement of several new appointments to the Board of Trustees, introducing a diverse group of leaders committed to guiding the IFE’s mission. Ryan Cleggett, elected by the International General Assembly, is a seasoned fire officer from Australia with over 20 years of experience across career and volunteer roles. Holding advanced degrees in fire safety engineering, occupational safety and business, Cleggett has served on the IFE Australia branch Board since 2019 and is currently vice-leader of the International General Assembly.
Roy Little was appointed by the IFE Registrants Group. With more than two decades in fire engineering, Little’s career spans work with the NHS and Arup, and he now leads on major projects as associate director at Design Fire Consultants. He is actively involved with the IFE as chair of the Façade Special Interest Group, a Technical Panel member, and a professional report reviewer.
Jason Hill, assistant fire commander and leader of the International General Assembly, joins the Board as a co-opted Trustee for 12 months. Based in New Zealand, Hill has been instrumental in shaping the IFE’s presence in the region and brings frontline experience and strategic insight.
Jacqueline Lewis has also been co-opted for a three-year term to enhance the Board’s governance capacity. Her strong legal background is expected to bring added depth to the IFE’s oversight functions.
The IFE extended thanks to outgoing trustees Chris Bilby, James Lane, Parina Patel, and Hao-Giang Tay, acknowledging their key contributions to the development of the organisation’s current strategic direction.
