Bird, David

I joined the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1985, working in service delivery (attending emergency incidents) gaining the rank of sub officer. Upon promotion to station officer, I commanded Windsor Fire Station before moving into specialised posts. I worked as a health and safety officer in the central team based at brigade headquarters. Following this I worked in regulatory fire safety as an area officer, in Reading and Wokingham.In 2003 I transferred to the London Fire Brigade (LFB) gaining promotion to assistant divisional officer (ADO). Roles within the LFB at ADO level included station command of Belsize and Euston Fire Stations, Borough Arson Liaison Officer for Camden, Partnership/Community Fire Safety Officer in Camden, Policy Development Officer and Staff Officer to the Deputy Commissioner. In addition to the roles described above I had an operational commitment and was also part of the brigade’s senior officer fire safety cadre.Whilst undertaking temporary promotion to divisional officer (DO) I worked in the brigades Community Safety and Health and Safety departments. I was substantively promoted to DO in 2010, holding posts in Policy Development, National Operational Guidance Development and Corporate Health and Safety. During this period, I continued to give both operational and regulatory fire safety cover on a pan London basis. I was also a part of the brigades urban search and rescue team that specialised in technical rescue including building collapse and line rescue.Since retiring from the fire service in 2015 I have worked as an independent fire safety consultant specialising in fire risk assessment. During this time, I have also worked as a subcontractor to some prestigious companies within the fire safety arena.I have experience of conducting fire risk assessments in a range of building types including: • Residential settings (Blocks of flats and HMO’s) • Sheltered and supported Housing. • Nursing homes • Industrial and commercial properties. • Schools • Shopping centres and individual retail outlets • Hospitals and other healthcare establishmentsI have extensive experience in both fire safety and general health and safety. I am suitably qualified and accredited to conduct a range of activities. My qualifications/accreditations include: • Level 4 diploma in fire safety. • Graduate level qualification within the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE). • Membership of the IFE fire risk assessors register. • Engineering Technician as awarded by the Engineering Council and supported by the IFE. • Membership of the IFSM accredited to tier 3. • Advanced fire risk assessment qualifications (Colin Todd Associates). • Fire safety qualifications modules A and B (Fire Service College). • Nebosh General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health. • Fire service statutory qualifications up to and including station officer (Fire Services Examinations Board). • Analytical Accident Investigation (IOSH). • Managing Safely (IOSH).In addition, I successfully completed numerous internal courses within the fire service and have undertaken the required CPD to ensure the competency levels required by the IFE and IFSM.I hold comprehensive PI and PL insurance. Proof of this insurance can be provided on request.