THE Fire Fighters Charity has introduced the appointment of Sherine Wheeler as Chief Executive.
Joining the charity on the finish of April, Sherine brings intensive management expertise having labored to broaden the attain and deepen the influence of charities, most lately Mayhew, and together with Marie Curie, Action for Children and Young Lives vs Cancer. She has additionally suggested plenty of charities on technique, influence and efficiency.
Speaking following her appointment, Sherine mentioned:
“I’m delighted to be leading The Fire Fighters Charity and its specialist teams into the future. Together we will ensure many thousands of members of the fire services community can live healthier and happier, and that they are valued and recognised for their significant contribution to society.
“It’s exciting to join such an impactful and dynamic organisation. It will be an absolute honour for me to play a part in The Fire Fighters Charity’s vital services, supporting the whole fire community and ensuring fire service personnel are fit and well, so they can be there for us when we need them most. I’m very much looking forward to working with all the incredible individuals, teams and partners that support and deliver The Fire Fighter’s Charity’s work day-in-day-out.”
John Baines, Chair of The Fire Fighters Charity Board of Trustees, mentioned of Sherine’s appointment:
“I am delighted to welcome Sherine to The Fire Fighters Charity, she has achieved a huge amount during her career to date, leading organisations and teams to affect positive change and engage effectively with supporters and beneficiaries.
“I am confident that Sherine will lead our organisation into an exciting future, building on our 80-year history to ensure we can provide health and wellbeing opportunities, and life-enhancing support to more members of the UK’s fire services community long into the future.”
Sherine’s appointment follows the announcement in November 2023 of present Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey’s resignation. Leaving the organisation after 10 years within the function, Dr Tolfrey commented:
“Stepping away from the Charity comes with some sadness. However, I am very proud of all that has been achieved over the last 10 years and, as we look to begin a new strategic period, I feel the time is right for someone new to take the helm and drive the Charity forward in its ambition to achieve long term sustainability, together with continued excellence in the field of health and wellbeing.”
During her time as Chief Executive, Dr Tolfrey oversaw vital change throughout the organisation, together with growth of its in-person and group providers, the event of its digital, self-help and prevention-focussed providers, the £1.8m redevelopment of the Charity’s Harcombe House centre and, most lately, the launch of its new Suicide Crisis Line.
Over recent years, Dr Tolfrey has additionally led the charity via the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living disaster, each of which required the charity to maneuver rapidly within the provision of agile, responsive providers for the hearth providers group, and which introduced appreciable challenges in regard to fundraising. Having safely navigated these storms, Jill leaves the charity at a time when it’s now supporting over 10,000 folks a yr, offering accessible in-person, community-based and digital providers for all serving and retired personnel, in addition to their households.
Dr Tolfrey will depart The Fire Fighters Charity on 31 May, after working alongside Sherine throughout a transition and handover interval.
