1. Networking Women in the Fire Service Who We Are and What We Do Karen Elliott East of England Regional Representative Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Luton

2. What is NWFS? National, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1993 Comprehensive support network for all women irrespective of role or employer Actively promotes the recruitment, retention, development and progression of women within the Fire & Rescue Service Primary Aim: to make the Fire Service a place where women and men can work together professionally and harmoniously

3. Who Can Join? All women working in the Fire & Rescue Service and allied industries Women and girls interested in joining the Fire & Rescue Service Men who are supportive of our aims Corporate members

4. How Is It Organised? Independent organisation, run by volunteers Permanent support staff Elected National Executive Committee Regional and Local Representatives

5. CO-OPTED MEMBERS x 4 National Executive Committee TREASURER VICE CHAIR POLICY SECRETARY VICE CHAIR Regional Support and Fire Authority Development CHAIR HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS x 4 LONDON REP SCOTLAND REP YORKSHIRE and HUMBERSIDE REP NORTH WEST REP NORTH EAST REP WEST MIDLANDS REP EAST MIDLANDS REP SOUTH EAST REP EAST REP WALES REP SOUTH WEST REP PERMANENT SUPPORT STAFF INTERNATIONAL REP

6. What do we do? Consultation and Influence -Government, Unions, Employers, Regulators -Practitioners Forum, National Equalities Stakeholder Group Advice and Support -Members, Staff, Managers, other Support Groups -Information and Research Training and Mentoring -Courses and Seminars Social and Professional Network -Local and National Events Encourage Good Practise -NWFS Award Scheme

7. Regular Events National Conference National Women’s Development Day Regional and Local Events Mentoring Scheme Committee Meetings

8. Why Join Us? Regular Newsletters Training and Mentoring Networking and Contacts Camaraderie and Support Sharing of Ideas Information about activities and events A Voice that is Listened to Nationally

9. How To Join Application Form  Download from www.nwfs.net Costs Individual Member - £10 (tax deductable) Under 18 - FREE Corporate Member - depends on size

10. copyright: NWFS 2007 www.nwfs.net Karen Elliott East of England Regional Representative Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton 07780 220248 karen.elliott@suffolk.gov.uk www.nwfs.onesuffolk.net