Avon Fire Authority appoints new Chair and Vice Chair

Tom takes on the role at a significant time for the Service, as it continues to deliver vital emergency response, prevention and protection activities across the Service area, while working to meet the evolving risks and challenges facing local communities.

Councillor Tom Renhard has served as a member of the Fire Authority since May 2024 as a member of the Policy & Resources Committee, along with leading the Authority’s Labour Group. Having first been elected to Bristol City Council in May 2021 and serving as Bristol Labour Group’s Leader since October 2023, Tom brings considerable experience and a strong commitment to public service. As Chair, Tom will lead the Authority in its governance and strategic oversight of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, helping to ensure it remains responsive, resilient and focused on keeping people safe.

Speaking following the appointment, Councillor Tom Renhard said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Chair of Avon Fire Authority”

“Working collaboratively, I will be visiting our services across the region to listen to the experiences of those on our frontline, who work hard to protect residents and livelihoods. Our firefighters, control staff and support colleagues do an outstanding job every day, often in the most challenging of circumstances. They are trusted by our communities to respond when people need help most, and it is a privilege to support them through the Authority’s leadership and governance.

“As Chair, I will work closely on a cross-party basis with fellow Authority members, the Chief Fire Officer and our partners to ensure the Service continues to deliver excellent emergency response, invest in its people and strengthen its prevention and protection work to reduce risk and keep communities safe.”

“I would also like to thank the outgoing Chair, Councillor Paul Goggin, for his steadfast leadership over the last 18 months. He has worked closely with the leadership team and Fire Authority members to support the continued development of the service, which has led to the major milestone of being removed from enhanced monitoring by HMICFRS. I look forward to serving communities in this important role.”

Councillor Paul May has been reappointed as Vice Chair. As Chair of the Audit, Governance and Oversight Committee, Paul will focus on scrutiny and systems development working with a highly professional team.

Councillor Paul May, Vice Chair of Avon Fire Authority, said: “I am delighted to have been re-appointed Vice Chair of Avon Fire Authority and look forward to supporting the Chair, fellow Authority members and Avon Fire and Rescue Service in delivering for our communities.”

Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook welcomed the appointment, saying: “On behalf of everyone at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to congratulate Councillor Tom Renhard and Councillor Paul May on their appointments as Chair and Vice Chair of Avon Fire Authority.”

“The Fire Authority plays a crucial leadership role in providing strategic direction, scrutiny and governance, helping us deliver the best possible service for our communities. I look forward to working with Tom and Paul to ensure that we continue to deliver our priorities, to keep people safe in their homes and in our communities.”

Avon Fire Authority remains committed to ensuring Avon Fire and Rescue Service is equipped to meet the needs of the communities it serves, while continuing to deliver value for money and maintaining the highest standards of public service.

Its members will continue to oversee delivery of the Service’s strategic objectives, including community safety, emergency response, workforce development, financial sustainability and organisational improvement. If you’d like to learn more about Avon Fire Authority, you can do so on our website – www.avonfire.gov.uk/about/fireauthority/.