Our role
London Fire Brigade’s main role is to make London the safest global city. We’re a partner in helping to create a safer, healthier London. We do this by working with local communities to promote healthier lifestyles. We also raise awareness of safety and wellbeing in a whole range of activities, from water safety and road safety, through to caring for the most vulnerable residents, and educating and informing tomorrow’s young Londoners.
The Community Forum was formed in September 2022. Its development dates back to 2019 following recommendations from phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and our first inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Since September 2022, the Community Forum have met monthly, providing a community voice to our work. Forum members are highly valued and respected within the organisation and are a vital part of how we engage with our communities. The forum is made up of up to 15 Londoners from diverse backgrounds, some with lived experience of fire and other emergencies.
Aims of the Forum
The Community Forum’s purpose is to act as a sounding board and critical friend to the Brigade. The Forum works with our staff, and in particular our Community Engagement team. This work will ensure that collaboration and evaluation are built into our activities. We will co-design solutions and make decisions in genuine partnership with those most affected. A key focus will be helping us embed good practice in community engagement within fire stations.
The Community Forum has six key areas of influence:
- Guiding our strategy and Community Risk Management Plan
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion related matters
- Feeding into community safety planning and initiatives
- Involvement in the selection process for senior officers and leadership
- Contributing to campaigns and project specific work
- Acting as a sounding board for other areas
For more information about the work of the forum please email community.engagement@london-fire.gov.uk
Considering joining the Forum?
If you’re interested in becoming a forum member, find out more about the role on the role profile page. If you’d like to apply, complete the application form and we’ll add you to the waiting list.