Recently I’ve been struck by the unique role of middle managers.

Often overlooked, they find themselves tasked with juggling the top team’s hopes and aspirations with the realities of meeting the needs of frontline staff. It’s not an easy position to hold but I believe, and research has shown, that middle managers play a vital role in helping an organisation like ours reach its full potential.

Last week we took a huge step forward in sustaining our Fire and Rescue Service for the future when we launched Wholetime Firefighter recruitment.

I’m convinced more than ever that if you want employees to be engaged, they need to feel that they matter, that they contribute and that they are valued. That is why my primary focus over the next couple of months is about getting out and about and meeting with employees, at all levels, across the organisation.

As I write this blog the festive season is well under way and there are only a few more sleeps until Christmas Day. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle I wanted to take a moment to reflect on, and say a big thank you, to all staff at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service for their hard work throughout the year.