#354 Most Influential Women in Fire 2024 with Colette Black

My guest today is Colette Black, Director of People Services and Assistant Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Colette holds postgraduate qualifications in executive coaching and strengths-based coaching and is a nationally accredited mediator. With a strong interest in occupational psychology, she has recently conducted research on psychological safety and positive action within UK Fire and Rescue Services. Nationally, she plays an active role with the NFCC, leading on the culture dashboard and people policies, and was recognized as one of the 'Most Influential Women in Fire' in December 2024.Our conversation explores key themes such as organizational strategy, positive action, and challenges within fire and rescue services. Colette shares insights from her research on misogyny, bullying, and harassment, emphasizing the need for a psychologically safe work environment. We discuss the importance of balancing positivity and accountability in leadership, as well as the role of coaching and situational leadership in developing new leaders. Colette highlights the significance of role models, belonging, and behaviours in fostering diversity and inclusion, alongside the challenges of measuring success and the potential pitfalls of quotas. The discussion also touches on supporting women in the fire service, the role of fitness in recruitment, professional standards training, and the importance of collaboration in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXHAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedSend us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew