Leading through the storm of a scandal

Leading through the storm of a scandal

Leading through the storm of a scandal (#73)

Vijith Randeniya ¹

West Midlands Fire Service, Birmingham, B7 4H, United Kingdom

Fire Chiefs are used to dealing with operational emergencies but a sudden crisis at the very top is much rarer. In 2009 WMFS’s Chief Fire Officer resigned with immediate effect after being arrested on child pornography charges. As acting Chief, Vij Randeniya had to cope with the immediate media response, handle the potential public outcry and reassure staff in a state of shock. Here he looks at the lessons he learned from a very unique and challenging experience.

#AFAC2013

Full Paper

Authors contributing to this presentation.

Randeniya, V

Vij Randeniya is the Chief Fire Officer of the West Midlands Fire Service. Born in 1960, Vij Randeniya graduated with a degree in Modern History in 1981 and joined London Fire Brigade 2 years later. He spent 15 years in London Fire Brigade, serving at some of the UK’s busiest fire stations including Brixton and Whitechapel before moving to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue as Head of Operations. In 2000 he was promoted to West Midlands Fire Service as Assistant Chief Officer and in 2003 he was promoted to Deputy Chief Fire Officer. Vij was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in March 2009.

Leading through the storm of a scandal (#73)

Add notes

Randeniya, V

Login