With two decades experience in fire safety, Nicola Roberts from Women Talking Fire explains her mission to elevate women, challenge bias and strengthen sector wide inclusion
Nicola Roberts has more than 20 years of experience in the fire safety industry. She began her career in facilities management at Makro, where she also earned a degree in the subject. Her career transitioned into fire and security when Swift Fire and Security, then a supplier to her company, offered her a position. Nicola went on to lead a small fire mechanical team, growing a £1 million division into £3.5 million within a few years. She later advanced to become Group Operations Director, then Fire Business Manager at Balfour Beatty. She currently serves as Head of Service for Siemens Smart Infrastructure, overseeing the service division across fire, security and building management systems (BMS).
Aside from her professional employment, Nicola is a committee member of Women Talking Fire (WTF) an independent UK-based networking and support group for women working in the fire safety industry, and also for male allies who support inclusion, equity and equal opportunity.
The organisation was established in May 2023 and its core ethos ‘Let’s talk, listen and learn together’ is intended to foster a sense of community, provide networking and professional development opportunities, and raise the visibility of women in what remains a male-dominated sector.
Among its activities, Women Talking Fire organises events such as technical conferences and awareness days. One example was an event held in partnership with Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service in September 2024.
What initially motivated you to become involved with Women Talking Fire, and how has your vision evolved since its inception?
Andrea White founded Women Talking Fire nearly three years ago. I have been a member of the committee since it started and now, I am the Chair. I met Andrea at the Fire Safety Event in Birmingham about four years ago and was instantly interested in the group and the movement she wanted to create. I am passionate about fire safety and more passionate about supporting women in the industry.
I come from a very supportive family, with hugely successful and powerful women. Influences including my grandmother, mother and sister have always meant that I have had the confidence and support to be an advocate for myself. Not everyone has this. I’ve learnt we need to advocate for others and I can be the voice for others and support them like I have been supported.
The initiative has gained recognition for advocating gender diversity in fire safety. What progress have you seen across the sector since it began?
I feel Women Talking Fire has started a strong inclusive community for women and male allies who are in the fire safety industry. I believe our presence is aiding inclusivity. One of the ways we have improved the sector is by being able to suggest women speakers at events so that women can be seen prominently. I believe if you can see it, you can be it.
How can organisations in fire safety, protection and rescue make inclusion a measurable part of their business strategy rather than a tick box exercise?
They need to support women in the workplace with flexible working arrangements and understand that, after having time off to have a family for example, they are just as capable if not more so than before. They also need to support wider learning opportunities and qualifications.
The fire sector is undergoing rapid technological and regulatory change. How does Women Talking Fire engage with these shifts while ensuring the conversation around diversity remains relevant?
We welcome all positive change both in terms of technology and regulation and have specialist members in both arenas who can discuss these. Women Talking Fire is a safe space for women and allies to talk without fear of judgement so debates can be had without anyone being belittled.
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