Our Senior Leadership Team
Sherine Wheeler, Chief Executive
Having had a successful early career in finance and assurance services, Sherine previously held several leadership roles in the charity sector, including as Chief Executive of Mayhew. She brings extensive experience of working to broaden the reach and deepen the impact of charities, including at Marie Curie, Action for Children and Young Lives vs Cancer. She has also advised a number of charities on strategy, impact and performance.
Sharon Bailey, Director of Services
Sharon joined Fire Fighters Charity as a Registered Nurse in 1995 and was part of the original team who implemented the charity’s first rehabilitation and nursing services. Before joining the charity, Sharon worked for the NHS within the field of orthopaedic nursing. She has held a number of roles within the organisation, overseeing service development and change, and is responsible for the leadership and management of our services
Joss Gaynor, Director of Impact and Service Partnerships
Joss has over 20 years’ experience working within health and social care charities driving operational, research, and strategic functions. Joss has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations in both front-line drug and alcohol treatment settings and within policy and strategic functions. She has led on the development and implementation of national innovation and research projects, influencing both local and national structures to develop creative and novel solutions. Joss has significant expertise in building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as clinicians, researchers and policymakers.
Ellie Rocks, Director of Fundraising
Ellie joined Fire Fighters Charity in November 2024 and is responsible for the charity’s voluntary income. Ellie has previously held several leadership roles in fundraising including Associate Director of Fundraising at Teenage Cancer Trust. She brings a range of experience in diversifying and growing income across high value and public fundraising income streams.
Ashley Fryer, Director of Engagement
Ashley joined Fire Fighters Charity in November 2024 as Director of Engagement. Ashley brings extensive experience leading communications and media teams at major charities, including Save the Children International, Macmillan Cancer Support and St John Ambulance. She also spent a formative chapter of her early career working in the London Fire Brigade’s press office.
Richard Jenkins, Director of Business Development, Estates and Facilities
Richard leads our multifaceted business development, estates, facilities and customer care functions across the organisation. He has extensive experience in leading both hard and soft estates, facilities and operations services in both commercial services and not for profit organisations. Richard joined Fire Fighters Charity in 2017 as Operations Manager at Harcombe House.
Mike Robinson, Director of Digital, Data and Technology
Mike has over 20 years’ experience leading diverse technical teams and over 30 years’ experience in IT. He has led and developed enterprise-level solutions and transformations, including in charities such as Amnesty International UK and Action for Children, where sensitive service user related data and innovative digital tools have needed expert stewardship. Mike has experience leading teams across software development, BI, service management, cybersecurity and more.
Jo Gouldthorpe, Director of People & Learning
Jo has over 25 years’ experience in People and Culture across the private and not-for-profit sectors. She has held senior roles in education and social care and is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where people feel valued and supported. Jo champions a culture of learning and development and builds strong relationships to help individuals and teams thrive.
Our Board of Trustees
John Baines, Chair
John served with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service from 1990 to 2020, retiring as Assistant Chief Fire Officer. He co-led national reviews of operational guidance for Incident Command and previously led the Community Safety Group, focusing on emergency response, resilience, and community engagement.
Neil Gibbins, QFSM, Deputy Chair
Neil served 37 years in the fire service, retiring as Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. He was also lead officer for fire protection for the UK Chief Fire Officers Association. He is currently the fire safety lead for CROSS-UK, the confidential reporting system, and sits on the Advisory Group for The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
John Buckley QFSM, Msc
John retired as Chief Fire Officer from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2022. He was also a member of the National Fire Chiefs Council Steering Group and, specifically, the Chair of the Finance Committee, working directly with the Government. He maintains a strong relationship with the fire community and was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service.
Professor Deborah Christie BSc, DClinPsych, BPS
Professor Deborah Christie is an expert in paediatric and adolescent psychology, with award-winning contributions through research, public speaking, and training in the NHS and public sector. An advocate for inclusion and diversity, Deborah has led major campaigns like the Abbott Diabetes Anti-Stigma initiative and training programs for the Bank of England’s Inclusion Champions. She has authored over 200 publications and co-authored reports for the UK government. Deborah is a Professor at UCLH and works as a consultant at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trusts.
Peter Connolly
Peter is Deputy Director for Digital Services, Incident Management & Resilience at the Environment Agency, leading the development and delivery of pioneering digital solutions. He has expertise in digital transformation, business operations, change management, and incident management. In addition to his digital role, Peter has been a Tactical Commander for over 15 years, leading the response to, and recovery from, environmental incidents – including flooding, fire, and pollution events.
Ross Haggart CBE, KFSM
Ross is currently Chief Operating Officer for Regulation, Business and Environment with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Prior to this, Ross served for just over 30 years with the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland, having served as Assistant Chief Officer (Director of Prevention and Protection), Deputy Chief Officer and Chief Officer.
Steve Jamieson MSc, BSc (Hons), RN
Steve Jamieson is Chief Executive at the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. He has also served as Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Podiatry. Prior to this, Steve was Chief Executive of The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted. A registered nurse by profession and a prominent figure in nursing leadership, he previously served as Associate Director of Nursing at the Royal College of Nursing. Steve has held several notable positions on the global stage, including President of the European Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, and has worked with both the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on global HIV/AIDS initiatives. He has also worked across the Allied Health Professions Federation in all four UK nations, contributing to health workforce strategy and development.
Aidan Jennings
Aidan is Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire & Rescue Officer. He is a Trustee of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh Community Planning Partnership and Chair of Newforge Community Development Trust. Aidan is a National Joint Council adviser for NIFRS, working with the Local Government Association and Representative Bodies as a devolved administration member of the UK-wide NJC.
Karen McHugh
Karen is a barrister specialising in property, local government, planning and charity law. She has worked in the voluntary sector, in regeneration, and has had a particular interest in prisons and their ability to both secure and rehabilitate. She has an interest in culture and the arts and is a former director of the Young Vic Theatre and a current Director at Southwark Playhouse. She was also a board member of Sustain For Life. Karen is on the Advisory Board of the British American Project (a transatlantic association of US and UK professionals) and Chair of its Selections Committee.
Sarah O’Donnell QFSM
Sarah is Deputy Chief Officer (Corporate Services) at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. A qualified accountant with over 30 years’ experience within the public sector in Scotland, across local government, public bodies, and the Scottish Government, Sarah previously joined the Scottish Government on secondment as Strategic Lead (Director) for Finance and Governance within DG Communities, working closely with the Director General and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government.
Simon Routh-Jones CBE, QFSM
Simon retired as Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2016 and later became HM Chief Inspector for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He is an advisor in the Resilience Advisors Network and works with the Emergency Planning College.
Roger Thomas KFSM
Roger is the Chief Fire Officer of Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service. He began his fire service career in 1996 and has served in a variety of roles, including training delivery, organisational development, community risk reduction, and national resilience. He is also a Trustee of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Vice Chair of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Public Services Boards, and Senior Responsible Officer for the Wales Safer Communities Network.
Steve Tolan
Steve is the Deputy Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for NHS England, with a clinical background in physiotherapy. He led the Allied Health Professional pandemic response in London and is a non-executive director for a health and care innovation hub, Care City.
George Wood
George is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in senior charity finance roles over the past twenty years. He began his career in management consultancy and internal audit before moving into financial services and charity leadership. He continues to work in the not-for-profit sector, bringing his financial expertise to various organisations.
