Gideon Berends

Highly adaptable and operationally focused professional with extensive experience across emergency response, broadcast production, stakeholder coordination, and high-risk operational environments. Proven background in project management, team leadership, risk mitigation, logistics coordination, and delivering complex operations under pressure. Currently serving as an On-Call Firefighter and VEMA Aerial Ladder Operative with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, while also managing freelance television production projects for major broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Brings strong experience in stakeholder engagement, operational planning, scheduling, health & safety compliance, team coordination, contractor management, and risk assessment. Seeking to transition into a Project Management role where operational leadership, communication, and delivery management skills can support complex projects and organisational objectives.

First Attack Firefighter at Kaefer (2024-04 – Present)

Support high-risk shipyard operations aboard HMS Albion, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and confined space regulations.

• Conduct operational risk assessments and produce method statements for contractors operating within hazardous environments.
• Coordinate with contractors, operational teams, and site management to maintain safe working practices and operational continuity.
• Utilise breathing apparatus and atmospheric monitoring systems within irrespirable and confined-space environments.
• Contribute to incident prevention, emergency response readiness, and operational safety planning.

On-Call Firefighter & VEMA Aerial Ladder Operative at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (2019-12 – Present)

Respond to emergency incidents and specialist rescue operations within high-pressure and rapidly changing environments.

• Deliver community safety initiatives, fire prevention programmes, and operational risk assessments.
• Assist in the development and delivery of operational training exercises and mentoring for trainees and new team members.
• Maintain operational equipment readiness and support team welfare initiatives.
• Apply structured incident command, situational awareness, and decision-making processes during emergency response situations.
• Collaborate with multiple agencies and stakeholders during operational incidents.

Broadcast Television Producer at Freelance (2003-01 – Present)

Projects delivered for major broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Managed complex broadcast production projects across the UK and internationally for television networks and streaming platforms.

• Coordinated project schedules, logistics, staffing, and operational delivery for teams of up to 100 personnel.
• Oversaw multimillion-pound production budgets and resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects.
• Developed and implemented risk assessments, health & safety procedures, and operational planning documentation.
• Managed stakeholder relationships including clients, production teams, contributors, suppliers, and external partners.
• Ensured effective communication and delivery under tight deadlines and challenging operational environments.
• Supported staff welfare and contributor safeguarding before, during, and after production activities.

BA (Hons) in Broadcasting Studies – Aberystwyth University (2004 – 2007)