Robert Blake

Specialist fire safety advisor with +7 years NHS experience in 3 different Foundation Trusts. I regard myself as a peoples person and good communicator, across all levels. Been a career fire officer across all disciplines in the service and have remained in the fire industry since 1985.

I'm passionate about fire safety and getting it right first time, staying ahead of the curve. I have an enquiring mind and a need to know attitude.

I'm an active person and and enjoy the variety the fire industry brings. Where possible, I respond to queries and investigate fire safety issues that arise in the work place. I attend as many NAHFO meetings as possible and participate in specialist groups and contribute when required.

Entered the Fire and Rescue Services in South Africa in 1985 and had a very successful 13 year career through each department, reaching the rank of Divisional Office - Fire Safety. Having immigrated to the UK in 2008, I joined a consultancy as fire engineer and risk assessor. I also gained UK experience in social housing as fire risk assessor and within a private consultancy followed by joining the NHS and a fire safety advisor in 2016. I have a very short lived period with DEFRA but returned to the NHS as my preferred employer.

I have an Associate and Graduate Diploma in Fire Technology with the Southern African Emergency Services Institute, hence being and Associate Member of the IFE. I have completed numerous studies with the FPA UK and fire safety in the NHS such as Management of Fire Safety and Design and Management of Fire Safety Premises HTM05:02.