Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Hobbies & Interests
Timeline
Generic
Paul Coppard

Paul Coppard

Barcombe,East Sussex

Summary

Resilient forward thinking professional with strong problem-solving abilities, coupled with excellent communication skills and keen sense of teamwork. Brings 30 years experience in emergency response at all levels of incident and crisis management , demonstrating quick decision-making and leadership in high-pressure situations. Committed to safeguarding communities and ensuring swift, effective response to emergencies whilst developing a workforce that is motivated, well trained and hold the appropriate standards expected of a modern day fire service.

A proven track record in delivering and leading change management and instigating efficiency improvements.

An individual who leads through example and upholds high standards.

Delivers above target results against key performance indicators

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Group Manager - Borough Commander - West Group

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Brighton, East Sussex
2026.04 - 2026.04

Salary - £ 75615 (Inc Flexi allowance)

To reduce the level of injury and death in the community and to reduce fire related damage to property and the environment.

To support and manage through local teams, internal/external local partnerships within the allocated service delivery area to achieve the delivery of key objectives with the purpose of achieving a safer community.

To effectively lead and manage the personnel under their command in the provision of a comprehensive range of prevention, protection and response services to the local community through the effective utilisation and deployment of resources and personnel.

To effectively command, lead and manage operational incidents on the incident ground or from a remote location.

To lead and oversees on strategic matters directly related to operational delivery within established and new external partnerships ensuring effective liaison with the relevant key stakeholders; additional working and liaison with the relevant internal Managers of various departments.

Group Manager -Borough Commander - Central Group

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Uckfield, East Sussex
2025.01 - 2026.04
  • As per above

Group Manager - Borough Commander -East Group

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Hastings, East Sussex
2024.07 - 2025.01
  • As per above

Station Officer - Various Locations

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Brighton / Hove / Roedean / Lewes / Newhaven
2015.12 - 2024.07
  • As part of on-going development and successful entry to the Station Manager Pool I was selected to undertake the role of Station Manager at the above stations. I was responsible for day to day running and performance of these stations. My performance during this period displayed the ability to embed improved performance across prevention and response but also in staff welfare, management and the delivery of a culture move towards the support and delivery framework that I developed during this period.

Tactical Co-Ordination Cell Manager

Sussex Resilience Forum
Lewes, East Sussex
2020.03 - 2020.12

· Co-Ordination of battle rhythms for the cells. This included the Multi Agency Information Cell, Excess Death cell, PPE cell, Logistic Cell and Vulnerable People Cell

· Management of the SRF personnel with the TCC

· Multi-Agency Liaison & Communication

· Information co-ordination and sharing

· Maintaining current situational awareness and RAG rating incoming emerging issues

· Co-ordinating response to released government guidance from all stake holders.

· Daily and weekly reports to MHCLG

· Manager meeting schedules and chairing as required.

Education

GCSE - Maths, Science, Geography, Business and Information Studies, Art, English

Chailey Secondary School
Chailey, East Sussex
1985.09 - 1990.06

Skills

Current Role : Group Manager West Group ( Including the City of Brighton and Hove )

Financial responsibility : £105m budget

Key Responsibility : Delivering Operational Response and Risk Reduction for the West Group

Staffing Responsibility : 5 Station Managers, 145 Operational Personnel and 3 enabling members of staff

  • Level 6 SFJ award in Advanced incident Command
  • National Inter-agency Liaison Officer – National SC Clearance & NPPV3 Clearance
  • CBRNe Tactical Advisor - CBR Centre Qualification
  • MTA Commander-On-Scene
  • Incident Command L1,2 & 3 Assessor
  • NEBOSH Genaral Certificate in Health and Safety
  • Level 5 ILM Certificate in Management and Leadership

References

  • Adrian Carter, Area Manager : West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service adrian.carter@westsussex.gov. 07788588013
  • Matthew Lloyd, Assistant Director : East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Matthew.lloyd@esfrs.org, 07876133723

Hobbies & Interests

I have undertaken many roles outside of the FRS. These include a Level 2 ECB Cricket coach. This qualification allows me to coach and guide young cricketers in their development and skill sets in both cricket and youth development whilst mentoring and developing them in relation to social scenarios and general life lessons., I sit on the voluntary committees of my local Royal British Legion, Tennis club, and Cricket Club within my community., My hobbies include skiing, cricket, football and walking, spending time in the countryside, experiencing new places, foreign travel, exploring and spending time with my wife of 30 years.

Timeline

Group Manager - Borough Commander - West Group

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
2026.04 - 2026.04

Group Manager -Borough Commander - Central Group

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
2025.01 - 2026.04

Group Manager - Borough Commander -East Group

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
2024.07 - 2025.01

Tactical Co-Ordination Cell Manager

Sussex Resilience Forum
2020.03 - 2020.12

Station Officer - Various Locations

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
2015.12 - 2024.07

GCSE - Maths, Science, Geography, Business and Information Studies, Art, English

Chailey Secondary School
1985.09 - 1990.06
Paul Coppard