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Women across Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), Northamptonshire Police and the Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) Danielle Stone came together in Northampton’s Guildhall this week for International Women’s Day with a special event to celebrate women in the emergency services.
The room heard personal stories about their journeys from Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Marianne Kimani, NFRS Area Manager Lisa Jackson and Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Emma James.
Guest speakers Tracy Whittaker-Smith MBE and Maisie Summers-Newton MBE also joined the event, who have both excelled in their areas of sport and shared stories of their professional and personal growth.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was Accelerate Action for gender equality, and many of the speakers spoke of how far we have come in creating more inclusive and equal places of work, but also how there is a still long way to go and how we can all work to achieve more for our future generations.
Deputy Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Marianne Kimani gave the opening speech, in which she shared her own personal journey to the role she is in now, and the importance of mentorship.
Marianne said, “I am so proud of how far we have come, even myself being in this position shows how much has changed, but we still have a long way to go.
“Our job as women now, is to inspire those younger than us, to be mentors, to offer our support to ensure that the future generation can be the absolute best version of themselves they can be.”
Marianne also spoke of the importance of workplace policies that favour, and benefit women.
“To keep making meaningful changes within our places of work we must look internally at our policies and how we can make sure they support our women in the workplace. There is so many hidden figures that are vital to our organisations, and we must do more to acknowledge their contributions.”
NFRS Area Manager Lisa Jackson, who is also chair of the NFRS Women’s Staff Network, shared her journey of 35 years in fire and rescue, and how she would have given up if not for the support of other women in the Fire Service. Lisa spoke of how she has learnt to just be herself after years of fighting to prove herself to be equal as her male colleagues, and how we need to continue having the audacity to just be who we are in our places of work.
Lisa also echoed the importance of workplace policies that support women. She shared that when she was pregnant as a firefighter, she fought for meaningful training to accommodate her while she was off operational duties, which had not previously been in place, paving the way for other women who came after her.
Highest ranking female police officer in Northamptonshire ACC Emma James was frank and honest about the journey she has been on to reach where she is today, including tales of misogyny and homophobia that could have set her back, but didn’t.
Emma spoke of how she worked her way through the ranks, and the difficulties that came with being good at her job, fitting in, and just being herself. She shared how much she has grown in confidence over her 25 years of service, and that she has achieved a balance of being both brilliant at work and at home, a challenge many working women face.
Olympic gymnastics coach Tracy Whittaker- Smith MBE, and Paralympian Maisie Summers-Newton MBE were also in attendance, who shared with the room their inspiring journeys and stories of how hard they have worked to achieve what they have.
Both women spoke of the importance of the visibility of those who have inspired them, and how those people have shaped their journeys.
OPFCC Danielle Stone wanted the event to take place so that women from across all three organisations could come together and celebrate each other. Danielle and Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson could not attend in person due to a National Fire and Rescue meeting they both were at.
Both leaders joined the event through a video link. They spoke about how we should be celebrating ourselves and all women every day, but especially on International Women’s Day.
Danielle commented on how women are helping to reshape our organisations for the better by continuing to break barriers and leave it in a better place.
The day ended with the three leaders, Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, Chief Executive Officer for the OPFCC Jonny Bugg and Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Enabling Services for all three organisations Paul Bullen, giving their commitments of what they were all going to do to make the three organisations better for women.
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12 March 2025
Works are set to start on the long-awaited scheme to improve the Queen Eleanor Interchange in Northampton later this month.
West Northamptonshire’s Highways partner Kier Transportation will be starting the works, that will reduce congestion in the area, week commencing 31 March.
The Queen Eleanor interchange is a busy roundabout that joins the A45 trunk road with the A508 London Road, B526 Newport Pagnell Road and Hardingstone Lane. As traffic has increased over the years, the junction has struggled to keep up, and improvements are needed to make it more efficient.
The Council has worked closely with National Highway to develop a scheme to improve the junction to benefit residents and motorists for now and the future.
Temporary traffic management measures will be in place from the week of 31 March to ensure that carriageway widening, new traffic signs and signals, drainage works, and resurfacing can be carried out in a timely manner, with the scheme expected to be complete by the end of the year.
There will be lane closures on the Queen Eleanor roundabout, as well as on the road heading into Wootton Hall Park, with a full closure on the dedicated left-hand turn. A one-way system will be in place to minimise the impacts and motorist are advised to follow the signage.
Full roundabout closures will be necessary at times, these will occur at nighttime whilst it is less busy, and dates will be communicated prior to any closure across our channels. A full closure will be in place on the cul-de-sac on London Road.
The Council is engaging with local residents and businesses that may be impacted by the scheme works, access will be maintained at all times to properties and for emergency services, and during full closures, diversion routes will be in place.
“We are committed to improving road infrastructure to better serve people who live, work and visit West Northants. The Queen Eleanor Interchange is a busy junction that is no longer fit for purpose, and this scheme is crucial to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at WNC"We know that as works progress, there will be significant delays for motorist and inconvenience to those who live in the area. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this period of improvement.”
“We look forward to starting these works, which will bring long-term road improvements to the region, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion for road users. We would like to thank motorists for their patience as we carry out these improvements and will do all we can to minimise disruption throughout the project.”Peter Ingram, contracts director at Kier Transportation
To keep up to date as this scheme progresses, please visit: Major highways projects | West Northamptonshire Council
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13 March 2025
Considerable progress has been made on the construction of the new special education needs and disabilities (SEND) school in Tiffield, north of Towcester, which will benefit pupils aged 4 to 18 by providing a state-of-the-art facility designed to support their educational needs.
With a total investment of £21.4 million, this project also enhances West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working with Willmott Dixon through the Department for Education’s Construction Framework, to deliver this project which is set to be completed by summer 2025. The Council is also working closely with the Greenwood Academies Trust who will run the school from September. The school will have a number of specialist facilities, including dedicated teaching spaces, a soft playroom, a sensory room, a rebound therapy room, and expansive outdoor play areas.
On the same site, the Council is working with The Gateway School and Creating Tomorrow Partnership to redesign old disused buildings to turn them into a new space with 55 extra places for children who need support with their social, emotional, and mental health needs.
WNC is investing £5.5 million to turn these buildings into a unique special needs facility, working with Colam Construction and architects Sursham Tompkins. The new space, set to be ready by the end of May, will provide a modern learning environment with small outdoor teaching areas, as well as spaces for cooking, drama, IT, a gym, and nurturing support.
“The development of this site is hugely exciting and important for us. Young people are referred to us because they have difficulties in coping socially and/or emotionally and/or have issues with their mental health. As a result, they can often be locked out of learning that other people can access. We know that if we give these young people the space, the right staff and the right content, they can be engaging, sociable and employable people who add a great deal to their communities. This new building gives us the necessary space and enables us to expand our curriculum to give them the content they need to achieve and thrive in school and beyond.”Conor Renihan, Head Teacher at The Gateway School
Both developments have been possible through the Council’s work with local partners, including St John’s Tiffield Trustees who own the land. The trust has a commitment to ensure the land supports vulnerable children from West Northants and are actively involved in the new developments.
“We are excited to see the progress being made at Tiffield School and the Gateway School. These facilities will provide invaluable support to our local children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve. We remain committed to creating inclusive environments that cater to every child’s needs, while also prioritising sustainability.”Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council
If a family is interested in a place at Tiffield or Gateway schools for their child, this will be considered as part of their Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) annual review or when a draft EHCP is issued.
Key achievements to date at Tiffield Special School include the demolition of four derelict buildings and completion of the steel frame structure. As well roof works, windows, doors, and over 50% completion of the brickwork.
Looking ahead, the next milestones will include the completion of brickwork to the external facade, completion of all classroom partition walls and doors installation of the rebound therapy room and adding green areas.
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13 March 2025
Plans for a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous West Northamptonshire have taken a significant step forward as the One West Northamptonshire Plan progresses towards adoption.
The plan is a single vision and a commitment to a single set of outcomes across our area, in tandem with partners. Together we will tackle shared challenges, deliver key priorities and drive real improvements across our area for the benefit of residents.
Through this plan we are committed to creating a better future for everyone, ensuring that West Northamptonshire remains a great place to live, work, and visit and one that continues to grow and thrive by:
- Supporting communities – strengthening local services, improving health and well-being, and enhancing community connections.
- Creating more opportunities – fostering skills, employment, and business growth.
- Investing in infrastructure – improving roads, transport, housing, and public spaces.
- Protecting the environment – working towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Following an extensive consultation process, the Plan was endorsed at this week’s Cabinet meeting and will go before Full Council for consideration next week.
"The One West Northamptonshire Plan is a vision that commits this Council to working with our key partners in new and ambitious ways to shape the future of our area. I want to thank every individual, business, and organisation that contributed to this consultation.Councillor Adam Brown, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council“Your voices have been invaluable in shaping this Plan, and your continued involvement will be key to making it a success. Together, we will harness the opportunities for growth, create a thriving economy, and improve prosperity for everyone who calls West Northamptonshire home."
The Council will continue to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure this Plan delivers on its promises. For the latest updates on next steps and to learn how you can help shape West Northamptonshire’s future, please visit One West Northants Plan.
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A female leader from the Fire Service has won an award for taking strides to reduce harm and enhance public safety.
Head of Prevention for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), Lisa Bryan, has been celebrated with a West Northamptonshire Council Inspirational Woman award for always going the extra mile to engage at-risk youth, manage the Arson Task Force and Emergency Services Cadets.
Lisa was shortlisted from a list of five candidates at a ceremony hosted at the Northampton Guildhall on Saturday March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day.
She said: “I’m so grateful to win this award as I feel it reflects how hard women in emergency services work.
“I’m continually inspired and empowered by my female colleagues who work tirelessly to protect the public.
“There is more work for us to do as a Fire Service, but our mission is to keep taking huge strides to improve our workforce diversity and inclusive culture.”
The senior leader learned of her surprise nomination just last week after Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson put her forward for the award, citing how hard she works to make her colleagues and team feel valued.
Lisa launched her career with NFRS in 2001, joining as a supervisor in community safety.
Now, having worked her way up to the Strategic Leadership Team 23 years later, she helps to oversee that fire prevention themes reach communities by leading her teams to deliver targeted information on fire, road, and water safety.
