Hannah Caulfield’s leadership of a women’s support network has helped Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service move from 17th to 6th place nationally for the number of female firefighters employed.

Hannah has worked her way up from firefighter to station manager within the fire service, a role she combined with studying for a Senior Leadership Apprenticeship at University of Staffordshire.

Since 2018 she has chaired Limitless, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s women’s network, which helps women across the organisation feel confident, supported and able to progress in their careers.

She helped shape one of the most supportive maternity policies in the fire sector and created peer support networks for pregnant firefighters and new mothers. She has also worked to raise awareness of menopause in the workplace, helping to create a more open and understanding culture.

Hannah has developed mentoring and buddy schemes to support women joining the fire service and those at the start of their careers. She has also supported community events encouraging more women to consider firefighting as a career.

In 2022 she was named an Exceptional Ally by Women in the Fire Service for her commitment to supporting women in the industry.

Hannah has also been awarded the prestigious King’s Fire Service Medal in this year’s King’s New Year Honours List for her outstanding service and leadership, particularly her tireless commitment to supporting female firefighters and helping make the Service more diverse, inclusive and supportive.

Her University of Staffordshire tutors have nominated her in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.

They said: “What makes Hannah stand out is her genuine passion for helping others succeed. She is always looking for ways to improve, learn and create opportunities for those around her, whilst remaining humble throughout. She leads by example and has made a lasting impact on the service and the people within it.

“Hannah is an inspiring leader, an outstanding apprentice and a role model for others. She fully deserves recognition as Apprentice of the Year for her commitment to personal development and for the incredible support she gives to others, particularly women in the fire service.”