Mark Hardingham

Mark Hardingham is one of the UK's most respected fire and rescue leaders, with a career spanning four decades from firefighter to national figure. He served as Chief Fire Officer for Suffolk (2013–2021) before being elected Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council in 2021, where he led the sector through post-Grenfell building safety reform and strengthened the UK's international fire service links, including co-hosting the 2024 World Fire Congress. He is now a consultant and adviser on assurance, governance, and leadership across fire and rescue, local government, and wider public-sector organisations. Mark was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal in 2019 and the Commander of the British Empire in 2026 for his services to the fire and rescue service.