Deputy Chief Officer Shantha Dickinson

Shantha was appointed as Deputy Chief Fire Officer in June 2021 and is responsible for the Planning, Performance and Assurance functions for the Service.  Her teams cover a wide portfolio of activity including, strategic risk planning, policy development, operational and organisational assurance and performance and communications and insight.  The Directorate teams work together to understand risk in our communities and how the Service can deliver activity that makes a positive difference for every community we serve.

Beginning her career in the British Army after graduating from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, serving overseas in military campaigns.  She joined the Service in 2014 as Head of Knowledge Management before taking up the appointment as Assistant Chief Fire Officer in November 2016 and joining the strategic team.

In April 2018 she took up the position of Director of Performance and Assurance, where she was responsible for leading the organisational learning capability for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Services.  Shantha was selected for the National Leadership Centre Accelerate Programme in 2020 and most recently is an alumna of the Windsor Leadership Programme.

She was seconded to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services from May 2023 for 12 months.

Shantha has a number of non-executive roles in the wider Fire Sector; she is a Trustee for the Fire Fighters Charity, a Trustee for the National Fire Chiefs Council and a Director for 3SFire Community Interest Company.

When not at work she enjoys trail running with her ex-Military Working Dog Bash, exploring the local countryside with her family and baking.