In her new role Fire Investigation Officer Lauren Webb will represent her colleagues at a national level, helping to shape the future of fire investigations across the UK within the professional body which has more than 400 members.
UK-AFI aims to develop and maintain good practice in the investigation of fire, as well as to share technical knowledge and arson investigation techniques and procedures.
After completing an honours degree in criminology and forensics, Lauren joined the Service in 2017 as an administrator in the Community Safety team. This led to a role in the Service’s Investigation team supporting both our enforcement and FI teams.
Our award-winning Fire Investigation department attend incidents to investigate the cause and origin of a fire.
They work in conjunction with Hampshire Constabulary as part of the Arson Task Force, delivering tactical advice and practical support to combat arson offences across the county. The team will attend crime scenes to co-ordinate an investigation response. They offer fire and police colleagues specialist advice and guidance in relation to the investigation of arson offences.
In 2020 Lauren was appointed as an Assistant Fire Investigation Officer and has continued her development by attending courses and assisting with fire investigations. As a result, she now leads on fire investigations.
Lauren said:
“I studied criminology and forensics with the plan to become a CSI. I wanted a job that was challenging and different every day and my role in the Service has certainly given me that.
“I’m really pleased to be appointed onto the board of directors, and am looking forward to working with the rest of the UK-AFI team to make a difference and improve fire investigations nationally.”
Head of the HIWFRS Service Investigation team, Kevin Lyle said:
“We are really proud to see Lauren appointed and become a director at UK-AFI.
“She is a brilliant member of our team, and we look forward to supporting her in this new role.
“As an organisation we believe in developing our people, supporting them to reach further and take the next steps in their career.”
Find out more about Lauren and her role on the Careers section of our website.
The fire service offers a wide array of different career opportunities, so make sure to check out our jobs site for the latest vacancies.