In the Queen’s birthday honours list, Helen Crampton, Head of Safety and Risk Management for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS), was awarded an MBE, The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Services to Public Safety.
Helen, who has worked for DFRS for 25 years, has had a significant impact on the safety and health of all DFRS personnel and the wider community by constantly looking for ways to ensure their safety.
Helen led the risk assessment to ensure fire service employees in five counties across the East Midlands were kept safe during the Covid pandemic, in addition to leading on health and safety for DFRS.
Helen’s expertise was recognised in 2019 when Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) named Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service a ‘Outstanding’ Safety Culture.
Helen can be found volunteering for charitable causes when she is not advising the fire and rescue service on health and safety or supporting the UK Rescue Organisation (UKRO).
Helen serves on the Scouts Association’s National Safety Committee, ensuring the safety of thousands of children and caregivers. In addition to being a cub leader and County Safety Advisor for Derbyshire Scouts.
Helen is deeply involved in the safety and well-being of her community outside of her work with the Scouts. She contributes significantly to her community by supporting St Paul’s Church in Hasland. She is frequently asked to conduct risk assessments in order to ensure the safety of the church and its community.
Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson said following the announcement of Helen’s MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List: “We are extremely proud to see Helen’s work in the field of safety and risk being honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of an MBE.
Helen’s professionalism, knowledge, and guidance in the field of safety and risk provide our Service with a level of assurance that places the safety and well-being of all our employees at the forefront of all decision making.
“I have no doubt that Helen will be honoured to be awarded an MBE, but knowing her, I am also confident that she will reflect on her work as always being a team effort.”
Many people are unaware that, aside from working for the fire and rescue service, Helen is generous with her time and expertise to support the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO), her local community and church, and the National Scouts Association, so seeing her recognised for services to safety makes me feel justly proud, and I know this will be echoed right across Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
I feel honoured and humbled to receive an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen in this her Platinum Jubilee Year,” Helen said in response to her inclusion in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
The nomination completely surprised me because I never expected to be recognised at such an honorary level for doing something I enjoy. I’ve worked with many people over the years, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all for helping to improve the safety of others both locally and nationally.”
