NFCC Prevention Awards 2026

Andy has transformed the way West Midlands Fire Service evidences the impact of Prevention activity, creating robust evaluation and quality assurance systems that demonstrate real outcomes for communities.

Going beyond the expectations of his role, he champions Prevention both as a Prevention Evaluation and Quality Assurance Officer and as an operational Watch Commander, influencing colleagues and promoting prevention at every opportunity. His work has enabled the Service to measure behavioural change and customer outcomes, including evidence that 201 people referred to stop-smoking services through Safe and Well Visits successfully quit smoking.

Following an HMICFRS improvement area, Andy led the development of comprehensive quality assurance and evaluation frameworks, strengthening consistency, accountability and continuous improvement across Prevention delivery.

He has also developed innovative SharePoint systems that improve monitoring, reporting and performance management. A respected mentor, collaborator and national advocate, Andy shares his expertise across WMFS and the fire sector, helping to shape best practice and strengthen Prevention outcomes nationwide.

Michelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to Prevention through the creation of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s FREE (Fire, Re-integration, Enrichment and Education) Programme.

Recognising the challenges faced by individuals leaving custody, she designed a pioneering initiative that equips prisoners with vital home fire, road and water safety knowledge, helping them make safer choices and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

The programme has delivered tangible safety benefits, including reducing incidents of deliberate fire-setting within prisons and creating safer environments for both prisoners and staff. Michelle’s vision extended beyond education, supporting rehabilitation, employability and community integration.

Through her determination and collaborative approach, she built strong partnerships between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, prisons and probation services, establishing a joined-up model for prevention and rehabilitation.

The programme’s impact has been independently recognised by the University of Lancashire as a pioneering approach within the fire sector, highlighting Michelle’s influence as a true champion for Prevention and community safety.

Victoria Mellor has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and impact in Prevention, consistently delivering beyond the expectations of her role. Alongside volunteering with the Volunteer Response Team and Fire Cadets, she serves as a Designated Safeguarding Officer and leads a wide-ranging prevention portfolio covering wildfire prevention, anti-social behaviour, deliberate fires and community partnership engagement.

Victoria has developed and delivered evidence-led initiatives with local authorities, Kent Police, youth services and voluntary organisations, helping identify emerging risks and coordinate targeted interventions for vulnerable communities. A standout achievement was her leadership in addressing issues at the former St John Fisher School site, contributing to its demolition and a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and community concerns.

She actively promotes learning, quality assurance and best practice, supporting colleagues and partners to improve prevention outcomes. Through her contributions to national NFCC groups, Victoria shares innovative approaches across the UK, making a lasting difference to community safety, partnership working and the lives of vulnerable people. 

Megan has been a driving force for Prevention for over a decade, delivering exceptional impact locally, regionally and nationally. In a newly created Evaluation and Quality Assurance role, she transformed her Service’s approach to measuring Prevention outcomes, introducing robust frameworks across Home Fire Safety Visits, safeguarding and children’s programmes.

Her work has delivered measurable results, with 99% of quality-assured visits meeting or exceeding expectations, 90% of vulnerable people reporting they felt safer, and 90% making positive behavioural changes. Megan has also developed innovative performance dashboards that enable managers to monitor outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

Nationally, she established and chairs the Evaluation and Quality Assurance Group, bringing together more than 30 Fire and Rescue Services to share best practice, and led development of the NFCC Home Fire Safety Visit Quality Assurance Framework.

Beyond her core role, she volunteers her time supporting Fire Cadets and Early Intervention programmes, inspiring others through her passion, leadership and unwavering commitment to Prevention.