Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's (NFRS) Procurement Manager has finished category runner-up in the prestigious Women in the Fire Service Awards 2023.

Richard Henshaw, who joined NFRS in 2009, has been named 'Exceptional Allies Award' runner-up after being nominated in the national awards for his remarkable contributions to the Fire Service.

The 'Exceptional Allies Award' category recognises individuals promoting gender equality and supporting colleagues to be the best they can be.

Richard was described as "an exceptional ally for women within NFRS". The award entry described how Richard always sought out feedback from staff networks, ensuring trials had participation from different genders and backgrounds and always asking suppliers about maternity options, textiles more appropriate for those experiencing menopause symptoms, and styles taking into account cultural beliefs.

When his team moved location, Richard placed motivational posters in changing areas promoting how it didn't matter who you were or where you came from, and that you can achieve great things within the Service. Richard believes his colleagues can achieve great things, giving them the support and the kit to do it.

Richard's nominator, Firefighter, Jo Dawson said: "Richard has been instrumental in trialling hijabs for operational personnel, working with textile suppliers across the world and whilst a solution is yet to be found, this is not for the lack of ongoing effort on his part.

"Whilst he is a subject matter expert in the world of procurement, it is his emotional empathy, his inclusive language and his ability to listen to others that makes him stand out from the crowd. He challenges those who believe we should have the workwear we have always had, when it negatively impacts under-represented groups within NFRS.

"Richard takes action around issues of inclusivity, rather than simply talking about them. He actively involves himself in projects where he discusses subjects including menopause, bras, periods and pregnancy. Whilst a lot of people would get embarrassed and uncomfortable, Richard does not. He speaks eloquently and respectfully, researches and clarifies understanding and then speaks up on our behalf.

"He has secured free sanitary provision across our estate to be replenished by cleaners, vests for those of us going through the menopause, higher density white shirts so they aren't see-through and better maternity clothing. He secured lockable changing facilities for trying on clothes, procured more female undress uniform and is working tirelessly towards a better female duty rig trouser – for that alone he deserves a medal!

"Richard is the epitome of a great, modern, forward looking ally who others should know more about, so they too can follow in his footsteps, because more 'Richard Henshaw's' is exactly what the UK FRS needs."

Candida Brudenell, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said: "We are exceptionally proud of Richard and his clear commitment to making inclusivity the heart of everything he does.

"He has led his team to be one of the first in the country to trial hijabs for operational personnel, been an active supporter of diverse issues by working with the Service's Women's Network, and has been vocal when supporting our uniform review.

"Richard is a model ally within Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and he deserves to be recognised for his forward-thinking, thoughtful efforts."

Caroline Anderson, Women in the Fire Service Vice-Chair and award panel judge, said: "Richard believes we can all achieve great things and gives his wholehearted support to improve kit within FRS. Richard has been instrumental in trialling hijabs for operational personnel, has an unending effort to improve clothing for those experiencing menopause symptoms, those going through maternity and those with different cultural beliefs.

"He takes action around issues of inclusivity and speaks eloquently and respectfully, researching and clarifying his understanding when making decisions to ensure different genders, backgrounds and cultures are all taken into account when making decisions. Richard is a very modern, forward thinking and exceptional ally."

3SFire Community Interest Company, 'Exceptional Allies Award' category sponsor, said: "Richard's procurement innovations have been making much appreciated improvements to everyday working life for women in the fire service but he should also be recognised for his insightfulness, empathy and desire to break down historical barriers that have impeded women's roles and job satisfaction as frontline firefighters."