1. Eileen Teasdale –Testimonial, February 2016
Due to ever decreasing budgets and the necessity to find additional revenue savings whilst
at the same time protecting the safety of communities within Cumbria, the Fire and Rescue
Service Management Team supported the decision to endeavour to double the capacity of
the Volunteer Workforce.
This decision was taken at the beginning of 2013. In July 2013 Eileen joined our team as the
second employed volunteer coordinator. Since that time I have had the pleasure of both
working alongside and managing Eileen directly.
She has worked with colleagues across the Fire and Rescue Service, County Council and
external agencies to introduce, develop and install an Events Management System which
makes managing and coordinating all volunteer activities easier and more measurable.
Eileen has increased, developed and improved the volunteer programme in North Cumbria
through a dedicated approach and a strong commitment to both the service and the
volunteers.
Eileen also brought with her skills and knowledge gained whilst working for other Public
Sector organisations, all of which the Fire and Rescue Service has benefited from. Some of
which are the ability to work in a collaborative manner with partner organisations and the
skills to enable her to project manage initiatives on a County level between Cumbria County
Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, The British Heart
Foundation and the Private Sector.
It is my observation that Eileen always works with dedication, professionalism, commitment
and integrity and who is also an excellent communicator and highly organised and she is
very much a ‘completer, finisher’.
It is these qualities and her knowledge, skills and expertise that have made her a highly
valued member of our organisation.
John McVay
Area Manager
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service