Helen MacArthur appointed chief fire officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s next chief fire officer will be a finance and governance specialist who joined the service eight years ago.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Helen MacArthur was appointed to the top job by North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority on Monday, 19 October.

She will take over on 1 January from Dawn Docx, who retires on 31 December after five years in charge.

MacArthur joined the service in 2018 as an Assistant Chief Officer.

According to the service, she has more than 30 years’ experience in senior finance, governance and leadership roles across the Welsh public sector.

The fire authority said candidates were assessed through interviews, stakeholder panels and scenario-based exercises, with independent assessors involved throughout.

MacArthur said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This Service has been a significant part of my career for 8 years, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to lead an organisation that means so much to me.”

Docx announced her retirement in September, ending a career of 32 years across three fire and rescue services.

At the time, she pointed to this summer’s wildfires as a high point of her time in north Wales.

She said: “The response to the wildfire and spate conditions during this summer have made me immensely proud of what we achieved together.”

Cllr Dylan Rees, chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said the appointment gave the service continuity.

He said: “Her appointment provides continuity and stability at an important time for the organisation, and I know she will lead with integrity, professionalism and compassion.”

Docx and MacArthur will work together over the coming months to hand over responsibilities before the new chief takes charge in January.