Fire Protection Advisor Danny Hans

“We visit places as part of our role that not everyone gets to see, such as buildings of historical importance and modern design in Cambridge, backstage at festivals and the city’s biggest events. I really enjoy my job and it’s always a progressive learning curve.”

Danny started in a temporary role as an Geographical Information Support Assistant, which involved detailed mapping work. He then moved to roles in the planning and water team before eventually starting a role in fire protection.

He explains: “Our role is so varied. I deal with new building design applications, premises licence submissions, following up complaints, respond to post fire incidents, give fire safety advice to organisers of big events like the Folk Festival and Cambridge University May Balls, as well as conducting routine programmed audits of non-domestic premises and taking enforcement action where compliance is not being achieved.

“You need good inter-personal skills, must be flexible, objective, and have the ability to work with and support people. Every day is a school day and you always learn something new, whether it is from experienced colleagues, from the premises you inspect or a change in guidance or legislation. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something else comes along and teaches you something new.”

Danny, who has just started a family with his wife, works a normal Monday to Friday week based in Cambridge city and said his work life balance is good, which is helped by flexible working.

"It’s an interesting job, where you are constantly learning and every day is different. You get to visit some really interesting places and meet a wide range such of people from different backgrounds.”