Head of Support, Contracts and Procurement Tracey Stradling

Tracey joined the fire service in its former guise as the county council over 25 years ago in the administration team. She progressed through numerous roles including becoming personal assistant to the Chief Fire Officer, Head of Administration, and was then previously Procurement Manager before taking on a new role of leading both Contracts and Procurement and the newly formed Business Support Group.

As part of her role, Tracey leads her own groups and engages with staff across a wide range of departments as well as with other fire services, partners, and commercial company. Tracey is responsible for procuring goods and services, managing contracts of suppliers as well as advising senior managers.

She explains: “I enjoy the variety the role provides. No two days are the same and no matter how much you plan, there are always situations that arise that you have to react to and put plans in place.

“I’ve had the opportunity to become a coach and mentor for the Service, which I’ve found very beneficial in leading my own teams and helping develop others. It’s been exciting to also get involved in national projects, network at professional seminars outside the fire service and for me, every day there is something to learn and improve.”

In more than two decades of fire service employment, Tracey has undertaken a post-graduate programme, gained qualifications in coaching and mentoring and enjoyed an array of other training opportunities.

"I love the variety of areas you can get involved in and the engagement both in and outside of the service with others. It is also about being part of a service that is held in high esteem."