John Bonney has formidable leadership credentials from his extensive professional career and role as Chief Officer in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Introducing John Bonney (Director)
Acknowledged as one of the highest performing fire and rescue services in the UK, John led the service for over ten years. Under his direction the service’s innovative approach to risk reduction and resource utilisation has been emulated elsewhere in the UK and abroad.
John combines an impressive leadership portfolio with professional and academic achievement. He has his first degree in Politics from York University, UK and a Masters in Business Administration from Portsmouth Business School. He is a Fellow and Chartered Director of the prestigious Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers. With the rare ability to combine rigorous academic analysis and proven leadership experience John has been a frequent and sought after speaker on the issues culture, change and leadership both in Europe and North America.
John’s professional standing and political acuity led to his election on to the board of the Chief Fire Officers Association in 2007, serving as president throughout 2009 and 2010. In this role he became spokesperson for the profession in the national media, with government ministers and across the globe. He has also gained extensive experience working with government and the dubious pleasure of presenting to parliamentary select committees. As a result, he has an impressive track record working at a senior levels to influence and shape policy.
With more than 30 years experience, over half of which has been in the most senior positions of his profession, John has led the response to a variety of major critical incidents including animal health epidemic, terrorist attack and wide area flooding. Putting that experience to good use he has lectured on senior command courses across all emergency services and worked to develop the national leadership model for the UK fire service. He has a number of published articles in the area of leadership, public sector value and crisis decision making.
He now sits as a director on the board of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the USA. Using his experience and strategic perspective to support the mission of the Association as it delivers its global mission for a safer world. His work with the NFPA gives him a unique insight into the future of the sector and the critical role that data will play in the safety of our communities, the built environment and industry.
Since establishing Alchemy John has gained considerable experience working with the fire protection industry in the US and across the globe helping to support organisations both in terms of their preparedness to deliver their services but also in shaping the services themselves. Having qualified as a professional executive coach in 2014 he brings to bear tools and techniques from this sphere in developing leaders and their teams.
John also has experience in the not-for-profit sector and works as a trustee for two Hampshire based charities. He was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in 2007 and honoured as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015
