JOIFF Event
THE JOIFF Regional Shared
Learning Event 2026
In collaboration with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service
Sponsored by Ricardo
As part of the ongoing JOIFF Shared Learning Programme, JOIFF is pleased to announce the JOIFF Regional Shared Learning Event 2026, proudly delivered in collaboration with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS).
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue
Bury Training & Safety Centre
Hinds Lane, Bury BL8 2GN, United Kingdom
Organiser
JOIFF
DATE
29-30 September 2026
Start time
09:00
Event Description
The JOIFF Regional Shared Learning Event 2026 is a one-and-a-half-day event bringing together Municipal and Industrial Fire & Rescue Services, Industrial Emergency Responders, and Industry Specialists for focused discussions, shared learning, and networking across the JOIFF community.
The programme will include presentations from subject matter experts from the high hazard industry. Key themes include:
• Municipal aid and industrial collaboration
• Contamination management and decontamination processes
• Response to lithium-ion battery incidents
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Human factors in emergency response
• Hazardous materials
• Tactical firefighting considerations
• Industrial risk management
• Lessons learned from joint industrial and municipal operations
Attendees can expect presentations, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, panel sessions, and a live operational demonstration hosted by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Exhibitor & Supporter Opportunities
The JOIFF / GMFRS Shared Learning Event provides an excellent opportunity to engage with emergency response professionals, industry leaders, fire and rescue services, and safety specialists from across the JOIFF community.
A limited number of exhibitor and supporter opportunities are available. If your organisation would like to be involved, please contact our team on the above email address for further information.
JOIFF Shared Learning Review Group
SharedLearning@JOIFF.com
Who Should Attend?
• Industrial Fire and Emergency Response Personnel
• Municipal Fire and Rescue Services
• Emergency Management Professionals
• Health and Safety Professionals
• HazMat Specialists
• Energy and Petrochemical Industry Personnel
• JOIFF Members and Industry Partners
Registration Includes
• Access to all Shared Learning sessions
• Access to exhibitor and networking areas
• Refreshments throughout the event, including lunches
• Attendance at the JOIFF Community Networking Dinner on the evening of 29th of September at the Village Hotel, Bury with networking drinks from 19:00 followed by a three-course dinner at 20:00, all of which is included.
Contact
If you would like to contribute to or support this JOIFF Regional Shared Learning Event, including by sharing relevant experience, submitting a presentation for consideration, or helping support the delivery of the event, please contact JOIFF:
JOIFF Shared Learning Review Group
+ 44 (0) 1305 831 768
SharedLearning@JOIFF.com
Agenda coming soon
The agenda for the JOIFF Regional Shared Learning Event is currently being finalised and will be published here as soon as it becomes available.
We look forward to sharing details of the presentations, discussions and networking opportunities planned for the day.
In addition to the technical programme, the event will include dedicated networking opportunities, lunch and an evening networking reception.
Agenda (GMT)*
Day 1 - Tuesday 29th September
09:00 - 09:30
Coffee and networking
09:30 - 10:00
Chair's Welcome
10:00 - 10:45
Paper 1- Craig McLellan, Essex County Fire Brigade
Mutual Aid
10:45 - 11:15
Coffee break and networking
11:15 - 12:00
Paper 2 - Jochem van de Graaff, Senior Trainer and Consultant, H2K
Stop Fighting the Fire! Why High-Hazard Industry Demands a Different Fire Service Mindset
12:00 - 12:45
Paper 3- Josh Allaway, MChem, Chemical Safety Advisor, Collective Resilience
Sodium-Ion & Lithium-Ion Batteries
12:45 - 13:45
Lunch
13:45 - 14:30
Paper 4- Gerry Keogh, JOIFF Director and Technical Consultant
The Introduction of Human Factors Training in the fire and rescue service
14:30 - 15:15
Paper 5- Dr Hazem Matar, Managing Director, Ereuna
Decontamination
15:15 - 15:45
Coffee break and networking
15:45 - 16:30
Paper 6- Chris Butcher, BTTG Shirley
16:30
Event closure for Day 1
19:00
Pre-dinner drinks reception
20:00
Networking dinner followed by entertainment
Day 2 - Wednesday 30th September
09:30 - 09:45
Chair to introduce the day
09:45 - 10:45
Ian Redfurn – Theory session
10:45 -11:15
Coffee break and networking
11:15 - 12:15
Ian Redfurn – Practical session
12:15 - 13:00
Panel discussion
13:00
Chair's closing remarks and event close
13:00 and onward
Coffee and cakes
*Speakers and timings are subject to change.
Networking Dinner
The networking dinner will take place at the Village Hotel on the evening of Day 1. It will be a three-course meal following the pre-dinner drinks reception, (drinks Reception sponsored by BTTG Shirley)
Speakers coming soon
Subjects expected to be covered include:
- Decontamination research
- Human factors
- Industrial and municipal mutual aid
- Textile and PPE testing developments
- Tactical firefighting and fluorine-free foam considerations
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Fire and rescue service operational learning
- Mutual aid case studies
Please note that topics remain subject to confirmation and may be updated as the programme develops.
Our Speakers
Chris Butcher
BTTG Shirley
Presentation Subject:
TBA
Craig McLellan
Essex County Fire Brigade
Presentation Subject:
Mutual Aid
Gerry Keogh
JOIFF Director and Technical Consultant
Presentation Subject:
The Introduction of Human Factors Training in the fire and rescue service
Dr Hazem Matar
Managing Director, Ereuna
Presentation Subject:
Decontamination
Ian Redfurn
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service
Presentation Subject:
Theory Session and Practical Demonstration
Jochem van de Graaff
Senior Trainer and Consultant, H2K
Presentation Subject:
Stop Fighting the Fire! Why High-Hazard Industry Demands a Different Fire Service Mindset
Josh Allaway
Chemical Safety Advisor, Collective Resilience
Presentation Subject:
Sodium-Ion & Lithium-Ion Batteries
Our Speakers
Tim Bird
Managing Director at Eddistone Consulting
Presentation Subject:
TBA
Chris Coffey
VP Product at Gexcon
Presentation Subject:
TBA
Ian Redfurn
Operational Group Manager and Lead Petrochemical Officer for GMFRS
Presentation Subject:
TBA.
John Lord
Managing Director of SimTrainer UK
Presentation Subject:
TBA.
Craig McLellan
Assistant Director of Response at Essex FRS
Presentation Subject:
TBA.
Prof. Dr Paul Christensen
Professor of Pure and Applied Electrochemistry
Presentation Subject:
TBA.
Accommodation
Recommended Accommodation
JOIFF attendees can obtain the accommodation discount code by contacting: secretariat@joiff.com
Village Hotel Manchester Bury
Village Hotel, Waterfold Business Park, Rochdale Road, Bury, BL9 7BQ
03330 065 222
Alternative Hotel Options
Best Western Manchester Bury Bolholt Country Park Hotel
Walshaw Road Bury, BL8 1PU
03330 034067