JOIFF Event
THE JOIFF Regional Shared
Learning Meeting - South Africa
In partnership with the South African Fire Protection Association
Hosted and supported by Rural Metro
As part of the JOIFF Shared Learning Programme, we are pleased to announce the upcoming JOIFF Regional Shared Learning Meeting – South Africa, taking place on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Rural Metro Training Academy
Heidelberg
Organiser
JOIFF
DATE
19 August 2026
Start time
10:00
Event Description
This regional meeting is being delivered in partnership with the South African Fire Protection Association (SAFPA) and hosted by Rural Metro at the Rural Metro Training Academy, Heidelberg, this regional event will focus on the theme: Risk Mitigation in High Hazard Environments
The event will bring together professionals from across the emergency response community to share knowledge, discuss current challenges, and strengthen collaboration through shared learning.
Rural Metro will host the event with refreshments and lunch provided throughout the day. Delegates are also invited to stay after the meeting for an informal networking.
Further information will be announced soon.
We look forward to welcoming members of the JOIFF community and emergency response professionals from across the region to this important shared learning event.
Contact
If you would like to contribute to or support this JOIFF Regional Shared Learning Meeting, including by sharing relevant experience or helping support the delivery of the event, please contact JOIFF:
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
An Introduction to Human Factors Training for Fire and Rescue Services.
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
09:00 - 09:30
Coffee and networking
09:30 - 09:45
Chair to introduce the day
09:45 - 10:45
Ian Redfurn – Theory session
Overcoming the Risk
10:45 -11:15
Coffee break and networking
11:15 - 12:15
Ian Redfurn – Practical session
Major Foam Unit Demonstration
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 Gilbert
Presentation Subject:
Officership: Fire Service Leadership.
Marius Atterbury
Presentation Subject:
Fire Risk Assessment.
Pine Pienaar
Presentation Subject:
Opening Address.
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