Design Fire Consultants (DFC) is delighted to have been shortlisted in three categories at the Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026, recognising both our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and the contributions of colleagues who are helping to shape a more diverse and supportive fire safety profession.

This year, DFC has been shortlisted for the Inclusive Company Award, while Sarah Forbes has been recognised in the Diversity Champion Award category and Nicole Allan has been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award.

As a long-standing supporter of the Women in Fire Safety Awards, we are proud to see both individual and collective efforts recognised. The nominations reflect different stages of the professional journey, from emerging talent to those helping shape a more inclusive industry, as well as organisations committed to creating environments where people can thrive.

Inclusive Company Award

We are proud to be shortlisted for the Inclusive Company Award as it recognises the culture we continue to build across the business, the proactive steps to continuously improve diversity, inclusion and workplace culture.

We believe that creating an inclusive environment is about more than policies and initiatives. It is about ensuring everyone feels supported, respected and able to contribute their best at work. Being recognised alongside so many organisations and individuals working to drive positive change across the industry is something we are incredibly proud of.

Creating an inclusive workplace is an ongoing commitment rather than a destination and we continue to look for ways to ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected and able to thrive. 

Recognising Individual Contributions

Alongside the company nomination, two members of our team have been recognised for their individual contributions.

Sarah Forbes | Diversity Champion Award

Sarah Forbes has been shortlisted for the Diversity Champion Award in recognition of her commitment to promoting equity, inclusion and belonging within the workplace and across the industry. This marks Sarah’s third consecutive year as a finalist at the Women in Fire Safety Awards. Sarah commented:

“I feel incredibly humbled and honoured to be selected as a finalist for the third year in a row at the Women in Fire Awards, representing DFC; this year as Diversity Champion, a category that is very close to my heart.

Championing diversity, equity and inclusion matters because everyone deserves to feel valued, respected and able to be themselves in the workplace.

I’m looking forward to attending another fantastic event, celebrating women across the fire industry, and recognising the importance of building a more inclusive future for everyone. Congratulations to all the finalists.“

Nicole Allan | Rising Star Award

Nicole Allan has been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award, recognising emerging talent and future leaders within the fire safety profession. The nomination reflects Nicole’s contribution to the industry and the positive impact she has made during the early stages of her career. Nicole said:

“I’m really happy to be shortlisted for the Rising Star Award. The past 18 months have been a great experience, with lots of opportunities to learn, grow and take on new challenges. It’s lovely to have that recognised, and I’m looking forward to October.”

The Women in Fire Safety Awards continue to provide an important platform for recognising excellence, celebrating achievement and encouraging greater diversity across the sector. DFC is proud to support these initiatives and looks forward to joining colleagues from across the industry at this year’s awards ceremony.

The Women in Fire Safety Awards continue to provide an important platform for recognising excellence, celebrating achievement and encouraging greater diversity across the sector. DFC is proud to support these initiatives and looks forward to joining colleagues from across the industry at this year’s awards ceremony.

Congratulations Sarah, Nicole and all those shortlisted and wish everyone the very best of luck.