John Berrisford wins Mentor of the Year 2020 in international awards

John Berrisford, Business Support Manager for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, won Mentor of the Year at last night’s 2020 International Institute of Risk and Safety Management’s Risk Excellence Awards.

The awards which celebrate essential contributions to risk excellence and employee and organisational wellbeing, were held online this year.

As Business Support Manager, John is responsible for working with businesses, offering fire safety advice and business support packs to reduce the likelihood of them experiencing a fire. For those businesses who experience a fire, John goes to the scene of the incident to provide immediate support to the owners. His support for businesses has earned him a place on the board of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

He was nominated by Chad Bott, who he mentored and supported to set up his own health and safety consultancy in Cannock.

Chad said: “John was brilliant, showing me the way forward, directing me to some fantastic resources and motivating me with his infectious enthusiasm.

“I’m so grateful to having access to such a helpful and knowledgeable professional and acknowledge that I’m fortunate to have John as my mentor.

John said: “I am proud to have been able to help Chad develop and set up a successful business which contributes to the wider Staffordshire economy.”