Dr. Shephard Ndlovu FIFireE

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career journey to date.

I’m Shephard Ndlovu and I work as Deputy Dean at the International College of Engineering and Management. Prior to that, I was a senior lecturer in fire safety engineering for 21 years at the School of Engineering and Computing, University of Lancashire. I have over 30 years’ experience in the fire industry, having started work as a firefighter in 1994 at the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, Zimbabwe. I also hold a BSc (Hons) Fire Safety, PhD in Fire Engineering from University of Lancashire and MSc in Safety Engineering (Nuclear) from the University of Lancaster.

Describe your role or position within your current workplace and describe what a typical working day looks like.

I support the Dean in the strategic management and leadership of the International College of Engineering and Management. In my previous role at the University of Lancashire, I was course leader for several fire programmes at the university as well as various partner institutions, such as, the Fire Service College, International College of Engineering and Management (Oman), Ras Laffan Safety and Emergency College (Qatar). I taught a wide range of areas in fire and safety engineering, management and also supervised fire students’ research projects.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

I enjoy working with talented students and seeing them progress into successful careers, whether in the fire and rescue service, fire engineering, or other related fields. I also find great satisfaction in contributing to a variety of research projects and collaborating with colleagues from other universities and industry.

Is there a great professional achievement or high-profile accomplishment that you would like to tell us about in a previous role or your current one?

There have been several achievements starting with the passing of the IFE Preliminary examinations with distinction in 1996. This opened the door for me to later work for the University of Lancashire for a significant period where I enjoyed seeing students' progress and graduate over the years globally. I was honoured that the team was awarded the ‘International Best Practice Award’ which recognised the university’s work with its educational fire programmes both in Preston campus as well as internationally.

I’m also proud of my work as a member of the IFE Board of Trustee Directors where I have contributed to the strategic direction of the global professional membership body. Alongside this role, I’ve worked for Operation Florian Ltd and the UK Fire and Rescue Service Humanitarian Charity, to contribute towards the promotion of the protection of life amongst communities in need worldwide. Most recently I was proud to play a significant role in organising the 2025 IFE Graduate Lecture and inaugural International President’s Technical Conference, both of which were a significant success.

What contributed to your decision to gain IFE membership, and how has it supported your career development/progression?

I learnt about the IFE when I was working as firefighter in Zimbabwe. I discovered the fire degrees offered at the University of Leeds, Southbank University and the University of Lancashire. I choose the latter and I have been associated with the IFE since then. Being a member has supported my career significantly. 

Do you have any advice for others thinking of starting a career in fire?

Yes, membership and involvement with IFE promotes and ensures quality assurance and also enables individuals and organisations to have credibility and an increased reputation. It provides an opportunity for networking and access to CPD which is now very important for membership or registration. If you also get involved and support members through the IFE it’s a rewarding experience.