Equality and Diversity

Firefighters and children Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is fully committed to the principles of Equality and Diversity for a modern public service. As a public body we also have an obligation to ensure that all staff are treated fairly whilst in employment with the Service. In order to fulfil its obligation the Service has developed and implemented a Corporate Equality Plan.

Corporate Equality Plan
The Corporate Equality Plan sits within the People Strategy, which lists our short, medium and long-term objectives. The plan provides an overview of our key objectives that we intend to implement over the next few years. A wide range of initiatives are devised to support the plan.

Disability, Gender and Race Equality Scheme
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2006 sets, within a legal context the requirements for public authorities to prepare and publish relevant Equality Schemes. The legislation places a duty on public bodies to eliminate unlawful discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and good relations. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has gone further and developed a Single Equality Scheme (SES) which also extends our practices to include age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, people with caring responsibilities, transgender and ex-offenders.

The Equality Act 2010 has recently become law and the Service will review its SES to take into account any new requirements under the new provisions. We welcome any positive changes that will enhance our work towards building a fairer working environment for all.

Equality and Fairness at Work Policy
The Service believes that its Equality and Fairness at Work Policy is of fundamental importance and underpins all of its employment, management and service delivery policies and practices. Our Dealing with Complaints of Harassment and Bullying Policy is aimed at ensuring that we create an environment free from harassment while encouraging everyone to treat colleagues with dignity and respect.

Training
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service recognises that policies are not enough to tackle issues of bullying, harassment and discrimination. The Service is committed to providing suitable and adequate training to all employees starting with a mandatory Introduction to Equality and Diversity Course which forms part of the induction programme. Training is also offered throughout the year on a range of Equality (strands) related topics.

The Equalities Forum - Driving Equality Through the Organisation
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has a dedicated Equalities Forum that works to drive Equality and Diversity throughout the Service. The forum is made up of volunteer employees, at all levels of the organisation, who are committed to Equality and Diversity and include operational, non-operational, men and women from a dynamic mix of backgrounds.

Diversity Initiatives
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service runs and supports local, regional and national initiatives to increase the number of underrepresented groups in the workforce. The Service has developed a locally focused Outreach Strategy and also supports the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Career national campaign which encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in the Fire and Rescue Service. For more information on this campaign, click here