Fire service is pioneer diversity employer

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has cemented its position as a diversity pioneer after it was named as being one of the top 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friendly employers for a third year.
The list is compiled by Stonewall, a national charity that works to achieve equality for lesbians, gay men bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
The service was ranked the 31st best-performing organisation and the highest ranking fire and rescue service.
Cllr John Joyce, of Warrington, chairman of the fire authority, said:
“Making the Top 100 for a third year and being recognised as the highest performing fire and rescue service is a fantastic achievement, of which we’re incredibly proud.
“It provides evidence of the positive workplace culture that we have worked hard to build, where our staff feel supported and can focus on the needs of the community”
The Workplace Equality Index provides an audit for workplace culture and ranks the top employers for LGBT staff through the completion of an evidenced assessment, focussed on the approach and mechanisms for supporting LGBT employees, customers and communities.
The Index has been running for over 10 years and is seen as the
definitive benchmark for gay-friendly employers. The 2015 Index includes some of the UK’s (and the world’s) largest and most successful firms.
Chief Fire Office Paul Hancock, who is the senior sponsor of the Service’s vibrant LGBT staff network, added: “Our staff come from all walks of life and I am delighted that as an organisation we continue to provide excellent services to the public by harnessing the
contribution of all our people, regardless of their sexual orientation. “This includes firefighters, advocates and volunteers who do so much to keep the communities of Cheshire safe.”
The service attends and supports LGBT community events throughout the year, including Warrington Pride and its staff come from a diverse range of backgrounds.