Fire service among UK's top LGBT employers for 2020

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) has been recognised as being one of the most diverse and inclusive organisations to work for in the country this year.

The authority is one of the top 100 employers in the 2020 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI). 

For the first time since completing the application process, DFRS has been rated in the top 100, ranking 99th out of 502 participating organisations.

This represents an impressive leap of more than 250 places over the last four years.  

Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index (WEI) is an annual audit of workplace best practice and is used by employers as a benchmarking tool to assess progress on LGBT+ equality in the workplace. This is measured against 10 key areas - including allies and role models, community engagement and senior leadership.

Gavin Tomlinson, Derbyshire's Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, said: "A Top 100 Stonewall rating is fantastic news for the Service and is testament to our values and the hard work and commitment demonstrated by all of our employees. 

"We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce, but also know that for true success, our workforce should feel supported and be confident being themselves.  Over the last four years, the whole Service, supported by our proactive Diversity & Inclusion Team, has worked hard to ensure we continue to promote and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into the heart of our work, both with our communities and also across our workforce.

"I'm delighted that the all the good work we carry out has been recognised by Stonewall and that we can proudly display our Top 100 Employer status." 

Stonewall Client Manager, Jaipreet Deo, said: “It’s always a pleasure to celebrate the fantastic work our Diversity Champions do to ensure LGBT people are celebrated in the workplace. Congratulations to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue on their wonderful achievements this year!”

Among some of the key achievements that have contributed to the rise of DFRS in the Stonewall WEI are: 

• Second annual Derbyshire LGBT+ Conference with partners (Derbyshire Constabulary, University of Derby, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services and the local community organisation Derbyshire LGBT+)
• Internal LGBT+ Conference for employees and members of the Fire and Rescue Authority
• Sponsorship for the inaugural Pride in Belper and ongoing attendance and Chesterfield Pride and Derby Pride
• A thriving LGBT+ & Allies Employee Support Network, with the first ever Bi and Trans reps
• Training sessions delivered to LGBT+ youth groups and Childline
• LGBT+ blog posts to celebrate key dates, including Bi Visibility Day and Trans Day of Remembrance

Main image:

Inclusion Officer Lukasz Gazda, Positive Action Officer Rachel Salmon, Station Manager Marc Redford (Top) and Crew Manager Ashley Turner.