Service leaps forward in Stonewalls Top 100 Employers list

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has leapt up to 54th place in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list.

This makes the Service one of the UK’s leading organisations for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) equality, according to Stonewall, the national LGB campaign and support group.

The Service’s employee network Fire Pride has again been recognised by Stonewall as a 'Star Performer Network Group,' one of 75 groups nationwide to be recognised in this way.

The accolade is given to employee network groups which make an invaluable contribution to the experience of LGB staff in their organisation and beyond.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: “We are continually striving to be an excellent employer and I’m really pleased that our work has been recognised nationally once again.

“The Service is committed to lesbian, gay and bisexual equality and works hard to create the right environment for colleagues to be open about their sexual orientation if they choose.”

The Service’s ranking of 54 in Stonewall’s prestigious Top 100 Employers list is an improvement of 37 places on last year, demonstrating that the Service is creating an inclusive working environment.

The Workplace Equality Index is Britain's leading tool for employers to measure their efforts to tackle discrimination and create inclusive workplaces for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees, using Stonewall's criteria as a model for good practice. It assesses employers’ performance in areas from tackling anti-gay bullying and harassment to supporting the career development of LGB employees and the presence of senior role models for them.

The Service’s latest achievement forms part of a wider commitment of work aimed at ensuring equality in working practices, tailoring services to meet the needs of different communities and promoting equality as described in the Public Sector Equality Duty.