Stonewall has ranked Kent Fire and Rescue Service as one of top emergency services, and among the best organisations in the country, for its dedication to inclusion, diversity and equality in all areas of its work.
As part of the Stonewall Top 100 Employers, KFRS was placed as the 2nd best emergency service when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, 5th among public sector organisations, and 18th in the full list of UK employers – climbing 104 places.
The service has also achieved Stonewall’s Gold award for a second year in a row, highlighting its commitment to diversity and equality across all areas of its work.
The award is given to organisations that are able to show outstanding support and efforts towards making workplaces more inclusive for everyone.
Stonewall
Stonewall is the UK’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where everyone is free to be themselves. The awards and UK Workplace Equality Index (Top 100) serves as the definitive benchmarking tool, helping organisations measure their progress on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Ann Millington, Chief Executive of KFRS said: “I’m really pleased KFRS has been recognised as an inclusive organisation – 2nd best emergency service and progressing significantly in the top 100 list.
“We’re committed to supporting LGBTQ+ communities in every way that we can, and we’re pleased to play just a small role in the incredible work that Stonewall does.
“We’re here for everyone in times of need, and the Gold award coupled with being one of the best emergency services for inclusivity, show how far the service has come with celebrating difference in the workplace and beyond.
“We will continue to improve in any way we can, putting everyone we serve at the heart of everything we do.”
Strong presence at LGBTQ+ events
To achieve the Gold award, KFRS enhanced how staff relate to customers, bolstered HR and internal policies, and embedded ‘Everyone Together’ – the service’s approach to promoting inclusivity, diversity and equality, with a focus on valuing difference and being kind. The fire service also has a strong presence at LGBTQ+ events, has championed annual equality talks and is flying the intersex progress flag at all stations during LGBT History month.
Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall, said: “It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Kent Fire and Rescue Service over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.
“For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.
“We’re incredibly proud to see so many new entrants from a range of sectors on this year’s list, who are committed to making LGBTQ+ people’s lives better. That’s what inclusion is all about and we can’t wait to see.”
Stonewall
For more information on the awards and the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion, visit Stonewall’s website.