Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Leaps 140 Places in Stonewall Ranking

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is proud to announce a leap of 140 places, from 267^th in 2018 to 127^th in the 2019 annual Stonewall Equality Index.

Every year organisations from across the country are encouraged to participate in the Stonewall Equality Index, an audit where employers are assessed to demonstrate their achievements and progress on LGBT+ equality in the workplace. This is measured against 10 broad ranging areas covering such topics as communication, recruitment and retention, allies and role models, community engagement, senior leadership and employee support.

This year, DFRS is proud to have built on last year’s result, previously ranking 267^th out of 434 moving up to being ranked 127th.

Speaking following the announcement of the Service’s Index ranking, Chief Fire Officer /Chief Executive Terry McDermott said: “Our approach to diversity and inclusion goes beyond mere legal compliance – the Service is committed to promoting and embedding equality, inclusion and diversity into the heart of our work, both with our communities and also across our workforce – today’s announcement by Stonewell is testament to this commitment and the hard work carried out across the Service.

“The Services Diversity & Inclusion Team have worked hard to develop and deliver events, training, support and other initiatives, including a wonderfully received LGBT+ Conference held in conjunction with colleagues from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Equality Unit and other partners, to improve LGBT+ equality in the workplace. “

Below is a list of just some of the key achievements that have contributed to the Services rise to 127^th place in the Stonewall Equality Index:

Inaugural Derbyshire LGBT+ Conference with partners (Derbyshire Constabulary, University of Derby, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services and the local community organisation Derbyshire LGBT+)

Awareness sessions with DFRS employees, including senior leaders delivered by the Service’s LGBT+ & Allies Support Network

Ongoing attendance at Derby Pride and Chesterfield Pride events

Continued working relationship with Derbyshire LGBT+

Lunch and learn sessions in conjunction with the Police

L-R Lukasz Gazda, Inclusion Officer, CFO Terry McDermott, Positive Action Officer Rachel Salmon, Station Manager Marc Redford.