Posted: Wednesday 20 November 2019, 11:15
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is marking Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) today by flying the Service’s trans flag, demonstrating a commitment to the equality, diversity and inclusion of all of the Service’s employees and the communities that they serve.
Established in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, TDoR is celebrated annually to honour the memory of those whose lives have been lost due to transphobia and trans related violence during the previous year. The day of remembrance gives the Service the opportunity to reflect on the issues faced by the trans community and to reflect on how DFRS can continue to support its employees and communities.
In marking TDoR, Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, Gavin Tomlinson and Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Kevin Buttery set out their commitment to supporting DFRS employees and the communities of Derbyshire.
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson said: “Today we are proudly flying the trans flag at our joint police and fire headquarters in Ripley. The flag symbolises the Service’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and our pledge to ensuring respect and fairness remain integral to everything we do, from recruiting and developing talented employees, to delivering a professional, efficient and effective service to our communities.
“We aim to treat everyone with dignity, including trans and gender non-conforming people. We are committed to ensuring that no service user, employee or potential employee is unfairly discriminated against on the grounds of their gender or gender identity, race, religion or belief, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, caring responsibilities or employment status.”
Councillor Kevin Buttery, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority went on to add: “All people, without exception, have a right to be themselves without fear of abuse or discrimination. DFRS continues to work with local LGBT+ groups, both internally and externally, to ensure that our Service is recognised as accessible to all people, both as an employer and as a service provider.
“In January this year we were proud to announce that Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service was ranked 127th in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, an improvement of 140 places from 2018. The Service’s LGBT+ & Allies Network played an important role in this and continue to plan events for the coming year.”
Representatives from the Services Prevention and Inclusion Department are today representing Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service at the Trans Day of Remembrance Service at the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Derby.