Cheshire Fire Service has been hailed by Stonewall as among the best LGBT+ friendly organisations in the UK.
The service is one of seven organisations from the North West to make the lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity’s Top 100 Employers list for inclusivity.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are number one in the North West, and number three nationally.
It has received two special regional awards for its work on inclusion this year.
Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin is the North West’s Senior Champion of the Year, while the organisation itself has won Employer of the Year.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also received special commendation as a top trans-inclusive employer.
Mark Cashin, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Over the past 10 years, we have worked hard to create a workplace where LGBT colleagues feel safe and able to reach their full potential.
“As a result, we are attracting more LGBT people into the service than ever before and our latest staff survey showed that LGBT colleagues are among the happiest and most engaged in the organisation.
“A diverse workforce makes us better able to understand the needs of our increasingly diverse communities.
“For that reason, our focus this year has been on promoting the importance of LGBT inclusion in the way we provide our services.”
Cllr Bob Rudd, the Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, said: “There is no question Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has become the example for others to follow when it comes to supporting our wonderfully diverse communities.
“Every year the Service has demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and anyone who works for us or comes into contact with us should be assured of being treated equally, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Cheshire Constabulary are also in the Top 100, coming in at number 80.
Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall’s Executive Director of Workplace & Community Programmes, said: “We still don’t live in a world where everyone is able to be themselves in the workplace, as we know more than a third of LGBT staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work.
“By taking steps to make their workplaces supportive and welcoming of all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, these organisations are bringing us closer to a world where everyone is accepted without exception.”
Full results of the Top 100 Employers list can be found online at https://www.stonewall.org.uk/full-list-top-100-employers-2020
(Pic: Members of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service celebrate being named best employer in the North West and best emergency service in the UK in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list for 2020)
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