Our vision for equality in Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority is “An accessible and inclusive service that does not discriminate and meets the needs of all members of our local community.”

We are committed to promoting equality through our service delivery, policy development, employment procedures, and to eliminate discrimination.

We have robust policies and procedures in place which enable us to manage diversity and equality effectively including our Diversity and Equality Policy and Dignity and Respect Policy.

Our commitment is also strongly reflected in our success in gaining Level 3 of the Local Government Equality Standard, shortly after which we carried out a self-assessment and were awarded Level 4 of the Standard.

In December 2009 we migrated to the ‘Working Towards Excellence’ level of the Fire and Rescue Service Equality Framework and are preparing for an assessment against the highest level of the framework “Excellent” before December 2012.

As a public sector provider, we expect every one of our employees to provide an equal service to all of the residents of Tyne and Wear. In order to support this we have a set of core values based upon the Fire and Rescue Service national values, underpin everything that we do.

We have adopted a joint statement in relation to our position regarding membership of extremist political parties or similar organisations endorsed by the Chairman of the Fire Authority, Chief Fire Officer and Representative Bodies. This demonstrates our commitment to full compliance with our legal duty to eliminate unlawful discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity.

Our legal requirements -

Under the Equality Act 2010, a new Public Sector Equality Duty came into force on 1st April 2011.

The duty incorporates the following nine protected characteristics: race, disability, age, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and (for employment duties only) marriage & civil partnership and pregnancy & maternity and requires us to:

Have due regard to the need to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
• Advance equality of opportunity; and
• Foster good relations.

For more information please visit our website at www.twfire.gov.uk