The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched an online consultation for a new document on ‘Equality of Access for Services and Employment for the LGBT Communities’, which is open to feedback from fire service workers.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched an online consultation for a new document on ‘Equality of Access for Services and Employment for the LGBT Communities’, which is open to feedback from fire service workers. The document uses the umbrella term LGBT for those who do not identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender but states there is “a lack of research into the Q+ community accessing the fire service”, hence why LGBTQ+ has not been used.
The drafted document examines the need to focus on equal service and employment opportunities as it states LGBT communities still face discrimination when accessing public services. It also suggests “public services do not routinely monitor the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of their staff and/or service users” meaning they cannot meet the needs of LGBT workers or service users.
The NFCC is aiming to give greater attention to the communities which work for and use the fire service in order to develop provisions of access for those from diverse backgrounds. It outlines actions the NFCC intends to take to increase LGBT inclusion, such as actively recruiting LGBT staff and volunteers and developing relationships with LGBT organisations across the country. Respondents will be asked if from reading the document, they feel its purpose is clear and overall whether it will be beneficial. They will also be able to suggest any amendments they feel may be necessary.
The consultation can be accessed here.
