Notts fire service embrace the LGBT community

The visible support from NFRS - which holds a top 100 ranking within the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index - is in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).

Flags and supporting banners will be displayed this week and all staff are being encouraged to sign up to Stonewall’s anti-bullying ‘No Bystanders’ pledge online on the No Bystanders website (opens in a new window).

Deputy chief fire officer Wayne Bowcock, the service’s lead on equality and LGBT issues, said: “This day encourages communities to remember the progress made in achieving LGBT equality in society, shows support for LGBT communities and aims to raise awareness of homophobia and transphobia throughout workplaces and wider society.”

“Although progress is being made both in the Service and more widely, there is still room for improvements for workplaces and wider society to become truly inclusive.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has worked hard in recent years to promote LGBT equality in employment and the way it delivers its services to the public.

As a member of Stonewall, a charity which campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across Britain, it measures its achievements against other organisations through the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and currently ranks 89 out of 415 organisations nationally.

Wayne added: “Significant progress has been made in achieving LGBT equality both within employment and service delivery recognised by the Service’s top 100 ranking in the Workplace Equality Index 2016.”.

“The Service is proud to provide visible support for IDAHOT once again in 2016 as part of its commitment to LGBT equality.”