Kent Fire and Rescue Soars in LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Rankings
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has smashed expectations, ranking as the second best emergency service for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. They also climbed an impressive 104 places to 18th overall in the UK’s Top 100 Employers. In the public sector, they sit proudly at number five.
Back-to-Back Stonewall Gold Awards
KFRS has bagged Stonewall’s prestigious Gold award for the second year running. The award celebrates outstanding efforts to make workplaces welcoming for all staff members, especially those from LGBTQ+ communities.
“I’m really pleased KFRS has been recognised as an inclusive organisation – second best emergency service and progressing significantly in the top 100 list,” said Ann Millington, Chief Executive of KFRS.
“We’re committed to supporting LGBTQ+ communities in every way that we can, and we’re proud to play even a small part in the incredible work that Stonewall does.”
“The Gold award and being named one of the best emergency services for inclusivity show how far we’ve come in celebrating difference, both in the workplace and beyond. We will keep pushing to improve, putting everyone we serve at the heart of what we do.”
Championing Diversity with ‘Everyone Together’
To clinch the Gold, KFRS overhauled staff interactions with customers, beefed up HR policies, and launched ‘Everyone Together’—a bold campaign promoting diversity, equality, and kindness. During LGBT History Month, the fire service boosts its presence at LGBTQ+ events, hosts annual equality talks, and proudly flies the intersex progress flag at all stations.
“It’s fantastic to see the work Kent Fire and Rescue has done to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff can thrive as themselves,” said Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall.
“Workplaces where people feel they can be authentic are safer, friendlier, and better for everyone. We’re thrilled to welcome so many new champions of LGBTQ+ inclusion in this year’s list.”
Stonewall: Leading the Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality
Stonewall is the UK’s top LGBT equality charity, dedicated to building a world where everyone is free to be themselves. Their UK Workplace Equality Index (Top 100) benchmarks organisations’ progress on LGBTQ+ inclusion, shining a spotlight on those leading the charge.
For more on the Stonewall awards and LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, visit the Stonewall website.
