As a member of the Stonewall Top 100 Employers, KFRS was ranked as the second best emergency service in terms of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, fifth among public sector organisations, and 18th overall among UK employers, climbing 104 places.
The service has also received Stonewall’s Gold award for the second year in a row, demonstrating its commitment to diversity and equality in all aspects of its operations.
The award is given to organisations that demonstrate exceptional support and efforts towards making workplaces more inclusive for all employees.
Stonewall is the UK’s leading LGBT equality charity, working to create a world where everyone is free to be themselves. The awards, along with the UK Workplace Equality Index (Top 100), serve as the definitive benchmarking tool, assisting organisations in tracking their progress towards LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“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 pleased to play just a small role in the incredible work that Stonewall does.
“We’re here for everyone in times of need, and the Gold award coupled with being one of the best emergency services for inclusivity, show how far the service has come with celebrating difference in the workplace and beyond.
“We will keep improving in any way we can, putting everyone we serve at the centre of everything we do.”
To achieve the Gold award, KFRS enhanced how staff relate to customers, bolstered HR and internal policies, and embedded ‘Everyone Together’ – the service’s approach to promoting inclusivity, diversity and equality, with a focus on valuing difference and being kind. During LGBT History Month, the fire service has a strong presence at LGBTQ+ events, has championed annual equality talks, and is flying the intersex progress flag at all stations.
It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Kent Fire and Rescue Service over the last year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves,” said Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall.
“For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments in which we can all feel at ease makes our workplaces a safer, better, and friendlier place for everyone, and it encourages employees to be proud of who they are.
“We’re incredibly proud to see so many new entrants from a range of sectors on this year’s list, who are committed to making LGBTQ+ people’s lives better. That is what inclusion is all about, and we can’t wait to see what happens.”
Visit Stonewall’s website for more information on the awards and the significance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
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