Monday 2
June
09.30hrs
Avon Fire &
Rescue Service (AF&RS) has been recognised at a government
awards ceremony for its continued commitment to equality and
diversity issues.
At the Fire and
Rescue Services Equality and Diversity Awards 2008, Avon was named
as runner up in one category and singled out for particular praise
for two of its other initiatives.
Lorraine Abrahams,
AF&RS’s Director of Service Improvement, was the runner up in
the Leadership category for her work on the Women as Leaders
Conference. The event took place in 2006 and sought to explore the
issues faced by women in a traditionally male dominated working
environment.
Avon’s ‘Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality in the Fire Service’
conference, along with a Watch Managers equality training group
started by the service, were also deemed worthy of a commendation
by the judging panel and Fire Minister Pamjit Dhanda MP.
Chief Fire Officer / CE Kevin Pearson said: “I am extremely proud
that the excellent work that has been taking place here in Avon has
been recognised at the highest level. As a service we remain
committed to a clear equality and diversity strategy which I
believe has long term benefits for our staff and the public we
serve.
“To be mentioned alongside the other worthy winners is a great
honour and evidence of the wide array of positive work that is
going on in fire and rescue services all around the country.”