Equality and fairness policy

Equality at work policy statement

The fire service recognises that in our society, groups and individuals have been, and continue to be, discriminated against.

In order to work towards eliminating discrimination, the service has adopted an Equality at Work Statement:

The fire service provides a community service and is committed to ensuring Equality at Work in employment and a high level of service to all people. The aim of its Equality at Work Policy is to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, having dependants, being lesbian or gay, age, social class, trade union activity, political (subject to the Local Government Housing Act 1989) and religious belief or, in the case of non-operational posts, disability. Selection criteria and procedures will be kept under review to ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. All employees will be given training to progress within the organisation. All forms of harassment/discrimination/bullying are totally unacceptable to the service in its role as both employer and public service provider.The fire service is committed to a programme of action to ensure that Equality at Work takes place. The fire service expects all its employees to comply with the policy, and monitoring will be carried out to ensure this.

Equal opportunities statement

Avon Fire & Rescue Service serves the communities of the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire and those people who travel through the above areas or those who are visitors.

The service is committed to securing and promoting equality of opportunity in both service delivery and employment. Everyone is entitled to fair treatment and it is essential for the continuing success and development of our service that we have in place a policy which secures this commitment.

Discriminatory practice undermines the effectiveness of the way people apply themselves to their work. This is wasteful for the service, is unacceptable to the individual and does not make best use of skills and potential.

All staff will be made fully aware of this policy. Training will be given to ensure that all staff understand the policy. It will be the responsibility of all employees to comply with the policy, as it is only with commitment and support that we will create an environment that is free from discrimination.