In an emergency always call 999
Make a selection from both options above.
Representatives from Avon Fire & Rescue Service are celebrating a series of achievements after completing the highly regarded Stepping Up leadership development programme, a regional initiative designed to create more inclusive and representative leadership across the South West.
Locally, Avon Fire & Rescue Service received the Stepping Up Inclusive Employer Award in Bristol, recognising the organisation’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Louisa Roger Temporary Cultural Change Implementation Lead, and Kyle Rees, Diversity, Inclusion, Cohesion & Equity (DICE) Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, were awarded graduation certificates for their successful participation in the year-long programme. In addition, Richard Stokes, former DICE Manager for the Service was presented with a Diversity Champion Award for his outstanding support to the programme.
“Taking part in the Stepping Up course was such an enjoyable and engaging experience. One of the best parts was meeting so many like-minded, knowledgeable people who brought different perspectives and experiences to the table. It gave me the space and confidence to reflect on my own leadership style, while also helping me develop valuable skills that I now use every day in my role at Avon Fire & Rescue Service. The course really challenged and inspired me, it’s something I’d recommend to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.”
Kyle Rees- DICE Officer, Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Louisa added: “For me, the biggest impact the Stepping Up programme had was meeting and working with a diverse group of people, and being given the time and opportunity to reflect on how I work. It helped me understand my strengths and what holds me back.
Because of this, I gained confidence, recognised my value, and was able to step up into new roles in the Service.”
Louisa Roger – Tempory Culture Change Implementation Lead, Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Stepping Up is a diversity leadership talent pipeline for disabled, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, as well as women, in Bristol and the South West region. The programme began in January 2018 and has won local and national awards, and continues to improve the diversity landscape it aimed to shift. The Programme runs for one year and culminates with an award to participants at the end of the programme.