Derbyshire have become only the fifth Fire and Rescue Service to be awarded 'Excellence' on the Equality Framework for Local Government.

Chief Fire Officer Sean Frayne and Fire Authority Chair David Wilson have both said how proud they are for DFRS to achieve the highest possible level of achievement measured against the Framework. 

A team of four assessors undertook the assessment over a three day period, including conducting interviews with individual employees and focus groups  along with visits to partner and community projects to hear at first hand evidence of the 'excellent' practice that the Service is engaged in.

CFO Frayne said: "I am extremely proud that Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has been awarded Excellence.  Equality and Diversity has been deeply embedded into the fabric of the Service and the communities that it serves, this award is in recognition of that.

"DFRS is only the fifth Fire and Rescue Service to achieve the excellence level, something that without the dedication and hard work of all our employees would not have been possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our partners.  Without their commitment and support the overall outcome would not have been achievable."

The Service have said they will not rest on their laurels and remain committed to continuous improvement and engagement, so have asked the local community tell us them what they want from their Excellent Fire and Rescue Service ahead of a full consultation on the Service's priorities.

For more information and to get in contact visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk 

Posted 19/06/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com