July saw in the publication of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service’s tranche two inspections – a total of 15 reports. Inspectors highlighted several overarching positive outputs such as the sector being good at responding to both routine and major incidents, a positive shift in services prioritising protection and confidence in wellbeing and health and safety arrangements.

However, one key, at times somewhat controversial, theme that continues to be missed is equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

When we discuss EDI, we are all aware that EDI is broad – we are not just talking about how many firefighters are female or ethnic minorities and whether our local paper is still using the term ‘fireman’ (please, let us not rehash this debate). Equality, diversity and inclusion is a core part of culture within any organisation – how we treat/respect each other and our differences, adapting to help one-another and better supporting our communities – recruitment is one part of it.

That being said, if we have learnt anything from the recent Euros 2022 victory – it is that if our next generation can see it, they can achieve it (slogan from the Professional Football Association's campaign).

 

Read the full article on our digital issue, page 34-35.

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