Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is once again the UK’s most LGBT+ inclusive emergency service in the country according to Stonewall’s 2023 Workplace Equality Index.

The fire service ranks fifth overall alongside major national organisations, making it both the highest-ranking emergency service for the third year running and the second most LGBT+ inclusive public sector employer in the country. 

In addition, the Service has achieved a Gold award for the second consecutive year in recognition of its LGBT+ inclusive ways of working.

Alex Waller, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have featured in Stonewall’s Top 100 for the last 11 years and among the top 10 employers for the last six. 

“It reflects a huge amount of work over the last decade to ensure that our LGBT+ colleagues can be themselves at work, feel included and give their very best to the communities we serve. 

“Much of this work has been led by LGBT+ staff themselves, keen to create a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Our Firepride LGBT+ staff network set a precedent for our women’s, race and ethnicity and, most recently, neurodiversity staff networks. They are all driving positive change every day.”

This year Stonewall recognised Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s work to engage thousands of people at eight pride events, run a national conference on considering the needs of LGBT+ people when developing services and to recruit more LGBT+ people to its firefighting and fire staff roles. 

Praising the Service, Stonewall’s Chief Executive Nancy Kelley said: “It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.

“For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.”

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting wholetime firefighters to start training in September. It welcomes applications from LGBT+ candidates and those from other underrepresented groups. Visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs