Institution of Fire Engineers outlines EEDI actions taken over the past year
Iain Hoey
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EEDI progress across the IFE
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has outlined progress on its Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) work over the past year, including changes to communications, feedback processes, branch support and progression routes.
The IFE said inclusive language and accessibility checks are now part of its communications and policy sign-off processes.
The institution said teams now use a checklist to support consistent decisions in these areas.
Feedback routes are also being included where possible so members can say what is working and what needs improvement.
A more structured feedback system is being used to measure engagement and satisfaction.
The IFE said this is intended to give it a stronger evidence base for decision-making and to keep member views part of its priorities.
Branch leaders have also been given guidance, presentations and tools to help apply EEDI principles in local activity.
The institution said support for members returning to the profession has also been identified as an area for future work.
EEDI work on standards and progression
The IFE also said work is underway to reinforce a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour through stronger policies and clearer reporting routes, including anonymous reporting.
Guidance and educational content for employers has also been developed to explain what zero tolerance looks like in practice and how it can be applied within organisations.
Exam-based progression routes are being reviewed and modernised with sector partners.
The institution said this work is intended to align progression more closely with real roles and responsibilities across fire and rescue services.
The IFE is also using the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity and Inclusion Progression Framework internally to review progress, identify areas for improvement and benchmark its approach over time.
It said this will sit alongside periodic member feedback and regular updates through its communications.
The update sets out how the IFE plans to keep member feedback central as this work continues.