Equality Champions

Equality Champions

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has launched an 'Equalities Champions' programme to support the equality and inclusion agenda. The purpose of the programme which also operates at London and Humberside FRS is to promote an understanding of equality and to provide a point of reference for signposting to information and sources of guidance and advice. The programme simply compliments all the existing management and reporting structures and existing sources of information and guidance. It is additional support and does not replace any of the normal service mechanisms or procedures.

The Champions are currently made up of 20 volunteers from across the Service that have undertaken a two day development course in preparation for this role. The training was facilitated by an external trainer Gamiel Yafai, from Diversity Market Place, with inputs from County Council Equality Officer Joel Rashbash and CFRS Officers Carolyn Carol and Adrian Buckle. The training included sessions on attitudes and Values, Discrimination, Harassment, Positive Action, Racism and Sexism, CCC Single Equality Scheme, CCC and CFRS HR Policies and Support Mechanisms, CFRS Equality Impact Assessments. In addition an internal file has been created 'equality Champions' that contains all relevant guidance in one place.  The group will meet twice a year for half a day to share their experiences, review the scheme and undertake training. 

The Equality Champions have the following terms of reference:

1. Signpost colleagues to appropriate sources of information and support.
2. Promote understanding and awareness of the key equality strands including race, disability, gender, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, rurality and any future additional strands.
3. Attend Equality Champions meetings and training.
4. Maintain confidentiality within the agreed boundaries when being approached for advice and guidance.
5. Challenge inappropriate behaviour across the Service
6. Deliver a consistent message about positive workplace behaviours at CFRS
7. Support a culture of staff and community engagement at CFRS
8. Strive to support a culture of increased transparency and improved communication at CFRS
9. Help to promote good practice across the Service 

If you wish to contact an Equality Champion for information or signposting a list of names is found below:
Please feel able to contact anyone from the list:

Champions will keep a record on any interactions within the Service, however they will not record the name of any individual, only the gender, date and nature of the interaction.

Please feel able to make use of this new programme. For further information; please contact Suzanne Pender Service Improvement Officer suzanne.pender@cumbriacc.gov.uk 07769640882