Equality, diversity and inclusion in the fire service
We are looking at ways to increase our diversity within the fire service.
We believe there is real strength in including everyone and valuing difference. Bringing together people from a wide range of backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives helps us better understand the communities we serve and strengthens how we work. An inclusive and supportive environment allows people to feel valued, contribute fully, and reach their potential, benefiting both our workforce and the public.
As a fire and rescue service, we know that a diverse workforce brings together different skills, strengths, and ways of thinking. This supports better decision‑making, encourages innovation, and helps us respond to the changing demands of modern fire and rescue work. By reflecting the communities of Oxfordshire, we can build trust, break down barriers, and develop stronger relationships with the people we serve.
We actively encourage applications from sections of the community that are not yet fully represented within the fire and rescue service, as well as from people who may never have considered this as a career. We want people to see that there is a place for them in the fire service and that their skills, experiences and values can make a real difference.
This approach aligns with Oxfordshire County Council’s Including Everyone Framework and the principles promoted by the National Fire Chiefs Council, which recognise that fairness, respect and inclusion are essential to an effective fire and rescue service. While we know there is more work to do, we remain committed to creating a service where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to contribute, guided by our shared values as we serve our communities.
Our Community Risk Management Plan 2022-2026 outlines what we will do over the next four years to contribute towards service improvement for Oxfordshire residents. In this document, we have set some strategic objectives that focus on people. In this, we are committed to continuing with our work to pursue a more inclusive culture and a more diverse workforce so we can represent the community we serve and staff can fulfil their potential.
Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework: Including Everyone (pdf format, 4.5Mb) focuses on protecting the diverse strengths of individuals and building inclusive communities. We support this framework and strive to deliver the objectives outlined in the document:
- making sure we are being fair to everyone
- give everyone the same fair chance to make the most of their lives
- build strong communities where everyone feels included.
We embrace equality, diversity and inclusion; valuing the difference in others. We always act with integrity, working in honest, ethical and supportive ways, building effective relationships; we trust each other to do what we promise.
Bronze award for our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work
In March 2022, we proudly received a Stonewall bronze award for our commitment and efforts to become an LGBTQ+ employer. The award is part of Stonewall’s ‘Bring Yourself to Work’ campaign, developed by the LGBTQ+ equality charity to highlight the importance of inclusive work environments. We have been recognised for our commitment to the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/queer people in the workplace.
Staff networks
Our staff networks work to support colleagues, raise awareness, impact-assess decision making and enable innovative approaches to make our organisation stronger. Our networks include:
- The REACH (Race Equality and Cultural Heritage) Network
- LGBTIQ+ Awareness Network
- Disability and Wellbeing Network (DAWN)
- Christian Network Group
- Women's Network Group
- Muslim Staff Network