Essex County Fire and Rescue Service awarded Silver Accreditation from the Inclusive Employers Standard

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has achieved a Silver Accreditation from the Inclusive Employers Standard (IES), recognising the Service’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.

It is the first time a fire and rescue service in the country has achieved an IES accreditation at this level. 

The accreditation replaces the Service’s previous Bronze Accreditation and is a testament to its efforts in building an inclusive environment for all its employees. 

The accreditation process involved an 80+ page submission document detailing strategies, frameworks and countless examples of the Service’s inclusion and diversity work. Examples included recruitment activities, communications, staff networks and data collection and analysis.

Feedback from the Inclusive Employers Standard noted: "It’s clear where inclusion and diversity fits within the bigger picture of your organisation, and that it forms part of your over-arching strategy. Your submission was full of strong examples of great inclusion and diversity practice. It's clear that you have been working hard and in a thoughtful and considered way to achieve the great results you have shown so far.”

Of particular significance is the Service's dedication to gathering robust diversity data and adapting network groups to meet evolving needs. These efforts showcase the Service's commitment to engaging employees at every level.

The Service's formal recognition of contributions to DEI was also given a special mention, focusing on active engagement with unions, solicitation of staff feedback on organisational matters and comprehensive support structures ensuring participation from all levels of the organisation.

Colette Black, Director of People Services, said: "This recognition reaffirms Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported. We believe in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this accreditation serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to these principles.

“Affirmation from EDI industry experts that we are taking the right steps couldn’t be more welcome. Not only are we the first fire and rescue service to achieve this level of accreditation, only 18% of those who are IES accredited have reached silver levels and only 4% gold. 

"Results like this are always a team effort, so well done to everyone involved in the continuous work and submission.”

The news comes on the back of the recent announcement that the Service has almost closed its gender pay gap over the last year.

Earlier this month Essex County Council was named UK Fire and Rescue Service of the Year at the IESE Ltd Public Sector Transformation Awards.