Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service recognises that certain groups
in society are still more likely to suffer from unfair treatment
and discrimination. We therefore continue to strive to eliminate
all forms of unfair treatment and discrimination, and are committed
to the continued development of a working culture in which fair
treatment of all is the norm.
We aim to set and to achieve high standards; to learn and improve
continuously, and to work co-operatively.
We believe in openness, honesty and integrity; in responsibility
and accountability; in mutual trust and respect, and in valuing
diversity in our role both as an employer and as a public service
provider.
We recognise the value that a diverse workforce can bring to our
organisation and will seek to create an environment that maximises
everyone's talents in order to meet the needs of the organisation,
and those of the communities it serves.
We uphold the principle that all employees have both rights and
responsibilities, and that these must be clearly understood and
integrated into all aspects of our work in order that all employees
are enabled to make their distinctive contribution to the
service.
In dealing with each other and with the public, all employees
are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in
keeping with our policy on equality and fairness and related
standards.
All managers are expected to take positive steps to ensure this by
exercising appropriate leadership through the challenging of all
forms of prejudice and unfair discrimination, and by being positive
role models.
To achieve this we will take steps to :
- encourage diversity and eliminate unfair treatment and
discrimination through the full range of personnel and management
procedures, in particular in the areas of recruitment, selection,
assessment, development and promotion, and through its service
delivery;
- encourage and equip staff to welcome diversity and to respect
the rights and contributions of others; and
- measure progress by maintaining management information systems,
and by talking to staff and trade unions, service users and
partners about their views on the performance of the service, and
utilise such feedback to improve the service.