Stonewall name TWFRS as Top 100 LGBT employer

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has been named as one of the most LGBT- Inclusive employers in Britain after being included in the Stonewall top 100 Workplace Equality Index.

The annual list recognises organisations that have done outstanding work over the past year to make sure every LGBT employee is accepted without exception.

Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer, said: “We’re proud to be one of only two fire and rescue services in the country to be named in the Stonewall Top 100 list.

“We take our responsibilities to our employees and the communities we serve seriously. Our own LGBT Staff Network Group continues its work to drive forward engagement initiatives, policies and procedures to promote inclusion within the service and to represent and reflect the community it serves. We are also part of Trans Lives NE, a multi-agency group working on building Trans-equality in the workplace.

Last year we recognised and supported LGBT History month, IDAHOT (International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia), World AIDS Day and performed hundreds of Home Safety Checks after taking part in the Newcastle and Sunderland Pride events and using this as an opportunity to speak with many of the attendees, who were keen to ensure that their homes were safe.

Progress has been good, but we know that there is more that we need to do and will continue to do throughout 2018.”

You can find more information on the Index at:

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/full-list-top-100-employers-2018