North East Fire and Rescue Service nominated for national award written by
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue 1372078946
on the 24
th June 2013 at 14:02
- Posted in Fire Blog
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has been nominated for a National Diversity Award.
The awards showcase the efforts of those who have demonstrated an outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion within today's society. The awards aim to recognise nominees in their respective fields of diversity, including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.
The Service has been nominated in the The Diverse Company Award of The National Diversity Awards. Last year's winner was the co-operative group. It is given to a company that employs a diverse workforce and is better able to understand the demographics of the marketplace it serves and whose goal is to reassure and encourage people from the most deprived areas to further their careers.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is regarded as one of the UK's leading fire and rescue services in embracing the diversity and the positive impact it has on its workforce and the community it serves. In January it achieved 28th place in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2013, up from 60th the previous year - above any other fire and rescue service. In April the Service also gained “Excellent†status following a Local Government Association Peer Challenge for every service they provide for their community and their own staff.
But to be in with a chance of winning the Service needs people to nominate them. You can do this by visiting: http://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/#/diverse-companies/4554239032 The National Diversity Awards 2013 in association with Microsoft will be held at the Queens Hotel, Leeds on September 20. Britain's most inspirational people will come together to honour the rich tapestry of our nation, recognising individuals and groups from local communities who have contributed to creating a more diverse and inclusive society.
Big Brother host Brian Dowling and CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell will be hosting this year's event. The awards have also gained support from a number of celebrities, including Stephen Fry, Beverley Knight and Ade Adepitan.
Chairman Cllr Tom Wright, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "It is a great honour to have been nominated for this prestigious award and it reflects the commitment we have to equality and diversity which is at the heart of everything we do. It is about understanding our communities better and providing the right services to those most at risk and making them safer.â€
Paul Sesay, Chief Executive of The National Diversity Awards said: "If ever there was a time to celebrate and elevate the truly staggering diversity of talent the UK has to offer - it is now."
Nominations close on 19 July with shortlisted nominees announced shortly afterwards.