GMFRS ranked in top 100 for first time on Stonewall’s Top Employers List for LGBTQ+ people

• Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service moves up 109 places since their last submission, to rank 93^rd in Stonewall list of Top Employers for LGBTQ+ people.
• Stonewall’s Top 100 employers list ranks organisations on their efforts and commitment to creating welcoming environments for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, nonbinary and queer/questioning staff.
• Organisations are ranked by a set of standardised criteria, including inclusive policies, and supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ identities at work.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has received a national accolade for its commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace.

GMFRS has moved up 109 places to be ranked 93^rd on Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers list as well as winning a Gold Employer Award from Stonewall. This follows a wealth of work towards creating a diverse and inclusive Service, including establishing a staff network for LGBTQ+ colleagues, inclusion and equality training for all staff, and targeted recruitment work to better represent Greater Manchester’s communities.

GMFRS Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel said: "I am delighted that GMFRS is in the Top 100 Employers this year, moving up 109 places since our last submission. To also win a Gold award is testament to the hard work we have put in since 2019 around LGBTQ+ inclusion.

"From our Rainbow Staff Network for staff who identify as LGBTQ+ to our recruitment processes, I look forward to building on our LGBTQ+ inclusion in the coming years. At GMFRS we particularly welcome applications to join the Service from the LGBTQ+ community and this recognition from Stonewall can only further acknowledge this."

For the last 20 years, Stonewall – the world’s second-largest LGBTQ+ charity – has been supporting employers to create welcoming workplaces for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.

According to the charity’s research (link opens in new window), more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff (35 per cent) hide who they are at work, while one in five (18 per cent) have been the target of negative comments because they’re LGBTQ+.

In response to this, GMFRS has been committed to embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Service over the last few years.

The Rainbow Staff Network for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies is now well-established and helps to ensure that staff are supported and have a voice in the continuing growth of inclusion and equality across the organisation. By looking at decision making, visibility and recognition, the Rainbow Network helps to develop an inclusive culture that is backed up with support from senior GMFRS leaders.

GMFRS has also rolled out a range of learning and development opportunities, such as ‘Inclusion Essentials’ training. This enables staff to gain a quick insight into how to achieve good equality practice and provides guidance on creating an inclusive Service. Around 90% of firefighters have now completed this training.

GMFRS also supports a range of community and Pride events across Greater Manchester to promote opportunities for anyone that is interested in working for the Service.

These actions are underpinned by new and updated policies and procedures that set out the Service’s zero tolerance view of any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination, or victimisation.

Liz Ward, Director of Programmes at Stonewall (she/her) said: "We’re delighted for GMFRS who’s incredible work towards LGBTQ+ inclusion this year has seen them land at 93^rd place in the Top 100. Every employer has a duty to make sure that their LGBTQ+ staff are free from discrimination at work, and our Top 100 list, alongside our Workplace Equality Index helps organisations reflect on their inclusion journey and celebrate best practice.

"We spend much of our time at work, and our career can be a huge part of how we define ourselves. That’s why it’s vital that every single lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer person feels like they can be themselves in their workplace."

The full Top 100 list this year can be found on the Stonewall website (page opens in new window), as well as further information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and more information on how the Top 100 list is created.

23/02/2022 08:37 AM