Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is pleased to announce that it is now a Stonewall Diversity Champion. Stonewall is Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ charity, founded in 1989 in response to the Section 28 legislation.
The Diversity Champions program is an employers’ program for ensuring that all LGBTQ+ staff are accepted without exception in the workplace. Through the program, Stonewall work with over 850 organizations to help creative inclusive and accepting work environments.
Providing better service
As a diversity champion, RBFRS will have access to a range of services. This includes webinars and conference events, as well as a suite of resources and guidance aimed at helping make the workplace as inclusive as possible. Together with Stonewall, RBFRS will be able to build on its commitments to LGBTQ+ inclusion, including the Service’s work with Reading Pride.
We’re very proud to join the scheme and are looking forward to learning from Stonewall"
Nikki Richards, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Being a Stonewall Diversity Champion is the next step on our journey to demonstrate that our Service is an inclusive workplace for all. We are confident that this will helps us provide a better service to the diverse communities of Berkshire. We’re very proud to join the scheme and are looking forward to learning from Stonewall and other partners.”
Fire Authority Champion
Councilor Tina McKenzie-Boyle, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion for Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “As the Fire Authority Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, I’m very glad that the Service is now a Stonewall Diversity Champion. We will be able to work collaboratively with Stonewall and embed values that will demonstrate our commitment to all in our community.”
This membership builds on the commitment to making RBFRS a diverse and inclusive place for the team serving the residents of Royal Berkshire.