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Equality and Diversity

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority (The Authority) is committed to the fair treatment for all, both in terms of the service that it delivers to the communities of Tyne and Wear and in employment.

 

The Authority is committed to fairness and equality issues and the way we manage our service through our policies and procedures supports our commitment to a diverse workforce, which serves a diverse community.

 

To support our commitment, both a Diversity and Equality Policy and Single Equality Scheme have been developed, both of which are available for download below.

 

What do we mean by Equality?

Equality is about ensuring people are not discriminated against unfairly and giving everyone the same opportunities.


What do we mean by Diversity?

Diversity is about respecting and valuing difference whether they are visible or non visible regardless to race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age.

We need to recognise not all people are the same and that people have different, equally valuable skills, experience and knowledge to offer.


Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWRS) is committed to the Equality and Diversity Agenda. We are working to deliver a modern, effective service, ensuring value for money with staff who reflect the communities we serve.


Legislation

Current legislation relating to equality and diversity include Civil Partnerships Act 2004, Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Disability Discrimination Amendment Act 2005(public sector), Employment Equality Age Regulation 2006, Employment Equality Religion or belief Regulation 2003, The Employment Equality Sex Discrimination Regulations 2005, Employment Equality Sexual Orientation Regulation 2003, Equal Pay Act 1970, Equality Act 2006, Gender Recognition Act 2004, Race Relations Act 1976, Amendment Act 2000, Race Relations Regulation 2003, Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006, Sex Discrimination Act 1975. All of these legislations require the individual being discriminated against to take legislative action.

 

Equality Scheme

Positive action within Public sectors saw the introduction of the Race Equality Scheme, the Disability Equality Scheme and the Gender Equality Scheme, which puts the onus on the organisation to ensure they are not causing any adverse effect to Black Minority Ethnic (BME), Disabled people, men, women and trans gender.

 

Within TWFRS we have adopted a Single Equality Scheme which sets out specific objectives and action plans that demonstrate how we will achieve Race, Disability and Gender Equality. It also incorporates how we will eliminate unlawful discrimination in relation to Sexual Orientation, Religion or Belief and Age.

 

Diversity and Equality Policy
Diversity and Equality Policy - [270 KB] This policy demonstrates the commitment of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority (the Authority) to fairness and equality issues. The way we manage our service through our policies and procedures supports our commitment to a diverse workforce, which serves a diverse community. [pdf]
Single Equality Scheme (SES)
Single Equality Scheme (SES) - [264 KB] The aim of the SES is to demonstrate how TWFRA will recognise the differences between people and endeavour to meet the needs of our staff and the communities we serve. The document reflects our commitment to ensuring any inequalities are identified and where possible action is taken to address these.