A message from our Chief Fire Officer

We are committed to the safety of our communities throughout Tyne and Wear.

Our aim is to keep you protected – whether we’re responding to an emergency or working to promote safety in our waters, on our roads and in our homes and businesses. Our most recent inspection results confirm that we do this effectively and efficiently, whilst maintaining a positive and inclusive culture for our people.

Our website provides you with information on our work and performance, as well as safety advice. I hope you find it helpful and interesting, but if you have any suggestions on how we can improve the site, please let us know.

Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer

Our commitment to you

We’re here to keep Tyne and Wear safe for everyone, 24 hours a day.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We work to promote fair treatment for all, for both our employees and the communities of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Our 17 fire stations are staffed by highly trained firefighters and our work is supported by corporate staff and community volunteers.

Our vision: Creating the safest community

Our mission: To save life, reduce risk, provide humanitarian services and protect the environment

Find out more about what we do.

Our values

All of our employees have a responsibility to uphold these core values:

We value service to the community by:

• working with all groups to reduce risk
• treating everyone fairly and with respect
• being answerable to those who we serve
• striving for excellence

We value all of our employees by practising and promoting:

• fairness and respect
• recognition of merit
• honesty, integrity and mutual trust
• personal development
• co-operative and inclusive working

We value improvement at all levels of the service by:

• accepting responsibility for our performance
• being open minded
• considering criticism thoughtfully
• learning from our experience
• consulting others

We value diversity in the service and community by:

• treating everyone fairly and with respect
• providing varying solutions for different needs and expectations
• promoting equal opportunities in employment within the service
• challenging prejudice and discrimination

Code of Ethics

The National Fire Chief’s Council sets out a code of ethics for all fire and rescue services in the UK.

With our values in mind, we will always:

• put the interests of the public, the community, and service users first
• act with integrity including being open, honest, and consistent in everything that we do
• treat people with dignity and respect, making decisions objectively based on evidence, without discrimination or bias
• be positive role models, always demonstrating flexible and resilient leadership. And be accountable for everything we do and challenge all behaviour that falls short of the highest standards
• recognise and promote the value of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, both within the Service and the wider communities in which we serve.

We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations, and celebrate difference.

Awards and Accreditations

We are exceptionally proud of our people and the first class service we provide to the community of Tyne and Wear, as well as the support and leadership we provide nationally.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) judged us as ‘Good’ in all three areas of inspection.

In addition, we have a number of accreditations and awards, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and providing the best possible service.