FIRE chiefs are celebrating after being named as the third most inclusive employers in Britain for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people for the second year running.

It is the eight time that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been named in the Top 100 Employers list for its work in supporting LGBT staff, volunteers and residents by the charity Stonewall.

The service is the top ranked employer in the north west and the highest performing emergency service in the country.

Mark Cashin, chief fire officer, has also been awarded North West Senior Champion of the Year, while the service’s LGBT staff network Firepride has been named as a Highly Commended Network Group, and the service was identified as one of Stonewall’s Top Trans Employers.

Mr Cashin said: “Over the past 10 years, we have worked hard to create a workplace where LGBT colleagues feel safe and able to reach their full potential. As a result, we are attracting more LGBT people into the Service than ever before and our latest staff survey showed that LGBT colleagues are among the happiest and most engaged in the organisation.

“A diverse workforce makes us better able to understand the needs of our increasingly diverse communities. For that reason, our focus this year has been on promoting the importance of LGBT inclusion in the way we provide our services.

“We are delighted that Stonewall has recognised this work and proud to have retained our position in the Top 100 Employers list. It is hugely important to us that we remain visible champions for LGBT inclusion.”

Stonewall assesses organisations ranging from local authorities to international investment banks against criteria including engagement with staff and communities, training and leadership.

The Top 100 is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT equality in the workplace, as well as their wider work in the community and on service provision.

Each organisation must demonstrate their expertise in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, senior leadership, procurement and how well they’ve engaged with LGBT communities.

Cllr Bob Rudd, the Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, the body which oversees the Service, added: “There is no question that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has become the example for others to follow when it comes to supporting our wonderfully diverse communities.

“Every year the Service has demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and anyone who works for us or comes into contact with us should be assured of being treated equally, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

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Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been the highest performing UK emergency service for the past five years.

Cheshire Police also retains its place in the Top 100 Employers list, ranking 80th nationwide.