Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has a clear purpose: to keep people safe from fire and other risks and to respond efficiently and effectively to incidents and emergencies. To achieve this to the highest standard, the Service must draw on the full diversity of its workforce and the communities it serves.
Our Diversity Framework and Equality Objectives
It is important that the Service harnesses the unique strengths and perspectives of its workforce to deliver services to the community to the highest standard. The Diversity Framework 2025-29 incorporates our equality objectives and sets out how the Service will:
- Attract talent from across the community.
- Embrace different perspectives and experiences.
- Build a respectful and supportive culture.
- Meet our legal responsibilities
The Diversity Framework is structured around four overarching principles:
Recognise and Value Differences:
We acknowledge and value the many dimensions of diversity (in our staff and the community we serve).
Promote Inclusion:
We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel valued, treat each other respectfully and can fully contribute their skills and experience to the Service.
Strive for Fairness:
We aim to identify and address any barriers that may prevent individuals or groups from joining and thriving within our organisation.
Engage Contribution:
We want to foster a culture where everyone can contribute, grow and lead.
The Diversity Framework 2025-29 provides a robust, outcomes-focused approach to embedding fairness, inclusion and respect across HWFRS. It strengthens the Service’s ability to engage communities, meet legal duties, support its people and deliver high-quality protection, prevention and response services.
Our Core Code of Ethics:
The Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England sets out five ethical principles, which provide a basis for promoting good behaviour and challenging inappropriate behaviour. The Service is committed to the ethical principles of the Code.
Putting our communities first
We put the interest of the public, the community and service users first.
Integrity
We act with integrity including being open, honest and consistent in everything we do.
Dignity and respect
We make decisions objectively based on evidence, without discrimination or bias.
Leadership
As positive role models, we are accountable for everything we do and challenge all behaviour that falls short of the highest standards.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations and celebrate difference.
Positive Action
Positive action is a range of lawful initiatives to improve equality for people who share a protected characteristic, through reducing disadvantages, meeting the differing needs and increasing participation. Proportionate action can be taken when there is evidence of under representation or that a barrier exists.
Using positive action to increase representation within HWFRS is beneficial to us all. As well as enabling us to recruit from a wider pool of talented, skilled people to create a more forward thinking, inclusive and positive working environment, it helps us to understand the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service does not advocate or use positive discrimination, such as recruiting individuals because they have a protected characteristic. All our applicants go through the same selection processes and all employees are appointed solely on merit.
Positive Action Statement of Intent
The positive action statement of intent outlines how we will utilise positive action principles to encourage under-represented groups to engage with recruitment, career progression or prevention activities.
Equality and Gender Pay Gap Reporting
Here is our current report which details our workforce diversity data, gender pay gap information and progress against our equality objectives:
Here are copies of our previous reports:
Contact us
Feedback about equality and diversity is important to us. If you would like to comment on our equality objectives or want to know more, you can contact us as below.
Write to:
Head of HR & Development
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
Headquarters
Hindlip Park
Worcester
WR3 8SP
Tel: 01905 368 355
Page last reviewed: March 2026
Next review due: March 2027