Equality and diversity

Disability and Gender Equality Scheme

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) has processes in place to ensure that our policies and practices are not undermined or compromised by engaging suppliers that do not share our values and the same commitment to achieving equality of opportunity for all individuals and communities.

When a contract for services or goods is put out to tender, we will require all suppliers to supply us with evidence of their eligibility to be awarded a contract either within a 'pre-qualification questionnaire' (PQQ) or 'invitation to tender' (ITT) document. This includes information on their equal opportunities policies and where they are/have been subject to formal investigations by any equality body. This information and requirement is further supported by the terms and conditions within the contract whether for goods or services.

Any functions that are contracted will undergo an assessment process, particularly where they are in public or highly visible areas. Monitoring processes will be designed and implemented, by the devolved budget manager and its department, to review these suppliers and contractors to ensure they are complying with the responses they gave when tendering for our contracts. Where we use an intermediary for the purchase of goods and services, ie. Hampshire County Council, or any third party we will seek their assurances and support in obtaining the information we require from their sub-contractors.

Action will be taken immediately against any supplier who is found to be in breach of the conditions of their contract in this respect, but this action can take many forms and include the support and education of the supplier while they make the necessary changes to their processes and services.