Across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service our staff network groups go above and beyond to support our people in making our organisation an inclusive place to work.
This National Day for Staff Networks, which is held annually on 10 May, our four groups have offered members of staff the opportunity to find out more about the incredible work they do.
Our staff networks – FirePROUD, FireINSPIRE, FireENABLE and FireREACH – provide a valuable platform for promoting diversity and inclusion within HIWFRS.
The groups which were first set up back in 2017 provide a safe space for colleagues to share experiences and ideas, and promote a culture of inclusion within our service.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion manager, Lisa Forgione said:
“We are proud of the significant role our network groups play in driving change across our organisation and raising awareness of different issues.
“The experiences which people from underrepresented groups can have, can differ significantly from other employees.
“It is vital that we have these groups, to offer support and engage with those who have had similar experiences and understand what they have gone through.
“The networks can influence our policies, bring in new methods of doing things, engage with our diverse communities and help us become truly reflective of those communities which we serve.”
FirePROUD is a Staff Network Group that provides a friendly and safe forum of support for employees who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
The group is actively involved in Pride events across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, as well as various awareness days throughout the year.
The FireINSPIRE network works alongside colleagues to promote gender equality across HIWFRS. The group has recently held events for International Women’s Day, as well as regular Women’s Self Defence classes and Menopause workshops.
FireENABLE is a network which covers disability, mental health, and neurodiversity. The network gives a collective voice on issues relating to these areas and enables staff to share experiences and provide mutual support.
Recently the group has introduced a sensory tent, which is available for fire station open days, and is designed to support young children with neurodiverse conditions such as Autism.
FireREACH celebrates and raises awareness for the diversity of Religion, Ethnicity And Cultural Heritage within our organisation and communities.
The network has organised faith days to mark religious events such as Eid, Vaisakhi, Diwali and Christmas, building links with people with different beliefs and backgrounds.
Across the country, Networks Day presents organisations with an opportunity to celebrate the contribution and offer an insight into the experiences of underrepresented colleagues.
Find out more about our staff network groups by visiting their dedicated page, and learn about the National Day for Staff Networks on their website.