The Equality Act 2010 says you must not be discriminated against because of your sexual orientation.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service takes active steps in building strong, positive relationships with members of our communities who identify as non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender. We consistently attend all local pride events across the two counties seeking to build relationships with attendees, advertise the support and services we offer within the community and remove the barriers that are known to be feared amongst these communities, such as those fears around homophobic reactions and discrimination towards them. We were headline sponsors for the Swindon 2019 Pride as well as leading the Bournemouth Pride parade with multiple appliances.
DWFRS has an Internal support network available to all members of staff and volunteers who identify as non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender (FirePride), this group contribute to service wide decisions, ensuring that considerations are made on all policies and procedures to make sure there is no disproportionate disadvantages. In 2018 Stonewall reviewed a number of our policies and procedures to ensure inclusive language had been used throughout.
The chair of our network is also a member of the UK FRS LGBT network therefore enabling us to learn from best practice across the UK.