East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Achieving safer and more sustainable communities

" I have worked in local government for 40 years, starting with East Sussex County Council Education Department in 1970. I'm proud to have been associated with the Fire & Rescue Service for nearly 26 years."

"As Head of Human Resources, I chose this equality strand because the Colleague Support Network is a vital part of ESFRS's overall strategy to deal with issues of harassment, bullying, victimisation and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace."

"When CMT discussed taking the lead for one of the equality & diversity strands, we were asked if we had a preference. Well, it posed an interesting question, as I have an interest in all the strands."

" I chose to be the Champion for Gender as I have seen how women within the Fire & Rescue Service have been a minority for a very long time. There are some fundamentals that are taking too long to address, such as cultural and behavioural issues."

"I have always relished the opportunities that the Fire & Rescue Service has available, and thought it would be good to improve my understanding to champion race. "

" Finding out about what inspires people in terms of their respective beliefs and how we can all gain from such values, even if not fully understanding the whole religious ethos that they follow, is something I have set out to learn more about as part of my remit."

"It is interesting that there is no agreed definition of rurality even though rural places make up 86% of the county and are fundamental to the natural character and history of East Sussex."

"My reason for volunteering to be the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Champion was grounded in the principle that everyone has a role to play in ESFRS. We can all play a more effective role if we are able to be ourselves, and that means feeling comfortable about our sexuality..."