East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has completed a satisfactory self-assessment against the criteria for level three of the Equality Standard. This was confirmed following a two-day assessment by three external assessors, which took place at Service Headquarters on 24th and 25th March. The assessments involved input from a wide range of representatives from Service directorates, Boroughs, departments and external partners.

The Equality Standard for Local Government was launched in 2001 and is now adopted by most local authorities within the United Kingdom. The standard recognises the importance of fair equal treatment in local government services and employment. The Equality Standard has five levels and Level three is the 'setting of equality objectives and targets.'

The Equality Standard provides a way of working in local authorities that makes the mainstreaming of equality into service delivery and employment instrumental for all aspects of local authorities work. Over five levels of development, local authorities introduce a comprehensive and systematic approach to dealing with equalities, which enables them to set targets and achieve outcomes appropriate to local need.

The standard at level three focused on four main areas, which were, leadership and corporate commitment, community engagement, service delivery and customer care as well as employment and training. The assessors have outlined that they found a consistent evidence of energy, commitment and enthusiasm from all staff during their visit and identified areas of strengths within the Service, which included many examples of innovative projects which help to engage the community for community safety and recruitment.

The Chairman of the Fire Authority, Cllr. Michael Murphy passed on his sincere thanks and appreciation to all staff. He said, "The achievement of level three of the Equality Standard for Local Government is as a result of staff contributions and team work. Equality is about making our organisation a fair and open one where anyone who joins, feels valued. It is also about reducing deaths and injuries by targeting vulnerable groups of people and improving the service we deliver to our varied communities." He continued: "Congratulations to all staff who have worked so hard in embedding Equality and Diversity across the Service."

Multiple initiatives engaging with young people were also highlighted as areas of strength as well as staff networks, Equality and Diversity training and effective and sustained partnership working.