National professional Standards are a key component of continuous improvement in any sector. They form a point of focus, against which performance can be measured and further improvement or new requirements be identified.
In short, they identify “what good looks like”. Read more about the fire standards
Read our key document - Leadership Behavioural Framework.pdf (esfrs.org)
Code of Ethics
Following the publication in May 2021 of a new Core Code and guidance, East Sussex Fire Authority and East Sussex Fire and Rescue is committing itself to embedding the five key principles in its work.
- Putting our communities first – we put the interest of the public, the community and service users first.
- Integrity – we act with integrity including being open, honest and consistent in everything we do.
- Dignity and respect - making decisions objectively based on evidence, without discrimination or bias.
- Leadership – we are all positive role models, always demonstrating flexibility and resilient leadership. We are all accountable for everything we do and challenge all behaviour that falls short of the highest standards.
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) – We continually recognise and promote the value of EDI both within the FRSs and the wider communities in which we serve. We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations, and celebrate difference.
Our Commitment
Our behaviour is central to effectively serving our community. We will ensure the resources, policies and procedures are in place, so our organisation acts in accordance with the Core Code.
Through adhering to the Core Code, we will strive to create a positive, responsible, innovative, open, and challenging working environment in which ability and delivery is valued, encouraged, developed, recognised, and rewarded.
We are committed to continually improving the behaviours within the sector at all levels and ensuring that employees treat each other with humanity, dignity, and respect.
We will always act appropriately to address behaviour which falls below the standards set in the Core Code.
Values and Culture Spotlight Report
In March 2023 HMICFRS published its Values and Culture Spotlight Report (Justice Inspectorates website) The report focuses on the values and culture in all 44 fire and rescue services in England, based on existing evidence from the round two inspections which took place in 2021 and 2022.
Inspectors researched and analysed evidence on the following themes:
- values and culture, including bullying, harassment and discrimination
- training and skills
- fairness and diversity
- leadership
It made 35 recommendations. 19 relate directly to actions to be carried out by fire and rescue services. (The others are actions for the Home Office, the National Fire Chief Councils and other national bodies.)
This document captures a month-by-month series of updates.