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Equality and Diversity

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority (The Authority) is committed to the fair treatment for all, both in terms of the service that it delivers to the communities of Tyne and Wear and in employment.

The Authority is committed to fairness and equality and the way we manage our service through our policies and procedures supports our commitment to a diverse workforce, which serves a diverse community. 

To support our commitment, we have an Equality Strategy, Equality and Diversity Policy and Dignity and Respect Policy, all available to download below. 

Clare McCluskey - Equality and Resources Manager
Clare McCluskey - Equality and Resources Manager

Clare McCluskey Equality and Resources Manager

Clare has worked for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for over 8 years. Her remit includes managing equality and departments within the Resources Group, which comprise administrative and support functions.

In 2003, Clare took up the role of Regional Equality Lead for the North East, whilst employed by the Social Services Inspectorate, which later became part of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. Since then she has had a keen interest in equality and diversity.

Clare has been employed within the public sector for around 18 years with some experience of working the private sector. Before taking up her post with the Fire and Rescue Service, she worked for large organisations including the University of Northumbria and Newcastle City Council.

As a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Clare has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and MA, as well as a BA (Hons) in Public Services Management.

Equality Strategy 2012 - 2016

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority have adopted an Equality Strategy, which supersedes our Single Equality Scheme and Corporate Equality Plan and incorporates our equality data reports and equality objectives as required under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

If you wish to view or download the Equality Strategy please follow the link below

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  • Equality Strategy 2012 - 2016 [pdf / 3.64MB] The aim of the Equality Strategy is to demonstrate how TWFRA will recognise the differences between people and endeavour to meet the needs of our staff and the communities we serve. The document reflects our commitment to ensuring any inequalities are identified and where possible action is taken to address these.

What do we mean by Equality?

Equality is about ensuring people receive equal and fair treatment in terms of the service we provide and in employment.

We are committed to ensuring that our employees receive equal access to opportunities in the workplace and practice and promote this through our core values.

What do we mean by Diversity?

Diversity is about understanding, respecting and valuing all forms of difference whether they are visible or non-visible.

We recognise not all people are the same and that people have different skills, experience and knowledge to offer and as a service we endeavour to diversity our workforce to ensure that we meet the needs of the diverse community we serve.

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  • Equality and Diversity Policy [pdf / 175KB] The Authority is committed to continuous improvement in all equality and diversity matters. This policy ensures that we all work towards achieving a diverse workforce which serves a diverse community.
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  • Dignity and Respect Policy [pdf / 100KB] This policy is to ensure all TWFRS employees are treated equally and with respect and dignity whilst at work (or work releated events) irrespective of race, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment or any other protected characteristics to create a positive working environment for all.

Legislation

Current legislation relating to equality and diversity includes the Equality Act 2010 which encompasses 40 years of equality legislation in addition to the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. 

Select and download the documents below for information on a range of equality and diversity issues. The documents have been published externally - where relevant the organisation that produced the document are stated in brackets after the title.