Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Chief Fire Officer, which shares the new HIWFRS equality objectives for 2022 – 2026, as well as the governance and monitoring arrangements for delivery of them.

The Authority considered a report from the Chief Fire Officer (item 9 in the minute book), which included highlights of some of the activity and actions taken within the last 12 months and provided an opportunity to share the new HIWFRS equality objectives for 2022 – 2026, as well as the governance and monitoring arrangements for the delivery.

It was the first publication of the objectives and set a benchmark and Members were pleased to learn that there had been a 50/50 split of males and females during the last round of recruitment and a 10% increase in applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Luke Stubbs felt that it was important for all jobs to be advertised fairly and encouraged Members to support an additional recommendation to reduce the numbers of women in some areas like HR as well as continue to try and increase in other areas of the Service. Mr Stubbs confirmed that his views were his personal opinion and not those of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Officers confirmed that no one was excluded from applying for any role and the Authority agreed the report was a positive step forward for the Service.

RESOLVED

1. The Annual Statement of Equality (Workforce Demographics) was approved by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.

2. The new equality objectives and positive action statement was approved by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority.