NFCC signs memorandum of understanding with EHRC

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have formalised their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion across fire and rescue services.

The MoU sets out shared expectations for collaboration under the EHRC’s Uniformed Services Programme, which aims to address race and sex-based discrimination, harassment, and victimisation within fire, police, and armed forces.

It also outlines how the EHRC will support NFCC’s work to improve culture and inclusion across the sector. Based on feedback received from fire and rescue services, this year the EHRC will deliver a bespoke package of support, including a webinar series on preventing sexual harassment, a peer-to-peer learning programme and case studies of good practice drawn from within the sector. These case studies will explain the steps some fire and rescue services have taken to proactively protect their staff from sexual harassment, in line with the preventative duty of the Worker Protection Act, and with reference the EHRC’s 8-step guide for employers.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:  

“We’re pleased to announce we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Fire Chiefs Council to improve how discrimination is tackled within fire and rescue services.

“We know there is a lot of work to do across the uniformed services to fully eradicate sexual harassment and racial discrimination. And as Britain’s equality regulator, it is our job to ensure these services have the resources and support they need to prevent discrimination and comply with the law.

“This agreement marks a positive step forward and we look forward to continued collaboration with NFCC to help them and all Chief Fire Officers across Great Britain tackle discrimination and cultivate an inclusive workplace for all employees.”

Phil Garrigan, National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, said:

“Signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Equality and Human Rights Commission is another in a series of steps we’ve taken to move from commitment to action on culture, equality, and inclusion across fire and rescue services.

“There is no doubt that the challenge we face as a sector is real. This agreement strengthens the good work already taking place across fire and rescue services, supporting continued learning and improvement by working closely with the EHRC to share evidence, insight, and best practice, and to deliver tangible progress.

“At NFCC, we are clear that positive culture, dignity, and respect must sit alongside operational competence and capability as priority in the sector. This partnership will support our members to lead by example, amplify the quietest voices, and ensure that fire and rescue services are inclusive, safe places to work that continue to earn the trust and confidence of the public we serve.”

Initial commitments include NFCC distributing EHRC surveys and event invitations to their networks, and nominating representatives to support the EHRC’s guidance development. In return, the equality regulator will contribute to NFCC’s Listen and Learn sessions, provide feedback on key products such as the Culture Dashboard Methodology, and provide expert advice on the Worker Protection Act.

This agreement builds on a strong foundation of collaboration. The EHRC has previously responded to NFCC consultations on the Addressing Sexual Harassment Toolkit, Race Equality Toolkit, and VAWG Guidance. The equalities regulator has also participated in NFCC’s Culture and Inclusion Conference and presented findings from their sexual harassment survey to senior leaders at the Council.

NFCC has actively engaged in the EHRC’s Equality Exchange events, contributing to discussions on sexual harassment and race. The Council is also represented on key EHRC advisory panels which help shape guidance and strategy for uniformed services.

This MoU reflects a shared commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive, respectful workplaces across the fire and rescue sector.