Race Equality Toolkit

As part of our ongoing commitment to support fire and rescue services to embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), the NFCC has developed a toolkit to promote race equality in the workplace. We are seeking feedback on the toolkit content and language.

The toolkit builds on from the Values and Culture Spotlight Report (2023) which highlights the need to improve workplace cultures and behaviours, particularly focusing on bullying, harassment and discrimination. It also contributes to the recommendations from the HMICFRS Misconduct Report (2024) regarding the improvement of misconduct processes.

Developed by subject-matter experts from across the sector, the toolkit offers information, guidance, and practical strategies to address these issues and combat unlawful racism in the workplace.

Contents include:

• Introduction and background

• The importance of talking about race

• Taking action to support race equality

• Guidance for managers and employees to address racism

• Practitioner guidance to promote race equality

• Supporting tools, resources, and information

Please note that section 2 and section 5 of this toolkit will be expanded to include content developed by inclusion specialists working in the EDI field. Additionally, elements of this toolkit will be supported by positive practice case studies from across the sector.

The toolkit will be accompanied by two digital programmes running between April and May 2025, focusing on allyship and the role of an active bystander. Details of these programmes will be released in March 2025.

Before we launch the toolkit, we would like to gather your feedback, focusing on content and language. You can do this by completing the consultation survey linked below, or pop along to one of our drop-in sessions.

To access and review the toolkit, please click on the consultation survey link below. The survey will close on Friday 28^th February 2025.

Here is the live link to the toolkit and consultation: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Race-Equality-consultation-Jan25/

Alternatively, come along to one of our race toolkit drop-in sessions and share your views. To book onto a session, please email PCLhub@nfcc.org.uk specifying which session you would like to attend:

• Session 1: Monday 17^th February, 13:00 – 14:00

• Session 2: Wednesday 19^th February, 16:00 – 17:00

• Session 3: Tuesday 25^th February, 09:00 – 10:00

What happens next?

After compiling feedback, we will review and edit the toolkit to incorporate relevant suggestions. The revised version will be updated to meet accessibility criteria before being uploaded as a web-based product. This will help different audiences navigate the toolkit and find the most sections most relevant to them. The toolkit will be launched on the week commencing 21^st April 2025.

If you experience any issues or require assistance to access the toolkit or participate in the consultation, please contact: PCLhub@nfcc.org.uk.