Tag: diversity

SFRS commits its support to Pride Month

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is underlining its commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workforce as the country celebrates Pride Month 2020.

Pride Month is an annual event which brings together communities in celebration of the LGBT+ community. It is an opportunity for people to stand together in unity as well as protest against discrimination in all its forms.

The SFRS has already been recognised by Stonewall Scotland as a Diversity Champion, and continues to work closely with Stonewall and other partners to encourage people from all walks of life to consider a career with the service.

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the ongoing need to socially distance has seen many Pride events postponed or moved during June.

However the national service will be taking part in socially distanced or virtual Pride events whilst also promoting positive discussion and debate for staff around building a more inclusive workforce.

The rainbow flag is also flying over SFRS’ regional headquarters at Dyce in Aberdeenshire, Newbridge in Edinburgh and Hamilton in Lanarkshire as well as over the national headquarters and training centre in Cambuslang, near Glasgow.

Meanwhile, a rainbow version of the SFRS crest is proudly displayed on internal platforms and digital channels and rainbow lanyards are being made available for staff.

Less than one per cent of the SFRS’ 8,000 strong workforce across Scotland currently identifies as belonging to the LGBT+ community.

Liz Barnes is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of human resources and organisational development. She said: “It is imperative that our service reflects the very diverse communities we serve.

“There is clearly much work still needing to be done – but we will continue to make every possible effort to achieve this ambition by working alongside our partners and our communities as well as our staff.

“We are therefore delighted to celebrate Pride Month 2020 and not only fly the pride colours from our buildings across the country but take part in active discussion and debate throughout the course of this month.”

She added: “We recognise that nothing can change overnight, and that true equality and diversity is earned through hard work and consistently challenging discriminating behaviours.”

For more information on Equality and Diversity within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and working for SFRS, visit /about-us/equality-and-diversity.aspx or https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/emergency-services/scottish-fire-and-rescue-service/equality-diversity

Police Scotland: Discover YOUR Journey

Discover YOUR Journey

Scotland is an increasingly diverse country and Police Scotland want to represent this change.

Police Scotland is running one day events aimed at encouraging you to ‘Discover your Journey’ towards considering a career in policing. The courses are designed to provide an insight into the role of a police officer/special constable

During the day attendees will receive inputs from specialist departments, speak to police officers and learn about the recruitment process.

DATE: Tuesday 8th October 2019

ADDRESS: Fettes Police Station, Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 1RB

For more information and to reserve a space please email:

recruitmentpositiveactionteam@scotland.pnn.police.uk

providing your name and contact number or request to join our closed Facebook page at: ‘Police Scotland Positive Action’

Have your say on political participation

What impact will new laws have on political participation? This is the question that Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee is asking as it launches a call for views on the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Bill.

The Bill extends candidacy rights for Scottish Parliament and local government elections for foreign nationals, as well as setting out a number of changes to the electoral franchise in Scotland.

These changes include provisions extending the electoral franchise to include all those with a legal right to live in Scotland and extending the right to vote to some prisoners.

Now the Committee is asking what effect this will have on political participation in Scotland.

Committee Convener, Bill Kidd MSP said: “Although the Bill before us is small, its ambition is clear.  By extending the right of who can stand in Scottish Parliament and Local Government elections, it is aiming to increase diversity and of course political participation.

“But we want to hear about how this would work in practice and whether this change really will have an impact on who gets involved in politics.”

More information about the Committee’s call for views can be found here.

Deadline for responses is 6 September.

Port of Leith Housing Association recognised as a UK leader in equality & diversity

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has been recognised for its continued investment in equal opportunities, being ranked 63rd in the Top 100 UK Companies for promoting fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement. Continue reading Port of Leith Housing Association recognised as a UK leader in equality & diversity

David Mundell celebrates LGBT History Month

Scottish Secretary David Mundell will host a reception in Edinburgh to mark LGBT History Month this week. Thursday’s event will celebrate the work of Scottish LGBT campaigners and organisations who support the LGBT community in Scotland. Continue reading David Mundell celebrates LGBT History Month

University hits social diversity recruitment goal three years early

The University of Edinburgh has met a key Scottish Government objective to attract students from the country’s most economically challenged areas, three years ahead of schedule. Continue reading University hits social diversity recruitment goal three years early

Celebrating diversity: International Mother Language Day

Dear Friends,

We would like to invite you to join the celebration of International Mother Language Day 2018.

Date: Wednesday 21 February 

Time: 11am – 1pm

Venue: Edinburgh City Chambers, 253 High Street EH1 1YJ

International Mother Language day (IMLD) was proclaimed by UNESCO and observed every year since 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. UNESCO’s theme this year is linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable development.

Brief program of the day

                  11am – 12pm: Reception event @ European room, City Chambers

o   Hosted by Frank Ross, Right Honourable Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost. A celebration of language diversity through multilingual cultural performances

12pm – 1pm: City chamber quadrangle (outdoor)

o   A tribute to the language martyrs of Bangladesh whose struggle for the Bangla language is the reason that the 21st of February was chosen by UNESCO for IMLD. We will be laying flower/wreaths on temporary memorial. No registration required.

Please book your place to attend the reception event starts at 11am

booking link: https://goo.gl/forms/u1BKgpZFhHtwTpvk1)

No booking is required to attend the second part which will start from 12 Noon at the City Chambers quadrangle (outdoors).

For more information or queries, please contact us by E-mail: imlsscotland@outlook.com, Tel; 0131 556 0441 / 07930 183352 Find us: http://www.facebook.com/imlsscotland

The event is free and open to everyone.

The event is organised in collaboration with: Councillor Donald Wilson, Convenor of the Culture and Communities Committee, City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with ELREC Routes to Roots, Council of Bangladeshis inScotland (CBS), Polish Cultural Festival Association, Bangla Scot News, Bilingualism Matters and the Edinburgh Chinese Arts Association.

IMLD poster2018

International Mother Language Group