Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service climbs the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has risen to number 19 in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List (IT50), which was officially revealed at the Inclusive Awards on November 27, 2025. 

Compiled by Inclusive Companies, the IT50 acknowledges and ranks organisations which are most consistent throughout the whole of their organisation and encompass all types of diversity. 

Now in its 10th year, the IT50 2025/26 comprises the 50 most inclusive companies in the UK as chosen by a dedicated panel of judges, based on each organisation’s performance across all strands of diversity - age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, marital status, sex and sexual orientation. 

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's ranked 50th in 2023 and 39th in 2024. This year's 19th position recognises the progress the Service is making to diversify its workforce, create an inclusive workplace for all and meet the needs of Cheshire's increasingly diverse communities. It is only one of two fire and rescue services in the country to make the list.

Welcoming the placing, Chief Fire Office Alex Waller said:

"Entering the IT50 isn't about chasing a ranking, it's about benchmarking our performance against some of the most prestigious organisations in the country. Our position on this year's list reflects a tremendous about of hard work by colleagues right across our Service.

"Inclusion really does matter to a lifesaving service like ours. Without a workforce that represents, understands and meets serves our diverse communities, we simply cannot keep everyone safe from fire and other harm."

Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies, said:

“Every year, the standard rises as organisations demonstrate ever-stronger evidence of their commitment to truly inclusive cultures. 

“The IT50 List celebrates employers who go beyond initiatives and policies, and instead embed diversity and inclusion into the fabric of how they operate. Our judges look for consistency, authenticity and long-term impact, and this year’s entries show just how many organisations are investing in meaningful, sustainable change.”