Proud to Provide

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service hosted ‘Proud to Provide’, a conference focussing on working towards public services that are truly LGBT+ inclusive.

The conference, which was attended by more than 90 people, aimed at helping public sector organisations tailor interventions to the diverse needs of the LGBT+ community.

The event was held on 15 May at Storyhouse, Chester and was supported by Stonewall, the leading charity which campaigns for the LGBT+ community. Organising the event was the Service’s way of marking this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT) on Friday May 17th.

Seven key speakers, including Stonewall Chief Executive Ruth Hunt, delivered enlightening presentations which left the guests feeling inspired and motivated.

Considerable work has been done to make sure that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are as LGBT+ inclusive as possible, not only through making sure that our workplace encourages people to be themselves, but also that we are welcoming to and inclusive of our LGBT+ communities.

In January this year the Service was ranked third in Stonewall’s Top Employers list – making it the highest performing public sector organisation in the UK due to its efforts to engage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff, volunteers and communities.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin said: “Proud to Provide was a fantastic conference with amazing and inspirational speakers. The event was hugely motivational reminding us all of the importance of being vocally supportive of LGBT+ communities.

“People from around the country attended the conference, which shows just how important public sector organisations view making our services truly LGBT+ inclusive.

“Proud to Provide reflected not just on today, but the changes in LGBT+ inclusion over the years. The conference came two days before the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBIT), which serves as a reminder to us all that while we have all come a long way in recent years, there is still work to be done to make sure the public services we deliver are as LGBT+ inclusive as possible.”