Call to improve diversity at Cleveland Fire Brigade - and ensure the best candidates get the job

It came as Cleveland Fire Authority discussed the findings of the recent inspection into the brigade by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Independent assessors rated the brigade as ‘good’ in all three key areas of efficiency, effectiveness and people.

However one of the sub-sections where the brigade was told it ‘requires improvement’ was in ‘ensuring fairness and promoting diversity’.

Cleveland Fire bosses noted this was an area most authorities were picked up on and plans are in place to increase the diversity of staff backgrounds, but it could take a decade.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Hayton said: “It is about who has the best skill basis in relation to the job.

“But clearly if we are passionate about getting a diverse workforce that reflects the community that we serve, we accept that we have more work to do in that area. It isn’t only this authority, it’s all authorities.”

Councillors stressed the most important thing was firefighters were qualified and the best people for the job, adding they were certain the brigade would never discriminate against any person or group.

Coun Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council representative, said: “There’s certain jobs in certain professions, no matter what you do, that will be dominated by a certain sex.

“I don’t doubt for a single second that this organisation has any qualms about employing anybody if they are the right people for the job.”

Councillors noted how firefighter positions have been lost in recent years due to cuts.

Coun Marjorie James, Hartlepool representative, said: “If it was predominantly male and white 10 years ago, it’s still predominantly male and white even though you’ve got fewer numbers, because we haven’t been able to replace firefighters.”

Coun Teresa Higgins, Middlesbrough Council representative, said she ‘wholeheartedly agreed’ it’s about getting the best person for the job, but added they have to prove to outside organisations they’re doing all they can to employ a diverse range of staff.