Looking after our people
As well as protecting our communities, we need to protect our staff too. Because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.
To help you be the best you can be, we have many initiatives to support your physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Your physical wellbeing
We offer free gym access, fitness coaching and dietary advice to help you look after your physical wellbeing. We’ve also teamed up with award-winning healthcare provider, Benenden Health, a mutual not-for-profit society, to give our staff access to a wide range of healthcare services.
And from martial arts to mountaineering, there are lots of staff-run activity groups you can sign up to, offering a space to socialise and boost your fitness in a fun way!
Your mental wellbeing
If you’re struggling with something at work or facing difficulties in your personal life, we’re here to help. We have free counselling sessions, staff supporters (who are specially trained to help colleagues), a mental health first aid network, and a dedicated wellbeing department to help you access helpful resources.
The Fire Fighters Charity
As members of the Service, you and your family can get free access to physical, emotional and social support through The Fire Fighters Charity, whether you’re currently serving or retired.
Traumatic incidents
Our firefighters and fire control team are trained to deal with difficult situations and help those in need. But sometimes they are exposed to particularly traumatic incidents. When this happens, we make sure that our staff are given immediate support to help them process these distressing events in a healthy way.
Awards
Every year we hold an awards ceremony to celebrate our staff and their amazing achievements. They are peer-to-peer awarded, with special commendations from our Chief Officer, Lee Howell.
Our staff groups
Fire Pride
Our Fire Pride group is a space where people who identify as LGBTQ+ can come and feel supported, ask for advice and contribute their ideas to create a more inclusive working environment. Our network is also strongly supported by non LGBTQ+ individuals, meaning everyone is committed to raising awareness of issues that impact our community.
Women's network
We want to break down the barriers that women have traditionally faced in a male-dominated workplace. Our women’s network is a safe place for women to come together to share experiences, learn, mentor and inspire each other. We’ll continue to create a healthy, balanced and respectful environment so that every woman feels valued and supported. The network is affiliated with the national organisation Women in the Fire Service, and we also have a menopause working group.
Multicultural staff support network
Our multicultural staff support network exists to make sure those from a minority ethnic background have a voice. It’s a safe space for members of staff to discuss issues and share ideas relating to race, culture and ethnicity. The group also supports the organisation to address issues raised within the group.
Dyslexia and Disability support group
Our Dyslexia and Disability support group is for staff who consider themselves to have a visible or invisible disability, or for those who know someone who has a disability and wants support. The group works to make sure all individuals are represented and focuses on increasing awareness, improving understanding of issues affecting those with disabilities and celebrating our staff. It’s a safe space where people can come and socialise and speak openly.
