Equality and diversity

Equality and diversity is an important part of our working culture. This includes our employment practices, the services we provide and the values we work to.

We aim to provide services that meet the needs of our diverse and changing communities. We deliver a bespoke frontline emergency response, and safety and prevention education.

Our Equality and Diversity Charter is our guarantee to people living, working and visiting Scotland on how we will continue to build equality into all areas of our business

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We aim to exceed the legal requirements for public bodies and employers. The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 sets out the following duties:

To impact assess and review policies and practices

We mainstream equality by developing our policies and practices with people in mind. We also use the equality and human rights impact assessment process to achieve this.

To publish a mainstreaming report

We publish our reports annually. Our current Mainstreaming Report 2024-2025 is available to download.

Previous reports are available from publications.

To identify and publish equality outcomes

We include our equality outcomes in our mainstreaming and equality outcome reports. They set out an ambitious programme for:

• service delivery
• employment practices
• working with partners
• support for Scotland's youth

Each outcome is relevant to all protected characteristics - outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
We align our outcomes to our Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan. They also come down to directorate level planning.

Equality outcomes 

1. SFRS services are accessible and appropriate to the needs of Scotland’s diverse communities.
2. Scotland will be a safer and fairer place as a result of our collaborative work with other organisations.
3. SFRS is an inclusive employer with a workplace which reflects the diversity of Scottish society.
4. SFRS staff feel valued and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
5. SFRS employees are supported on mental health and wellbeing in line with policies and initiatives.
6. SFRS will support Scotland’s young people reach their full potential.

To publish an equal pay and gender pay gap report

Our Equal Pay and Gender Pay Gap Report for 2025 sets out our approach to ensuring pay equality. It also outlines the current gender pay gap, and the percentage of men and women working in particular sections and levels of our Service.

The report highlights the extensive work which is continuing to take place within our organisation which aims to create a positively balanced workforce that reflects the communities of Scotland.

Previous reports are available from publications.

To consider the use of equality criteria in the public procurement process

It is important to us that the goods and services we buy are suitable for their intended use. It is also important to us that the suppliers meet our high standards on equality. Our Procurement Team can assist those wishing to do business with us.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service promotes a safe and inclusive working environment for all of its employees and has a zero-tolerance approach to behaviours like bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, victimisation and discrimination. We recognise these acts can have a significant negative impact on someone’s physical and mental health.

Employees should feel safe and respected in the workplace and when delivering services. It’s important that colleagues can voice any concerns freely and without fear. To show our commitment, we have added to our reporting mechanisms an independent, external and confidential reporting service. This complements our existing preventative and reporting measures aimed at maintaining an environment where fairness, equality and inclusion are valued.

Anyone who has experienced any form of harassment within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is encouraged to report it. They can be assured that they will be fully supported.