Devon News

Devon residents invited to have say on Fire plans

8:00pm Friday 27th January 2012

DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are inviting the public to comment on their draft plans for working with the many diverse communities across the counties.

By considering the individual needs of different people, the four year equality plan - called ‘Safer Lives, Brighter Futures’ - aims to help the service achieve its goal of making Devon and Somerset a safer place for people, communities and businesses.

The plan will also help the service meet its legal duty as a public sector organisation to seek to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people.

Chief Fire Officer, Lee Howell, said: "We work with partners, communities and individuals to prevent emergency situations and to provide a response to fire, major flood, and road traffic collisions.

"Our goal is to prevent loss of life and injury and the principles of equality and diversity are intrinsic to the way we work, from understanding the needs of different people, assessing risk and delivering services, to recruiting and developing our employees."

The draft equality plan and a summary version, together with details on how to respond, are available from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website please visit how to get involved. The documents can also be requested by contacting the Community and Workplace Equalities team on 01392 872278.

The six week consultation period runs until Friday 2 March and the amended objectives and feedback will then be considered by Fire Authority Members on 19 March. The final plan will be published on the our website, once it has been approved by members.

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