Making Shropshire Safer

Shropshire is England’s largest inland county occupying approximately 1,350 square miles and at Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, we provide excellent services to our communities.  The county is rich with history, having in excess of 500 listed buildings and we are one the UK’s most rural counties.  With a relatively low population spread across a large area, this brings a unique set of challenges for a service of our type.

Our most significant asset are our people, and we are looking for an exceptional individual, with the skills, talent and commitment to lead and work alongside our outstanding workforce, a supportive Fire Authority, and partners to lead on management of our ‘Resources’, namely property, facilities management, vehicle fleet management services and technical services.

By joining the Service, you will be making a positive difference to the lives of all those who visit, reside, work or travel within Shropshire.
 

 About your new team

As the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, you’ll be part of the People Team, reporting to the HR Manager. This team is at the heart of shaping the culture and values of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, driving forward initiatives that make the organisation a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging place to work.

You’ll work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to empowering staff, championing wellbeing, and delivering meaningful change across the Service. Collaboration is key - you’ll partner with colleagues across HR, leadership teams, staff networks, and operational departments to ensure that EDI principles are embedded at every level of the organisation.

This is a team that values innovation, integrity, and impact - and where your voice and expertise will help influence not just internal culture, but how the Service represents and serves its communities.

About Shropshire 

Shropshire in the West Midlands is bordered by Wales to the west and the English counties of Cheshire (north), Staffordshire (East), Worcestershire (south-east) and Herefordshire (south). The five main towns are the county town of Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Bridgnorth and Ludlow. 

The Shropshire Hills area of outstanding natural beauty lies to the south, covering about a quarter of the county, and Ironbridge Gorge (with its famous bridge) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the area around Coalbrookdale is seen as one of the birthplaces of the industrial revolution. 

During the medieval period the county was central to the Welsh marches and many of the castles built across it to defend against the Welsh still stand today (the border with Wales remaining fluid until the 14th century). 
The River Severn runs through the county exiting into Worcestershire, and 41 miles of navigable canals (including the Shropshire Union) are managed by the Canal and River Trust. There are also two major water supply aqueducts (supplying Birmingham and Liverpool). 

The county is well-served by road and rail with train lines in the West Midlands, Wales and to London Euston (Shrewsbury being the main rail hub). Telford and Shrewsbury are the main retail centres. 
There are plenty of things to do in Shropshire with great walking (perhaps on the Long Mynd or Offa’s Dyke), numerous historical sites to visit (Roman, medieval and more modern industrial), and heritage rail and waterways to travel on. The county offers also offers both town and country living.
 

The Workplace Charter

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have created the Workplace Charter which incorporates the core code of ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England.

Organisational Effectiveness: 

• We will explore and embrace alternative ways of working, to achieve our common purpose using the benefits of
  technology.
• We will listen to our colleagues and the public and communicate information to them that is lawful, relevant
  and timely.
• We understand how our roles contribute to the aims of the Service.
• We are responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing, of ourselves and others.

Outstanding Leadership

• We will create an inclusive environment where people can be the best they can be, supporting each other through encouragement and motivation.
• We will recognise and challenge inappropriate behaviour, providing support to those who do raise it.
• We are open to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• We will be visible, accessible, honest and transparent in order to build trust.
• We are accountable for our actions and behaviours.

Service Delivery:

• We will share our ideas to create improvement and development opportunities.
• We will share responsibility to work together to solve problems effectively.
• We are committed to, and understand, our responsibility towards safeguarding.
• We will provide an efficient and productive service considering the needs of our colleagues and our communities.

Personal Impact:
 

• We consider the impacts of our actions on others.
• We always welcome alternative views and feedback.
• We contribute to an inclusive culture remaining respectful of any differences we may have.
• We will remain professional at all times and act with integrity.
• We will encourage discussion to improve our wider understanding of health and wellbeing.
• We will take care of, and protect, our personal data.
• We are responsible for our own development and that others.