Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service – Unconscious Bias in Recruitment Case Study
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) had a vision to foster diversity and inclusion and address unconscious biases in the workplace. After attending tailor-made workshops, RightTrack Learning helped almost over 100 key staff, including chief fire officers and heads of departments, participate in a programme which resulted in significant outcomes:
- Increased confidence in disclosing sexual orientation
- Enhanced ethnic diversity among applicants
- Female applications increased from 25% to 37%
Success Through Diversity Initiatives
As a result of positive action, women now account for 30% of all successful applicants at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS).
Marc Redfern, Head of Diversity at DFRS, spoke to Fire Magazine: “An example of positive action is our work with RightTrack Learning who are experts in diversity and inclusion and who have facilitated tailor-made workshops designed to support the drive towards our vision for a more diverse working community.
Almost 100 of our key staff, from chief fire officer to appointing officers and heads of department, have attended the learning programme. The training event explored equality, diversity and inclusion and how our unconscious biases impact these in the workplace.
The Impact...
“Excellent presentation and trainer knowledge.” Bridie McHugh – Constable Police Officer
“Really good use of examples backing the practical knowledge.” Chris Winterbottom, Firefighter
“Very informative and useful course. Good examples to complement this.” Seaton, Firefighter
DFRS is delighted to now report that:
- 95% of applicants feel confident to disclose their sexual orientation, including 95 who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other
- 7.5% per cent (118) of applicants stated their ethnicity as other than white British
- Female applications across all roles have increased from 25% to 37%
- Women now account for 30% of all successful applicants