Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service re-accredited with Disability Confident Leader status

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is proud to announce it has been reaccredited as a Disability Confident Leader.

Awarded by the Department of Work and Pensions, the scheme helps employers to create more inclusive recruitment processes and make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.

DFRS has held the status of a Disability Confident Leader since January 2018, at that time it was the first fire and rescue service in the country to be accredited with Leader status.  It is encouraging to see that to date over 20,000 organisations have signed up to the scheme nationally. 

Speaking following the announcement of the award, Helen Minion, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Strategic HR Partner, said, “DFRS is committed to promoting a culture that values and encourages the contribution of everyone in the organisation.  The award shows that the Service continues building upon the significant progress it has already made in recognising that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.”

“As Disability Confident Leader we will ensure that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible, providing reasonable adjustments as required and also support any existing employees with a disability or long term health condition enabling them to stay at work.  It is essential we invest in our employees and provide support where needed.”

Over the next 12 months the Service is planning to publish a report on disability and mental health and wellbeing in line with the Voluntary Reporting Framework.

DFRS’s Disability Confident Leader status is valid until 2024. More information regarding the Disability Confident scheme can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign