Training On Lgbt Issues For Frs Staff

Conference is appalled at the ongoing issues of bullying and harassment faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Trans (LGBT) staff, within the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), highlighted in the recent firefighter survey by the CLG. The issue seems to be one area where the FRS struggles in terms of Equality and Diversity. There is no proper way of recording any statistics on this, as many people are reluctant to report incidents, for fear of 'outing' themselves. Conference therefore calls on Brigade Secretaries to enter into dialogue with FRS managers to establish a programme of training and education on LGBT issues. This will give all staff the tools and education to make informed decisions and therefore break the cycle of homophobia and transphobia currently faced. Conference further asks that a way to monitor what individual FRSs around the UK are doing, be set up by the FBU through its Fairness at Work committee and this work to be reported to Annual Conference 2010.