All different all equal (ADAE) training and application

As Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) it is ‘the duty of every member to treat others with dignity and respect and to challenge offensive behaviour of any kind’ (Rule B3(3) of the FBU Rule Book). We proudly have an ADAE policy which allows us to challenge racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination but these behaviours are still seen in our workplaces and within our membership.

Conference should be aware that there have been great inconsistencies in how the ADAE process is implemented and executed. Often this is down to misconceptions or unfamiliarity with the process, possibly due to time elapsed since training.

There have also been clear breaches of the policy including Members being given representation after the ADAE process has determined that representation should be withdrawn.

Our Union provides a thorough three-day training course available to train reps in becoming an ADAE investigator. This training is for reps who have experience within the Union and are Fairness at Work trained. Therefore, there are numerous reps earlier on in their Union pathway that are unfamiliar with the ADAE process and how vital it is for our Union and the values it represents.

Many regions within our Union believe it to be best practice for one of the two investigators carrying out the ADAE investigation to be from our equality sections. Reps from Equality sections can bring their lived experience of being from an underrepresented group to the process ensuring fairness and equality.

There is also a lack of qualified Officials to carry out the ADAE process in many regions.

To make sure our ADAE process is fit for purpose, Conference instructs the Executive Council to;

• provide initial training on the ADAE process as part of the ‘Introductory Branch Officials Course’ so that Reps are aware of the process and able to support Members without being trained as an investigator
• provide ‘refresher’ training to all those who are currently ADAE qualified, to address misconceptions and cement understanding
• provide courses and push for more ADAE qualified Officials in each region
• reword the All Different All Equal Policy on Page 13 to include that one investigator of the ADAE process should be from an equalities section where appropriate.

In cases where the ADAE policy is misused, abused, or wilfully ignored, Internal Union Discipline should be applied as per the Rule Book.

This work should be completed as soon as possible and before Conference 2023.