Toxic masculinity

Conference notes that with continued support from the Fire Brigades Union, Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) are slowly becoming a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Whilst this progress is encouraging the rate at which we are able to effect further change falls far short of our trade unions aspirations.

Too many Members within FRSs are still being negatively affected and undermined by outdated practises, ideas and opinions, which in part can be attributed to toxic masculinity. Toxic masculinity hampers the development and progression of all within FRSs as it seeks to reward behaviours ascribed to the so-called traditional masculine ideology. This covers a range of issues such as suppressing emotions, a lack of openness about mental health and the rejection of femininity in all its supposed forms.

For us to progress as a society we need to start seeing and expressing our emotions and seeking help as a sign of strength, only by acknowledging our behaviours can we begin to grow.

Conference instructs the Executive Council to devise, produce and disseminate a training package designed to assist in recognising and addressing toxic masculinity within FRSs. This work should be carried out as quickly as possible with the training package to be disseminated within the next 12 months.