What is Positive Action?
Where an employer can show that they have under representation in the organisation by either women or people from black and minority ethnic groups then they are allowed to undertake positive action. This is allowed through the Race Relations Act 1975 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
Positive action is a legally acceptable means of encouraging applications for employment from under-represented groups, if that particular group has been under represented within the workplace in the last 12 months. Such groups can then be targeted and assistance given to encourage applications.
Employers are also allowed to provide training courses covering aspects such as developing skills, completing application forms, holding open days and developing interview techniques.
Many people mistake Positive Action for Positive Discrimination. Positive Discrimination is unlawful and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service does not advocate or participate in such activity.
All applicants go through the same recruitment processes and are appointed on merit.
What does this mean for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service?
As stated in our corporate objectives, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to "seek to employ a workforce representative of the community that we serve". We recognise that women and people from black and minority ethnic communities are currently under-represented in our operational roles.
We are committed to promoting diversity within our workforce and we will hold taster sessions and open days to raise awareness to these under-represented groups prior to a recruitment campaign, usually for operational roles.
The Service put statements on our advertisements for operational posts encouraging females and people from black or minority ethnic groups to apply for these positions. Such a statement will usually read:'We particularly welcome applications from female and black and minority ethnic candidates who are currently under-represented in our Service'.
Awareness
Previous awareness event and campaign posters and flyers.
