‘In Our Own Words – A History of People of Colour in the London Fire Brigade’, is a new booklet launched at City Hall at a reception on Thursday 15 November.
There are now 600 black, Asian and other minority ethnic firefighters working in the London Fire Brigade and more than 25 per cent of our non-uniformed staff are from ethnic minorities. The booklet marks the experiences of staff, some of whom have worked for the LFB for over 20 years and others who have joined more recently.
The booklet shows how far the Brigade as an organisation has progressed in the management and leadership of equalities and the difference this has made to the working lives of our staff. It also shows how individuals have helped shaped the Brigade and made it a better place to work through their own experiences.
“The publication of In Our Own Words is an opportunity for the Brigade to capture the rich and varied stories of people who work for the Brigade” said Cllr John Whelan, Deputy Chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, which runs the London Fire Brigade.
“There are stories of adversity and prejudice but also descriptions of the opportunities of personal progression, public service and bravery that working for the London Fire Brigade has offered to staff over the years. It is important for us to look back at where we once were so we can see how far we have come and to remind us of where we want to be.”
The booklet will be used at community and recruitment events and used as educational aids in schools.
Note to editors:
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Members of the media can obtain further information from the press office on:
telephone number: 020 8536 5922
email: press@london-fire.gov.uk
