The Core Code contains examples within each FRS principle, and to support FRS in communicating how these principles will be integrated into each FRS there are a number of more detailed examples included here for consideration and discussion.
Putting our communities first
We put the interests of the public, the community, and service users first.
Example
You and your team are developing a community event with the aim of reducing accidental dwelling fires within a locality. The local community demographic is 75 per cent elderly residents living alone. Your approach is to have an open day on a local piece of grassland covering one square mile, with various stands demonstrating the services that the FRS can provide. You have decided that social media will be the platform to promote the event and expect a good attendance. At this same event, there are several local businesses selling their produce. A number of your team are seen consuming alcohol at the event whilst on duty and this has also been witnessed by members of the public.
Consider and discuss the example above in the context of the principle: Putting our communities first
You understand the diverse needs of your local community by:
- understanding the different cultural requirements within an area will allow you to ensure that all community needs are catered for, ie, faith, neurodiversity, religion, sexuality, etc
- adapting your approach based upon the needs of the audience you can improve your understanding of community needs for both yourself and the organisation
- providing alternative approaches in all that the service does you can ensure that equity of access to services are improved
- providing information in a variety of languages, media, formats, and platforms, you will be able to interact more and understand what a local community need
- listening to your communities, you will gain greater insight into what their needs are and how you can best meet those needs
- working to foster good relationships within your communities you will be able to achieve improved outcomes with them.
You consider the impacts of your actions upon the wider community by:
- understanding community needs in the first instance you will be well placed in being able to improve community outcomes, and thus reduce risk within the wider community
- considering if your actions are going to have a positive or negative effect upon the wider community and ensure that you understand the implications of your actions upon all community members
- engaging with your communities in different ways in order to fully assess and understand how the FRS can adapt their initiatives and activities based upon the needs of the community
You understand the role that you hold within the community.
- You understand the role that you hold within the community.
- You are an ambassador for the Fire and Rescue Service and take responsibility for the work that we do and understand that members of the community always view you as a representative of the service.
- You recognise that members of the community will know that you are a member of the service and they will associate your behaviours and actions to that of a service ambassador.
- You act as a role model, and always understand the impacts of your behaviours and when using all media platforms.
- The community will look to you for guidance and support. As a representative of the service, your engagement will be of the highest standard to provide confidence within your communities.
Integrity
We act with integrity including being open, honest, and consistent in everything that we do.
Example
You see a colleague pick up a wallet at an incident, and later a member of the public reports this missing. Your colleague states that they know nothing about it. You know that your colleague picked up the wallet and that another member of your team also witnessed this. This topic has been discussed on your teams WhatsApp group and some members of the team have commented, yet others who have clearly read the messages have not said anything. Your Line Manager has advised you to say nothing as the individual involved is an experienced member of the team and is only two years from retirement
Consider and discuss the example above in the context of the principle: Integrity
Therefore, you need to ensure that:
You are sincere and truthful.
- People will look to you as a member of the service and expect that you always uphold the fire services values and act in an honest and truthful manner.
- You provide information and support as and when required and seek to always do the right thing. This may sometimes be a very difficult thing to do, ie, providing information that may cause an issue for a colleague or a member of the public.
- You show courage in doing what you believe to be right.
- You will be required to always challenge inappropriate behaviour, and this will no doubt challenge you at times, however, by doing so you will reinforce your own credibility and that of the organisation eg calling out racist, homophobic, bigoted behaviours, reporting of safeguarding issues etc within all contexts will be expected.
- No matter what level within the organisation you are operating at, your behaviours will reflect upon both you and the organisation, and as such you will be required to make critical decisions that will need you to be resilient and consistent in your approach. Whether that be in an operational setting or within non-operational settings, it is vitally important that your behaviours are consistent with the FRS Core Code and supplementary FRS values
You ensure your decisions are not inappropriately influenced.
- Decisions will always be made based upon accurate information and you will consider all points of view prior to making a decision.
- You will not be influenced inappropriately by others and, no matter how difficult this may be at times, you will maintain a focussed approach in line with the Core Code of Ethics, ie, you will not accept gifts or financial incentives, you will report any inappropriate behaviours that could be deemed as individuals or organisations attempting to influence your actions.
- You do not knowingly make false, misleading, or inaccurate statements.
- You have a responsibility to provide accurate, honest, and timely information whenever requested. This will ensure that the credibility, trust, and honesty of you and your organisation will be maintained. This may be challenging at times, for example, if you have witnessed a safety event and a colleague may have done something incorrectly. It is important that you provide an honest account of what happened to ensure that appropriate remedial actions can be implemented.
Dignity and respect
We treat people with dignity and respect, making decisions objectively based on evidence, without discrimination or bias.
Example
You and your team are attending a community event to explore the ways in which the FRS can improve community safety. At the event, there are several presentations regarding community cohesion. During the panel question and answer session (of which the FRS is a panel member), certain members of the audience start to voice their mistrust and dissatisfaction with the police and the local authority. These discussions start to become quite heated and the audience starts to question the FRS position regarding these allegations. How do you as a representative of the FRS respond to the situation?
Consider and discuss the example above in the context of the principle: Dignity and respect
Therefore, you need to ensure that:
You maintain a composed and respectful manner.
- Despite the pressures of a situation, you always remain calm and professional.
- You take personal responsibility for your actions.
- You communicate effectively with a range of different stakeholders.
- You are aware of the impact that you have on others.
You respect individual differences.
- You take time to understand individuals and their perspective.
- You understand your communities and their diverse needs.
- You understand that individual difference is a positive aspect of all communities.
You recognise the needs of community members.
- You recognise that all groups will have different needs and opinions on a range of subject areas.
- You are fully aware of the environments in which you are operating and understand that your approach must be flexible to meet these differing needs.
You challenge inappropriate behaviours whenever they occur.
- You understand that by not challenging inappropriate behaviours you are in effect condoning those behaviours.
- By challenging inappropriate behaviours on each occasion, they occur you will be role modelling positive behaviours and will provide others with the strength to challenge
- To change behaviours of others it is vital to create an environment whereby inappropriate behaviours are challenged.
You keep an open mind and do not prejudge.
- You take time to listen to others and to understand their position on a subject area.
- You are aware of unconscious bias that might exist.
- You make decisions based upon accurate information and check facts prior to making a decision.
- You treat everyone based upon your experience of them rather than prejudging individuals based upon hearsay.
Leadership
We are all positive role models, always demonstrating flexible and resilient leadership.
We are all accountable for our behaviour, decisions, and actions, and challenge all behaviour that falls short of the highest standards.
Example
Your line manager has arranged to conduct an appraisal with you. You have been worried about an upcoming training exercise because you feel that you do not fully understand the new procedure and are concerned that you may let your team down. Your manager has always been helpful and is polite, kind and treats everyone with respect. They also take pride in their work and encourage the team to do the same. You know that they set clear expectations, objectives and continually monitor and support team and individual performance.
During the meeting, your manager encourages open communication and actively listens to your concerns, showing a supportive approach. They take responsibility and use the opportunity to provide wider team development and training. They ensure that they provide you with coaching and mentoring and that ongoing support is available. They have fostered a positive culture in the team, where individual and team wellbeing is seen as a priority and they continue to provide you with the opportunity to discuss your concerns. During the meeting, your manager asks you how you may deal with a similar situation in the future and how you can develop your leadership approach.
Consider and discuss the example above in the context of the principle: Leadership
Therefore, you need to ensure that:
You strive to act as an inspirational role model.
- You demonstrate role model behaviours that are in line with the Core Code of Ethics and your FRS values.
- You consider the needs of individuals and take time to understand their needs.
- You communicate with passion and integrity.
- You use non stigmatising behaviours and language.
You take responsibility for your actions.
- You admit to your mistakes publicly.
- You are comfortable stating when you do not have the answer.
- You are constructive about receiving challenge.
You make decisions based upon accurate information.
- You make decisions based upon sound information rather than hearsay or rumour.
- You look at the facts and follow the evidence.
- You do not prejudge individuals or tasks.
You are mindful of the wellbeing of your colleagues.
- You look after yourself and others.
- You actively look for behaviours that may show people are struggling or need help.
- You show compassion.
- You strive to create an environment where the wellbeing of your teams is a priority.
- You embed processes and services that support the wellbeing of all.
Equality, diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
We continually recognise and promote the value of equality, diversity, and inclusion, both within the FRS and the wider communities in which we serve. We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations, and celebrate difference.
Example
A member of your team is going through a difficult time and following some discussions they open to you and explain that they have been struggling with their mental health for some time. They have been receiving support from occupational health; however, they do not wish anyone in the team to know about their struggles.
You listen to their concerns and put a plan in place to make reasonable adjustments to their working environment and day to day activities, as the individual and occupational health know that these small changes will have a significant impact upon their working life. These adjustments are made; however, you soon are informed of discontent within the rest of your team with individuals suggesting that you are making special provision for the individual and it is not fair or equal. Some of your team is even suggesting that if the individual cannot perform all of the role in the same way as everyone else then they should be subject to capability. How will you deal with these concerns from the rest of your team?
What does this example demonstrate?
Consider and discuss the example above in the context of the principle: EDI
Therefore, you need to ensure that:
You show compassion and empathy to people you meet.
- You create an environment whereby people are happy to approach you without fear of recrimination or blame.
- You take time to listen and understand.
- You do not prejudge anyone or their circumstances.
You treat people according to their needs.
- You take time to explore all options available.
- You can distinguish between needs and wants.
- You provide support based upon the individual’s needs.
You take a proactive approach to opposing discrimination.
- You always challenge discriminatory behaviours.
- You call out inappropriate behaviours whenever they occur.
- You are aware of unconscious bias that may exist.
- You do not use stigmatising language or behaviours.
- You promote two-way dialogue.
You act and make decisions on merit, without prejudice and using the information available.
- You make decisions based upon fact.
- You are not influenced by others when making decisions.
- You follow evidence and information prior to making a decision.
You actively seek or use opportunities to promote equality and diversity.
- You are an ambassador for equality, fairness, and inclusion in everything that you do.
- You actively promote the ethical principles within the Core Code of Ethics, FRS value and behaviours.
- You promote and role model inclusion.