Reference:
Request detail:
Please provide legal advice which states that your days such as:
https://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/event/wholetime-firefighter-taster-day...
are not in breach of equality law. My view is that this is positive discrimination not positive action and as such I intend to make a formal complaint in that you are not welcoming me to this session based on the colour of my skin.
Response detail:
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request.
The Equality Act 2010 allows positive action to be undertaken where an organisation can show they are under represented by specific groups in the last 12 months. Please refer to Section 158 of the Act here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are under represented in Wholetime posts in the following areas:
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people 5%
LGBT+ 0.5%
Women 6% (Census 2011)
Positive action is used to encourage these groups to consider the role of a firefighter and we are allowed to undertake awareness sessions and training. These sessions give people the opportunity to ask questions and experience the culture of the organisation which they may not have been able to do previously. Open to all taster day dates will held in September and October. Please also refer to our press release and FAQs on this: https://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/news/response-positive-action-taster-days
If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can complain or request an internal review of the decision. This must be done within 40 working days of receiving this response. You can do this by writing to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, St. Michael’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2HJ or email: enquiries@shropshirefire.gov.uk.
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.gov.uk
