CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has been named the most LGBT-friendly emergency service in the UK for the second year running.

The service has rocketed into the top 10 of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) charity Stonewall’s prestigious Top 100 Employers list for 2017.

The fire service jumped five places from 13th place in 2016 to 8th position.

It is also, once again, the best performing emergency service in the UK due to its efforts to engage with LGBT staff, volunteers and communities.

This is the fifth consecutive year the service has featured in the Top 100, which assesses organisations ranging from local authorities to international investment banks against criteria including engagement with staff and communities, training and leadership.

Bob Rudd, the chairman of Cheshire Fire Authority, the body which oversees the service, said the achievement was a great reward for the organisation’s efforts around equality over the last year.

He added: “We are delighted to be recognised by Stonewall as a leader for LGBT diversity and inclusion.

“The index is a powerful way to help us demonstrate to our staff and the communities of Cheshire that we are here to support everyone, regardless of their background, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

More than 430 employers entered the 2017 index, across the public, private and third sectors.

The service was recognised in particular for its focus on supporting the community, by addressing the safety risks faced by LGBT people, especially those who live alone, those aged 65 and above.

It was also praised for how its work with young people, whom the service engages with through Prince’s Trust programmes, cadet units, school visits and other safety initiatives.

Chief Fire Officer, Paul Hancock who is also the senior sponsor of the Service’s LGBT staff Network Firepride, said: “I am so very proud of the staff in the Network and Allies and those across the Service who have helped to cement our position as a pioneering employer of choice for LGBT individuals.

“To feature in the top 50 of the list over five consecutive years shows the value that we place on all our people.

“Despite progress, there are still very low numbers of visible operational gay and bisexual staff across the fire and rescue service, although this is slowly changing. Our aim is to make sure that all our staff feel able to be themselves, give their all and be open at work. Participating in the Index helps us to shift perceptions and attitudes in order to help us achieve that.”

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s efforts in the workplace to address homophobic abuse and other forms of bullying were picked out by Stonewall.

These included its robust policies, efforts to engage all staff in LGBT inclusion and the use of LGBT youth ambassadors who support the delivery of LGBT and diversity training to team leaders and staff working with young people.

Duncan Bradshaw, director of membership programmes for Stonewall, said: "Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and all those who have made this year's Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job, and really do put equality and inclusion at the forefront of their work.

"We were thrilled to have 439 submissions for this year's Index, one of the most competitive yet, and I would like to thank each and every organisation that took part.

“With your continued efforts and hard work, we will continue to work towards a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff are welcomed and accepted without exception in their workplaces."