Scottish fire brigades target gay bars in drive to broaden recruitment

SCOTLAND'S fire service is attempting to shed its "macho" image in a nationwide drive to recruit gay officers. Posters have been distributed in gay bars and clubs across the country as part of the equality campaign.

Four of Scotland's eight fire brigades are behind the move, which has also seen firefighters taking part in a series of gay fairs and parades where they have tried to get the equal opportunities message across.

The fire service hopes the move by the Lothian and Borders, Fife, Central and Dumfries and Galloway brigades will dispel the perception that firefighters must always be white, male and straight.

Two other brigades, Grampian and Tayside, have also been given "diversity champion" status by the gay campaign group Stonewall Scotland for their equal opportunities policies.

Ross Wynn, the equalities manager at Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said there had been a sea change in attitudes towards recruiting from the gay community, and other minority groups.

He said: "We've had a fire service funded by the taxpayer in Edinburgh since 1824. Since then we've been drawing from one pool only - white males, usually of a certain sexual orientation.
"But recently we made a decision that we needed to look at all the talent in the community, so we can provide the best service.

"The fire service in Scotland is wanting to make itself appeal to the gay community. That's been on the agenda across the country in the past few months."

Mr Wynn said the brigade would work with Stonewall to introduce initiatives aimed at producing a "gay-friendly" workplace, such as having staff forums for gay and lesbian employees.

Recent attempts by the fire service to appeal to the gay community have become mired in controversy after it emerged a crew of firefighters in Glasgow were facing disciplinary action for refusing to distribute leaflets at the Pride Scotia Parade.

But Calum Irving, the director of Stonewall Scotland, said the fire service was making serious efforts to seek gay and lesbian recruits.

"I think they are moving in the right direction. The fire service appears to be providing strong leadership. Chief officers are being clear that they will welcome all people into the service, regardless of sexual orientation.

"They are sending out the message that certain types of behaviour, such as harassment, are unacceptable."

However, Michael Dixon, the Tory finance spokesman on the City of Edinburgh Council, questioned the value of producing glossy posters for the gay and lesbian community.

"Most people would see it as fitting for a public service to recruit from and be representative of the community it serves.

"What is likely to concern people more is if this costly recruitment campaign was merely the price of political correctness," he said.

Published by The Scotsman