Black & Ethnic Minority Members

 

We were established initially as an advisory committee to the Fire Brigades Union in 1996, after a gathering of Black and Ethnic Minorities brought to light their concerns as to the racism, and sexism being levelled at people of colour within the Fire & Rescue Service and our Communities. 

 

Black and Minority Ethnic members of the Fire Brigades Union felt that their Employers and the Fire Brigades Union were not dealing with racism and the effects of racism, and had in fact become part of the problem rather than the solution. Members recalled occasions when they witnessed abuse against members of the community; and members recounted being victims of abuse themselves.  Members would not always feel confident enough to report incidents of racism, but when they did, and these issues were raised with management, their concerns were often trivialised, and instead of the issue being dealt with effectively they themselves were made to feel uncomfortable and even marginalised because of their complaint.

 

In order to address the catalogue of inequalities identified, members decided that they needed specific representation within the Fire Brigades Union. To achieve this it was deemed necessary to establish a National Committee of representatives to coordinate and participate in the changes that needed to come about. Since 2002 we have had representation on the FBU Executive Council, and we have elected officials and lay officials throughout the whole structure of the Fire Brigades Union. 

 

As we evolved as a section within the Trade Union we have spread our wings, as we strive to keep the focus of our mission.  We hope to provide a service to our members, which is specific to their needs. From the point when you take up employment in the Fire Service to the point when you retire, we can provide you with a point of contact for support, advice and information. 

 

 

To continue to be a guiding light to the British Fire Service, its under-represented minority members and their union by being a focal point for advice on dealing with issues of discrimination, harassment and debarment as they affect Black and Ethnic Minority Members of the British Fire Service

 

 

If you are a new member or an established member of the Fire & Rescue service, you can benefit from the work B&EMM does or the services we can provide.  If you ever need advice on situations that you feel uncomfortable about we are a phone call away, to offer you that advice in confidence; If you are disciplined for any reason we can provide you with representation - Our experience is unique as we can identify any practices that may be deemed discriminatory. If you need assistance with career decisions we have a network you can tap into for advice.  As your Brigade develops policies and practices around their Race Equality Schemes we provide consultation on how to better improve workplace practices and community initiatives; Nationally we consult with all levels of government with responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service with the view to ensuring that our concerns are raised at the highest levels of the Fire & Rescue Service. 

 

 

 

• To offer support and encourage networking by our members.
• To assist Fire and Rescue Services in ensuring that their recruitment, retention and progression strategies recognise the diversities of the communities they serve and actively seek to reflect that.                                                                                     
• To advise and assist the FBU in educating it’s members in order to recognise, appreciate and respect cultural differences thus eradicating the effects of prejudice in the workplace and the community.
• To take full advantage of learning opportunities. Offer career guidance and influence in the creation and maintenance of supportive working environments.

 

 

You do not have to complete any separate forms to join B&EMM. Once you have identified yourself as being from an Ethnic Minority on your membership form, or informed your membership secretary, you will automatically be on our database. (Please see census categories). 

B&EMM is you. This is one of the most important things that members should remember. Your participation in B&EMM is essential to our continued existence. 

 

Your participation can take many forms;

 

• Becoming a B&EMM Rep for your Brigade (For more information contact B&EMM National Chair). 
  
• Supporting your local B&EMM Representative through contact and offering assistance.
  
• Offering support, mentoring or advice to other B&EMM who may be experiencing difficulties or just need support.
  
• Mentoring or supporting within your local community. 
  
• Contacting your local B&EMM Rep and getting involved in any local B&EMM initiatives.
  
• Volunteering to attend local or national anti racism events on behalf of FBU.
  
• Informing B&EMM local rep; or National Officials of any developing issues around race within your Brigade. 
  

 

We understand that your ethnic origin, and religion beliefs are important to you, and you should be able to express yourself culturally without feeling intimidated. We also understand that your career in the Fire Service can have its ups and downs, and although this will not necessarily have anything to do with your ethnic origin, B&EMM is here to support you through the good times and the bad times.

 

 

If you ever feel uncomfortable about any situation you should speak to someone you trust, and if you need advice on what to do next you should speak to your local B&EMM Representative. They will be able to give you guidance on how to handle situations, and how to resolve any conflict. They will also be able to support you through any actions you decide to take. Please remember that it will always be your decision whether to take action on an issue – unless the law may have been broken; or someone is in danger.