As a Service, we are passionate about changing and saving lives.
Performance at work is not just about what we do (our technical competence) or what we know (our knowledge and experience). It’s also about how we deliver – our behaviours and our attitude.
Our working culture and behaviours need to support the Service’s vision and values, so that we all pull in the same direction and our efforts help us achieve the Service’s priorities.
We have developed the RESPECT framework so that all staff, volunteers and Fire Authority members understand what is expected of them:
Responsibility
This is about:
- Making clear decisions and taking responsibility for your role and your actions.
- Being honest, assertive and coping with pressure.
- Gathering information, monitoring progress, and wanting to be the best you can.
Equality
This is about:
- Knowing your community, knowing yourself, and being fair and ethical.
- Challenging unacceptable behaviour and championing diversity.
- Respecting individual differences and doing what’s morally right.
Support
This is about:
- Working effectively with others and supporting colleagues within and outside the Service.
- Being sensitive to others’ feelings and wellbeing, and being aware of your own behaviour.
- Managing your performance, understanding boundaries, and giving and receiving feedback.
Professionalism
Being professional is about:
- Being credible, confident and having impact.
- Understanding your context, recognising key groups, and building relationships with them.
- Assessing impact, co-operating, compromising, and recognising when to lead and when to let others do so.
Excellence
This is about:
- Wanting to do a good job, giving your best effort to all tasks.
- Being flexible, adapting to situations and overcoming barriers.
- Inspiring others, involving people and sharing information openly.
Communication
This is about:
- Interacting effectively, having integrity, and recognising different styles that suit others.
- Simplifying information, being diplomatic and sensitive to the audience.
- Making and keeping useful contacts, actively listening and committing to organisational decisions.
Transformation
This is about:
- Questioning existing practices, thinking of new ideas, and being able to cope with ambiguity.
- Creating solutions, adapting previous experience and finding ‘quick wins’.
- Being empowered, empowering others and being open to change.
For the full RESPECT framework, please click here.