Working with NFRS procurement standards

NFRS, as a public service, have a strong commitment to the equality principles of:

• Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of age, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, race, religion and belief and sexual orientation.
• Advancing equality of opportunity.
• Fostering good relations between different communities.

We are a Disability Confident employer. NFRS is committed to promoting equality through the procurement process by procuring goods and services that meet high standards and take into account the diverse needs of users and our communities.

It is a priority for us to provide equal access to services and job opportunities to all, so wherever possible, we try to ensure people receive the services they need rather than what we think they should receive. For example, we will deliver a service in a different way to somebody with a disability to meet their specific needs.

What we expect from our suppliers:

• We expect NFRS suppliers of goods, works and services to demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, both in the workplace and through the delivery of the contract
• All contracts should be delivered in a way that does not unlawfully discriminate. and advances equality of opportunity for staff, members of the community, other statutory bodies, partners and voluntary organisations.
• Goods and services provided by contractors and suppliers cater to all potential users and are delivered in ways that meet their needs.
• There is no difference in satisfaction rates of service users and staff from different communities.
• Suppliers should be able to demonstrate compliance with the Equality Act (2010) both through the delivery of the contract and through workforce practices, e.g., by monitoring protected characteristics and providing reasonable adjustments for an employee with a disability.
• Demonstrable outcomes should be evident within equality practices, particularly through recruitment processes, training and development, equal pay and equality impact monitoring

NFRS acknowledge outcomes will differ depending on the size and dynamics of your business. 

NFRS wants to encourage its suppliers to promote values similar to its own; this applies equally to the supply chain. As there may be multiple tiers within the supply chain, it can become more complex for suppliers to ensure the relevant/ required standards are being met. However, there is an expectation that suppliers will undertake appropriate due diligence to ensure that standards are being upheld throughout their supply chain.