Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Behavioural framework

Ethical principles

The NFCC Core Code of Ethics

The NFRS Behavioural Framework aligns with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Core Code of Ethics for Fire & Rescue Services (England).

The “Core Code” sits alongside the Code of Ethics Fire Standard developed by the Fire Standards Board, and has been designed to help us all to act in the best way we can towards each other and while serving the public.

The Code sets out 5 ethical principles which are based on the 7 Principles of Public Life, and provide a basis for promoting good behaviour and challenging inappropriate behaviour.

Five Fire and Rescue Service ethical principles

Each of the Core Code’s ethical principles is described by a statement and examples to set out what we must each do to ensure we’re acting in line with the Core Code.

  • Red circle with White House and tree insidePutting our communities first
    We put the interests of the public, the community, and service users first.
  • Grey circle with heart and tick insideIntegrity
    We act with integrity including being open, honest, and consistent in everything that we do.
  • Blue circle with two hands shakingDignity and respect
    We treat people with dignity and respect, making decisions objectively based on evidence, without discrimination or bias.
  • Maroon circle with two hands holding three peopleLeadership
    We are all positive role models, always demonstrating flexible and resilient leadership. We are all accountable for our behaviour, decisions, and actions, and challenge all behaviour that falls short of the highest standards.
  • Turquoise circle with a silhouette if a person celebrating in whiteEquality, diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
    We continually recognise and promote the value of equality, diversity, and inclusion, both within the FRS and the wider communities in which we serve. We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations, and celebrate difference.

In order to ensure that our Behavioural Framework is properly aligned with the Core Code of Ethics we have undertaken a mapping exercise. Where we feel that our existing behavioural indicators have covered the Core Code, we have left it as-is. Where we feel there is a gap, we have included it and have referenced it with the initials of the relevant five ‘ethical principles’:

  • POCF – Putting our Communities First
  • I – Integrity
  • DR - Dignity and Respect
  • L – Leadership
  • EDI – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

In some cases, we have amended existing wording to encapsulate the Core Code.