Mark Shone: Safety Centre manager, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
Joining the fire and rescue service was never part of my career plan. After graduating with a degree in media studies I trained as a journalist on a local newspaper and, after realising I didn’t quite fit the mould of thick-skinned reporter, decided to move to public relations.
In 2010 our agency ceased trading and I had to look for a new job. I applied for the position of consultation and engagement officer with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. I loved the variety and pace of my new job from day one.
Over a coffee one day, another gay colleague and I decided we would try to resurrect the dormant LGBT staff and volunteer network. ‘Firepride’. We gave LGBT staff, volunteers and stakeholders a real voice in shaping the way services were provided and we began benchmarking ourselves in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index. Being named this year, eight years on, as the fourth best organisation – and best emergency service – in the UK to work for if you’re LGBT feels like a real professional achievement.
My team was friendly and supportive and at no point did I ever feel I had to hide my life outside work. It simply wasn’t, and never has been, an issue.