But rather a way of breaking down barriers, getting closer to the community, demonstrating a positive commitment to reflect the makeup of the community that we serve. It would be imperative that these mentors are selected for the right reasons and are properly equipped with the skills and resources to undertake this initiative. They should be chosen because of their desire to help, because they believe wholeheartedly in what the scheme is trying to achieve and in their Brigade's Equal Opportunities policy. Nor should it involve large numbers, indeed that would probably be a disadvantage, by diluting resources and the level of experience that each would be able to build upon. Neither would such an initiative having any great financial implications.
Brigades already have a duty and policy to provide training in equal opportunities.
The Brigade would simply need to ensure that the mentors were fully trained in its policies and kept updated. They would also need to be fully briefed on the Brigade's recruitment and selection processes. Some Brigades have already established links with local community groups and are working hard to develop new ones. The fire service need to get their message to those under represented groups. They must tap into local careers officers, careers conventions, job clubs, youth groups etc.