APPENDIX B - DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE CORE VALUES Honesty, clarity and accountability Respect for each other Working together to improve A ‘can do’ attitude Ideal Encouraging an open, honest and respectful working environment for all employees. Acting with integrity on behalf of the team/Service and not self- interest. Making ethical, consistent, fair and transparent decisions that withstand scrutiny. Having clear, comprehensive policies and procedures that are well communicated, applied consistently and updated regularly. Taking time to develop rapport so you can relate to others. Creating an open, non- judgemental atmosphere where everyone feels able to speak their mind. Showing empathy by considering the feelings of others. Responding to the needs of our communities following regular dialogue about what is important to them. Focusing on our customers, understanding who they are and what their needs may be. Being flexible in changing times and willing to accept new challenges. Seeking opportunities for employees to work with each across the Service to share knowledge and increase understanding. Encouraging innovation and new ideas, thinking outside the box and publicising success. Seeking best practice and piloting good ideas and alternative ways of working. Being an energiser, adding value to your role, going the extra mile and having a positive attitude. Encouraging enthusiasm and passion for the job. Being a good role model who leads by example and demonstrates high standards. Motivating others. Expected Setting and communicating the direction of the Service, its aims and objectives. Ensuring all employees are about their role and how it contributes to Service aims and objectives. Actively involving people in decision-making and being open to their ideas, particularly in decisions that affect them. Providing timely, and concise communications, using face to face where possible. Empowering others to operate within their levels of responsibility. Providing opportunities for personal development to enable employees to progress and achieve their potential. Responding positively to new ideas. Maintaining high standards. Demonstrating pride and professionalism through smart appearance and punctuality.
Honesty, clarity and accountability Respect for each Working together to improve A ‘can do’ attitude Setting performance standards and monitoring regularly. Being honest, sincere, open and truthful. Having a clear career structure with support available through development opportunities. Taking responsibility for our own actions and decisions. Recognising the benefits of a diverse workforce and the value this can add. Challenging bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour/language. Showing appreciation for people’s efforts. Dealing with difficult issues as they occur to avoid the situation getting worse. Supporting employees to develop a healthy, work- life balance. Accepting genuine errors and encouraging people to learn from them. Willing to give and accept constructive criticism in to improve for the future. Engaging with partners and proactively seeking out other agencies with mutual goals. Respecting the history and good reputation of the Service. Being reliable and able to carry out tasks without close supervision. Unacceptable Disregarding Service policies and procedures. Being dishonest by saying one thing and doing something different. Allowing situations to continue there is distrust and a bad atmosphere. Consulting people when decisions have already been made that can no longer be influenced. Being aware of something you know to be wrong but doing nothing about it. Being inconsistent in decision- making and the provision of information. Bullying and harassment. Taking too much time to respond to issues that could be resolved quickly. Being resistant to change without considering the benefits. Working separately rather than as one organisation. Looking to blame people rather than allowing them to learn from mistakes. Poor standards in work, appearance and timekeeping. Negativity, always complaining and failing to see anything good at work. Being unreliable and not trusted to carry out the task in hand. Having a poor attitude, not wanting to assist others in any way.