Making diversity and inclusion the new normal in emergency services

Hazard Note 60 explains research findings on diversity and inclusion in emergency management, based on case studies with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue New South Wales and the South Australian State Emergency Service. These case studies highlight key characteristics that enable diverse and inclusive organisations, such as being strategic, collaborative, outward thinking, future focused, and empowerment of individuals.

It is widely acknowledged that the emergency services have still not unlocked the full benefits that come from developing diverse and inclusive paid and volunteer workforces, or the potential opportunities from interactions with their increasingly diverse communities. The practice of diversity and inclusion within emergency service agencies is patchy, and the benefits diversity and inclusion provide are not yet well enough understood. A diverse and inclusive workforce that better reflects the community from which it is drawn can increase trust and help to build more resilient organisations and communities. It can also strengthen the capabilities and skills within emergency management agencies and their communities, so they can more effectively respond to social, environmental and economic drivers of change.

Further reading

Rasmussen, B., Maharaj, N. (2018) Changing Capabilities of Emergency Service Organisations. Case Study Summary. Melbourne: VISES (Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies), Victoria University.

Young, C., Jones, R.N., Casey, N., Kumnick, M. and Christopher, G., (2017) Risk ownership framework for emergency management policy and practice. VISES, Victoria University and Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, Melbourne.

Young, C., Pyke, J., Maharaj. N., Rasmussen, B. and Jones, R. (2018) Diversity and inclusion: building strength and capability literature review. Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, Melbourne.

Young, C., Jones, R.N. and Kumnick. M., (2018) The Long Road: Building Effective Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management Organisations. Case Study Synthesis and Draft Framework. Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, Melbourne.