Inclusion Support Officer

Are you an organised and flexible individual with a passion for inclusion? Do you want to use and develop your skills to promote equality, diversity and inclusion? If so, apply to become our Inclusion Support Officer today!

Corporate staff

North Somerset

Post number: 3412

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £33,673 - £36,581 per annum

Closing date: Midday 13 November 2026

Location: Headquarters, Portishead

Interview date: Week commencing 26 November 2026

Summary of role

As our Inclusion Support Officer you will support with developing inclusion priorities into practical, consistent and well-informed activity across the Service. In this role you will provide coordination, guidance and delivery support across key inclusion priorities, including Equality Impact Assessments, inclusion-related accreditations, staff networks, I CARE Allies, inclusive learning and the diversity and inclusion calendar.

The role will also help support compliance with the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty and relevant equality, diversity and inclusion requirements.

Some of the things you’ll be doing

• Support the Service to meet relevant equality, diversity and inclusion requirements, including duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Encourage colleague participation and engagement across staff networks and the I CARE Allies programme.
• Act as the first point of contact for Equality Impact Assessment enquiries across the Service and manage and maintain the shared mailbox within the agreed response times.
• Support staff networks and the I CARE Allies programme to help develop an inclusive workplace aligned to the Inclusion annual delivery plan and People, Culture and Leadership Strategy.
• Work with staff networks and I CARE Allies to plan and deliver events, communications and learning opportunities that promote inclusion and belonging.
• Support the collaborative creation and promotion of the Service’s diversity and inclusion calendar, supporting activity linked to key awareness and cultural events throughout the year.
• Liaise with Corporate Communications to publicise training and awareness activity across the Service and support colleagues to engage with equality, diversity an inclusion learning opportunities.
• Carry out any additional responsibilities as reasonable and appropriate, as agreed with line manager.

What we will need from you

Essential

• Experience using digital systems including demonstrable confidence in Microsoft 365, Outlook, Teams and Sharepoint Intranet pages whilst using documents or spreadsheets to organise and share information.
• Good organisational skills, proven to work proactively with good attention to detail and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and supportive information to colleagues.
• Ability to handle information sensitively, confidentially and respectfully.
• Ability to follow guidance, apply simple processes and ask for support when needed.
• Willingness to build confidence in supporting colleagues with Equality Impact Assessments, staff networks, learning activity and inclusion resources.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and supportive information to colleagues.
• Understanding of the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty and relevant equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities, or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion, including a willingness to continue developing knowledge and confidence in this area.
• Hold, or be willing to complete, Equality Impact Assessment training alongside a willingness to complete relevant inclusion, compliance, EqIA or accessibility training as required.
• Understanding of the importance of accurate records, evidence and documentation in supporting inclusion activity and compliance.
• Awareness of how Equality Impact Assessments can support fair, transparent and inclusive decision-making.
• Awareness of accessibility and inclusive learning principles, including the need to make resources easy to find, understand and use.
• Willingness to accept and work to the NFCC Core Code of Ethics during the course of employment.

Desirable

• Level 3 qualification or equivalent occupational qualification in a relevant subject such as Human Resources, Organisational Development, Organisational Change Management, Culture Change, or Equality & Diversity.
• Experience of working with local communities, teams or stakeholders, either in a paid, voluntary, educational or lived experience capacity.
• Experience of coordinating information, records, meetings, learning activity or simple processes.

What you can expect in return

• 26 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 30 days after 5 years, and 31 days after 10 years of service
• Local Government Pension – Defined Benefit Scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Welfare and Wellbeing services
• Staff Networks
• Access to Westfield Health Supplementary Healthcare package.
• Access to Blue Light card with offers online and high street discounts
• Use of the multi-gym, sports hall, restaurant, free parking and beautiful open surroundings at our Headquarters in Portishead.

How to apply

If you experience any issues with the application or require a paper version please contact [email protected] . Late applications and any applications with no supporting statement will not be accepted. Please quote job reference number 3412 on any communications. Thank you.

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees. All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check. These will be renewed throughout employment.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.

Additional reading

It is important for you to familiarise yourself with our work at Avon FRS and the framework we follow. Please see some resources below for you to read and explore:

Core Code Of Ethics – NFCC

Our mission, vision and values – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Safeguarding policy – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Safeguarding Statement (63kB pdf)