Diversity and inclusion

Introduction

NSW SES is committed to providing an organisation that is equitable, diverse and culturally inclusive, through the effective implementation of diversity and inclusion principles. It is also committed to providing an environment that is free from bullying, unlawful discrimination and harassment. 

To achieve successful diversity outcomes, the Agency has begun to embed diversity and inclusion into our processes, and will continue to develop and implement a broad range of strategies, policies, programs and practices. 

The strength of our organisation lies in its diversity and embracing difference, with the key to our success leveraging the contributions of members with different backgrounds and perspectives. 

We encourage membership applications from a diverse range of people and are committed to recruitment practices that are fair, responsive and inclusive.

Being a part of NSW SES

The NSW SES is proud to have a membership that consists of people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experience. We encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, faith, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

We are committed to reflecting the diverse community we serve and creating an inclusive and flexible agency/service. 

People with disability are supported to access adjustments in recruitment processes and in the agency/service, to enable them to demonstrate their skills and capabilities to meet the requirements of the job. 

As supporters of flexible working, we welcome discussions about how our roles can be undertaken flexibly working, we welcome discussions about how our roles can be undertaken flexibly.

Diversity and inclusion governance

The Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee (DISC) was established in 2021 and is chaired by Deputy Commission Corporate Services, Damien Johnston. The DISC is responsible for overseeing programs and initiatives, and embedding activities that promote diversity and inclusion visibility, capability, and accountability across the Agency through quarterly meetings and the DISC Sub-Committees. 

The NSW SES launched D&I Reference Groups in October 2022, as sub-committees of the DISC, made up of staff and volunteers across the State with elected Co-Chairs. 

The Reference Groups are: 

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Disability and Carers 
• Gender Equality 
• Life Cycle (with a priority focus on Youth) 
• NSW SES Pride
• Multicultural/Cultural Diversity 

The purpose of the Reference Groups is to provide peer support, identify issues, review and advise on practices to promote inclusion, and share ideas to improve Service culture. The Networks develop initiatives that aim to increase attraction, retention, support and wellbeing of their focused diversity group. The Reference Groups are supported by a DISC Champion, and an Executive Sponsor. 

Diversity and inclusion awareness

NSW SES marks key diversity and inclusion dates of significance through Lead and Learn sessions to increase awareness and provide links to resources for members on how to get involved. These sessions are available to all members to attend, focusing on education, awareness, and capacity building. The sessions focus on a particular topic or theme, featuring learning, external guest speakers, and/or panel discussions consisting of internal NSW SES members with lived experience. The Lead and Learn sessions are recorded and uploaded to a Knowledge Hub on the internal Sharepoint, along with other relevant resources.

Diversity and inclusion capacity building

• NSW SES has memberships to the Diversity Council of Australia, Pride in Diversity, and the Australian Disability Network, peak bodies and organisations focused on diversity and inclusion. 
• NSW SES is part of the Champions of Change Coalition Fire and Emergency Group, established in 2017 with support from the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC). The Champions of Change Coalition is a globally recognised, innovative strategy for achieving gender equality, advancing more and diverse women in leadership, and building respectful and inclusive agency/service. NSW SES Commissioner is an active Champions of Change Coalition Member within this Group, supported by the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Nicholas Steepe who is the Implementation Lead. 
• NSW SES provides members to a range of eLearning courses to increase knowledge and awareness, build foundation skills top help make our Agency more inclusive for everyone. These include: NSW SES Diversity and Inclusion, SBS Core Inclusion Modules, SBS Core Inclusion First Nations, Foundations of LGBTQ Inclusion and Everyone’s Business.  

Diversity and inclusion culture 

NSW SES has proudly participated in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for over 20 years. Additionally, NSW SES has participated in Hay Rainbow on the Plains, Tamworth Pride, and Wagga Wagga Mardi Gras, to publicly demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity for the LGBTIQ+ community. 

NSW SES Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Launch

Celebrating a Milestone in Our Reconciliation Journey

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is proud to present its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant step forward in our commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across New South Wales.

Our Reflect RAP reflects our dedication to creating a culturally safe and inclusive organisation, where respect, understanding, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. It outlines practical actions that will drive meaningful change, build trust, and support reconciliation through our emergency services work.

The RAP Launch event brought together SES members, Aboriginal Elders, community representatives, and government partners to celebrate shared values and future aspirations. Through this plan, we aim to:

• Strengthen existing relationships and build new, respectful partnerships to ensure that we are prepared and well placed to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Uplift cultural awareness and capability across our workforce
• Share decision making to recognise the crucial role of Aboriginal leadership and promote meaningful participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in creating a safer, stronger and more sustainable emergency service
• Embed reconciliation into our policies, practices, and community engagement

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We are committed to walking alongside Aboriginal communities in building a safer, more connected future for all.

Learn more about our RAP and how it will shape our work. 

Contact us

Email diversityandinclusion@ses.nsw.gov.au for more information.