MORE women are being sought to join the fire service in Dorset in an equality and diversity drive.

Events are planned to boost the ranks of female firefighters and those from ‘under-represented’ groups.

And the brigade, which is due to mark a one-year union with a neighbouring service, is set to reduce the amount of members on its governing body.

Members of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority have been reflecting on the past year as the anniversary approaches of the combined authority, including how to provide a more ‘effective and efficient’ service.

The authority – which came into being on April 1, 2016 – comprises 30 councillors from five local authorities in Dorset and Wiltshire. There is a recommendation to reduce this figure to 18 to maintains equal representation across the constituent councils. A consultation will run until September seeking views.

Work is also underway to strengthen governance arrangements after members considered an update report on the national independent review of conditions of service for fire and rescue staff in England.

Chairman of the Fire Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox, said: “We are absolutely committed to equality and diversity within the service and we can work together and with others to ensure that our staff are supported. Many of the recommendations within the national review have either been adopted already in Dorset & Wiltshire, or are planned for the coming years, and we will continue to do all we can to help our staff.”

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell added: “A particular area of focus for us is to increase the number of female firefighters. Later this year, we will be starting whole-time firefighter recruitment. In the meantime, we will be running positive action activities, where we will be encouraging women and those from under-represented groups to join our service.”

Dorset & Wiltshire FRS currently has 48 uniformed female firefighters, and Mr Ansell said: “This figure is better than it used to be, but is still not high enough. Women make excellent firefighters and I am convinced that there are plenty who would be interested in a rewarding career with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.”