CTIF adopts official Code of Conduct document against harassment and bullying

There is no room for discrimination or harassment in Fire and Rescue Services

At the Executive Committee meeting in Marseille on Thursday October 14th, 2021, CTIF officially adopted a paper outlining the expected Code of Conduct within our own organisation, but which also serves as CTIF´s official policy on Safe Space Guidelines within fire services and other related workplaces throughout our membership. 

Read more on ctif about Harassment & Bullying

CTIF (The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services) reminds everyone that fire and rescue services must be free from discrimination and harassment and everybody should work towards this aim.

The Mission of CTIF is “Safer Citizens Through Skilled Firefighters” - to work to better understand, and continuously improve, the working conditions for firefighters through ongoing dialogue, analysis and sharing of Lessons Learned from emergencies and fires throughout the world.

During its entire history, CTIF has been a place to promote this mission, bringing together different countries, experts and firefighters regardless of their beliefs, opinions, backgrounds or other factors.

Sharing a common goal is what brings us together. This approach is valued even more today as we come together and focus on those things that join and unite us together; this is more important than ever.

We also urge our members and other organisations to join our efforts to promote a culture where there is no place for harassment and discrimination of any sort. Building a safe environment is a joint effort to which we must all commit-everyday.

Fire and rescue services are about safety. It is crucial, that this field is not only safe to its customers, but also safe for our employees and volunteers.

As a first step, CTIF has decided to adopt Safe Space Guidelines for all its events – including Commission and Working Group meetings, Delegates’ Assembly, and Competitions – that have the following principles:

1. Respect others’ physical and emotional boundaries.

2. Respect others’ identities and backgrounds, including pronouns and names.

3. Do not assume or make judgments on anyone’s gender identity, sexual preference, survivor status, health status, economic status, religion, background, beliefs, opinions, etc.

4. Respect others’ right to privacy.

5. Be aware that your actions and words may have unintended effects on other people and that their feelings are valid, regardless of your intentions.

6. Assume positive intent. If someone does or says something that crosses a boundary, gently let them know, but do not assume they intended harm.

7. Take care of your own safety. If you need to step out, feel free to do so. If you feel unsafe, let the event organiser know.

8. If you witness any abusive or inappropriate behaviour, let the event organiser know.

Cover Photo: (Above) PH Sphere, Wikipedia Commons License.