1. FIR Ambassador Information Pack
January 2018

2. Contents Page In this pack you will find information on the following:
The role of a FIR Ambassador
Business benefits of having FIR Ambassadors
Who can become a FIR Ambassador
What is expected of a FIR Ambassador
How to become a FIR Ambassador
The free training required to become a FIR Ambassador
FIR Ambassador training events
The free resources available to FIR Ambassadors
Testimonials: making an impact
FAQs

3. The Role of A FIR Ambassador
A FIR Ambassador promotes a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect within the organisation in which they work.
A FIR Ambassador is expected to act as a role model for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in their offices, sites or projects.
This means embodying the principles of FIR to work collaboratively whilst stepping in to take action, challenge behaviour, and positively impact workplace culture.

4. Business Benefits of Having FIR Ambassadors
Having a FIR Ambassador will help businesses:
Demonstrate a commitment to FIR principles to clients and stakeholders
Raise the company’s profile within the FIR Network
Benefit from shared intelligence on FIR related topics
Upskill staff to help them contribute to:
Reviewing company policies and processes relating to FIR
Developing in-house resources relating to FIR
Providing in-house training on FIR

5. Who Can Become a FIR Ambassador?
FIR Ambassadors can be employed at any level of the organisation.
They should have the explicit support of more senior management, be influential in their team or business, and be able to maintain positive relationships based on respect.

6. What is Expected of a FIR Ambassador?
FIR Ambassadors are encouraged to:
Recognise, and promote to others, that FIR is key to business success and performance.
Make every effort to regularly communicate the benefits of FIR, for example, through promoting business successes or examples of good practice.
Help to create an open, positive and inclusive work environment.
Support compliance with current legislation (e.g. Equality Act 2010).
Understand the barriers that prevent people from being able to give of their best in the workplace, and speak out to overcome them.
Be a focal point for a part of the business (e.g. a project or office) in relation to FIR.
Sign-post colleagues who are in need of advice e.g. when experiencing unfairness, discrimination, bullying or harassment.
Engage with managers, programme or project leads to support culture change and progress FIR in specific offices or projects.
Be a soundboard for challenging unfairness and promoting FIR in the workplace.
Treat all others with dignity and respect, for example by being considerate, fair, polite and not making assumptions based on age, gender or background.
Develop own personal capability around FIR.
Network with other FIR Ambassadors and relevant people from within the business (e.g. equality representatives, staff network members) to provide mutual support groups.
Help others to become FIR Ambassadors where there is desire and will.

7. How to become a FIR Ambassador
Anyone wishing to become a FIR Ambassador should:
Obtain buy-in from their organisation, ideally someone in a leadership role who has the ability to change attitudes, challenge behaviours and influence company policy.
Complete at least one of the two e-learning programmes
Achieving business success through FIR
Fairness, Inclusion and Respect on site
or attend an Introduction to FIR workshop by booking onto an upcoming Introduction to FIR Event
attend a FIR Ambassador Engagement Event to receive more specialist free Ambassador training by booking here

8. The Free Training Required to Become a FIR Ambassador1
Attend Introduction to FIR workshop
Complete E-Learning on Achieving Business Success through FIR 2
Attend a Ambassador Engagement workshop
Become a CPD certified Ambassador 3
Attend quarterly Ambassador Network Coaching sessions
Maintain regular engagement with the FIR Ambassador Programme
Encourage colleagues to become FIR Ambassadors
Optional
Become an specialist FIR trainer
Deliver Introduction to FIR workshops 4

9. FIR Ambassador Training Events
Engagement Workshops
Meet people from other businesses who have become – or are considering becoming – FIR Ambassadors
Gain a CPD Accredited workshop- to add to your professional profile
Collaborate with different business to progress the FIR agenda
Discuss the barriers to FIR and how they can be overcome
Produce your own action plan
Get a first look at cutting edge industry research and ideas in relation to FIR – most of which is not yet in the public domain
Coaching Workshops
Develop stronger relationships with fellow FIR Ambassadors
Share workplace FIR challenges and opportunities - and how to address them
Learn more about specific “protected characteristics” and supporting them in the workplace
Contribute to the development of FIR materials the programme’s growing body of learning
Discuss FIR related current affairs, industry themes and research

10. The Free Resources Available to FIR Ambassadors
 FIR Ambassadors can take advantage of:
FIR Ambassador group coaching events
Opportunities to collaborate across the industry
FIRry Friday s
Invitation only LinkedIn group
Industry learning and materials
A hub of shared experiences and good practice
Feature on our website as a FIR Ambassador
The opportunity to become an fully supported FIR trainer

11. Testimonials: Making An Impact
‘Being the FIR champion within Jackson Civils has been an interesting  journey for me so far. We have  put together a short video explaining what FIR is and what it means to us. In addition, we are currently providing more resources to upskill our staff. Personally, it has made me understand more about my own behaviour as I promote FIR and allowed me to take a step back to understand the wider effect of FIR on all of our staff.’
- FIR Ambassador, Jackson Civils
‘My role as a FIR Ambassador has provided me with an opportunity to lead positive change in this area. Through engaging with other FIR Ambassadors and sharing best practice across organisations, I have been able to use this knowledge to to help review equality, diversity and inclusion aspirations and identify opportunities to collaborate with one of our key customers.’
- FIR Ambassador, Costain

12. FAQs Where can I find the FIR resources?
You can find the Free FIR Toolkit here -
Who is my main point contact?
For all queries on the FIR Programme please contact
How do I get an event scheduled for my organisation?
To organise an Introduction to FIR or Ambassador Engagement Network event, please
I have colleagues that wants to become a FIR Ambassador?
Please share this pack with them and introduce them to