Our Commitment to the Core Code of Ethics
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) follows the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Core Code of Ethics. This Code sets out clear principles that help ensure public trust and confidence in everyone who works for, or on behalf of, our Service. It guides our staff to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behaviour in everything we do.
The Core Code of Ethics supports our commitment to continuously improving our organisational culture, strengthening workforce diversity, and serving our communities in the best possible way.
All CDDFRS employees—and anyone working with us or representing us—are expected to follow the Core Code of Ethics and demonstrate these behaviours consistently. The principles of the Code are woven into our policies, procedures and everyday actions to ensure they are truly embedded in how we work.
The Five Ethical Principles
1. Putting our communities first
We place the interests of the public, our communities and our service users at the heart of every decision.
2. Integrity
We act with integrity by being open, honest and consistent in everything we do.
3. Dignity and respect
We treat everyone with dignity and respect, making fair and evidence‑based decisions without discrimination or bias.
4. Leadership
We lead by example, demonstrating positive, flexible and resilient leadership at all levels of the organisation.
5. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
We actively recognise and promote the value of EDI within CDDFRS and the wider communities we serve. We stand against all forms of discrimination, create equal opportunities, promote equality, foster good relations and celebrate differences.