Our People

Our volunteers are the backbone of VICSES, making up 95% of our total membership and serving the Victorian community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for more than 40 years. 

VICSES celebrates an inclusive and diverse workforce that is committed to leading better public safety outcomes. Our strong investment in organisational values is a key driver in empowering and motivating our volunteers and staff (Our People) in a work environment that acknowledges, respects and values the diversity, abilities and contributions of all.

The safety of Our People is paramount. Our members are highly skilled, well equipped, and comprehensively trained in a wide range of emergency environments. Today, we comprise of more than 5,000 volunteers and 200 employees, who are all crucial to the success of VICSES and our vision to make Safer Communities – Together. 

We actively embrace volunteerism, with a focus on the volunteer experience that better meets our volunteer’s family and work needs. We strive to be an organisation of choice for people, and partners. (Learn more about volunteering with the service: for volunteers, employers of volunteers and families of volunteers). 

Working in partnership with some of Australia’s most respected health and wellness providers, VICSES is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of Our People and in ensuring a healthy work life balance.

At VICSES, diversity is key to our success, and we are proud to celebrate an inclusive and supportive culture across our entire organisation, reflecting the diversity of the communities that we are a part of. This includes promoting a gender inclusive workplace, encompassing:

• 33% female volunteer membership.

• 43% female staff membership.

• 28% female volunteer leadership roles.

• 42% female staff leadership roles.

We are committed to taking a leadership role in gender equality in the emergency management sector.  In 2020-21, VICSES commenced a Gender Equality Project including appointing Gender Equality Champions. The project includes work to assess where we are at when it comes to gender equality, to ensure compliance with the Victorian Gender Equality Act.

VICSES CEO Stephen Griffin is a passionate advocate for the advancement of gender equality and cultural diversity within VICSES. Stephen is a member of the Fire and Emergency Male Champions of Change, which aims to develop inclusive cultures and achieve significant and sustainable improvements in the representation of women in the emergency management sector. 

VICSES also recognises the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and their continuing connection to land, waters and community, paying respect to their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging. An Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners policy is being implemented across the business.