Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland 2016

Ministerial Foreword

This Government has a clear vision for Scotland, one of a fair, equal and prosperous nation with opportunity for us all to thrive. Growing an economy that is strong and inclusive, putting local communities more in charge of the decisions that shape their lives and tackling inequality are central to us achieving this ambition. Clearly, our efforts to drive forward reform of our public services will be key to our success.

It is important that our approach in delivering fire and rescue services in Scotland reflects and promotes the vision we have set out. By promoting the safety and wellbeing of communities across the country, we can create a Scotland which is attractive in terms of investment and opportunity, supporting us to deliver the inclusive growth that is necessary in order for our country to be a success.

The strategic priorities for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service ( SFRS) set out within this Framework are key to us delivering this goal. The priorities represent our high level ambition for what we want from a modern, skilled and dynamic fire and rescue service. A service which carries the shared values of all of our public sector; a service which works to combat the threats and risks of modern times; a service that brings national consistency, coordination and specialist resource; and a service that holds local delivery at its heart - that has the support of local communities and that is focused on priorities which are relevant to, and serve the interests of, local people.

The strategic priorities set out within the previous Fire Framework 2013 have now been in place for over three years and have provided clear direction for the SFRS through its critical first years of operation. Now is the time to build on that experience of Fire Reform transition and to implement a new set of priorities which reflect our aspirations and expectations for the future.

With this Framework setting the overarching strategic direction for fire and rescue provision in Scotland, it is now for the SFRS to set out in its second strategic plan how it proposes to deliver against these priorities. The strategic plan is the vehicle through which the SFRS explains how it will approach those challenges in its pursuit of delivering a world class fire and rescue service.

Despite the significant changes to Scotland's public sector landscape, service delivery, as always, comes first, and I both thank and congratulate the brave men and women within the SFRS who we know work tirelessly to keep us safe. Firefighters do an extremely difficult and challenging job, often putting themselves at risk to keep the people of Scotland safe from harm. They do an outstanding job and provide a great service for Scotland's communities.

Annabelle Ewing
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs