Is Scotland’s fire service ready for what’s next? Inside the SFRS strategy for 2025–28
Iain Hoey
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Service strategy outlines vision for evolving needs in Scotland
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has formally approved its new strategy for 2025 to 2028, outlining priorities across community safety, operational readiness and organisational reform.
According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the strategy responds to shifts in incident trends, such as a decline in house fires and a rise in flooding and wildfires, alongside wider social and infrastructure challenges.
SFRS said it will deliver the strategy through a three-year delivery plan supported by local fire and rescue plans, directorate plans and individual team objectives.
The strategy sets five overarching objectives: safer communities through prevention, safe and effective response, investing in people, improving performance, and innovation and investment.
According to SFRS, these priorities are shaped by national guidance including the Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland, and are aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision and public sector reform goals.
Community prevention work remains central to SFRS operations
The strategy confirms that preventing incidents before they occur remains a core function of the service.
SFRS said it will continue to focus on reducing fire risk in homes and businesses and supporting vulnerable individuals through targeted interventions.
The document identifies ageing populations, health inequalities and climate-related threats as emerging areas of concern for future prevention work.
According to the strategy, enhanced data use and local partnership working will be used to shape prevention activity and support community resilience.
SFRS also said it would revise its enforcement approach to reflect findings from major incident reviews, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Emergency response shaped by climate and operational learning
The service said that its operational model will be adapted to meet evolving risks, including more frequent extreme weather events.
According to the strategy, firefighters will receive continued training under the 2023–28 Training Strategy to maintain competency and adapt to new techniques.
SFRS said it will explore different delivery models and ways of working to improve productivity and incident response.
Investment in new systems, vehicles and technologies is planned to support safe and timely deployment.
The strategy commits to embedding lessons learned from past incidents, both within SFRS and from other UK and international services.
Staff wellbeing and diversity are key priorities
SFRS said that supporting the health, safety and career development of staff will remain a core objective through 2028.
The strategy outlines commitments to mental wellbeing, leadership development, and inclusive recruitment.
The service aims to expand representation across its workforce to reflect Scotland’s population, including people from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
According to SFRS, a revised set of organisational values will be developed to guide behaviours and professional standards.
The service also intends to enhance its support for on-call staff through new employment practices.
Innovation and investment to drive efficiency and capacity
The strategy sets out a commitment to modernising infrastructure, equipment, and digital systems.
According to SFRS, future investment aims to ensure firefighters have appropriate tools, vehicles, and facilities, particularly in relation to contaminant reduction and environmental standards.
The service said it would consider expanding its role in communities, such as supporting medical response or delivering other public services where appropriate.
SFRS also said it would adopt more efficient internal processes and automate routine functions to increase organisational capacity.
These changes will be supported by research, data analysis and cross-sector collaboration.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 2025–28 strategy focuses on safety, risk and reform: Summary
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has published its strategy for 2025 to 2028.
The strategy sets five objectives: prevention, response, people, performance and innovation.
It responds to changes in risk, including more wildfires and flooding.
SFRS said its prevention focus includes vulnerable groups and national partnerships.
Operational response will be shaped by climate change and new training.
Staff wellbeing, inclusion and leadership development are identified as priorities.
Investment is planned in fleet, equipment and fire station facilities.
Digital systems and automation will be used to improve productivity.
The strategy includes a new delivery plan, overseen by the SFRS Board.
It aligns with national government guidance and local authority needs.
Progress will be measured through performance dashboards and public reporting.
The strategy document is available on the SFRS website.