The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is currently undergoing a national consultation process on their draft Strategic Plan 2016-19, which commenced on Wednesday 1^st June and is open for 10 weeks until Tuesday 9^th August 2016.

They are looking for input, and the consultation document can be found online at the Fire Scotland website.

The Scottish Government has developed a new draft SFRS Fire Framework which sets of Scottish Government Ministers expectations of the Service. The draft framework provides SFRS with strategic priorities and objectives, together with guidance on how the delivery of its functions contribute to the Government’s purpose.

To ensure SFRS organisational priorities and objectives align with the Fire Framework, and other expectations placed on public bodies through community planning legislation, the SFRS has developed a draft Strategic Plan for 2016-19.

In addition to the online consultation response tool, the Local Senior Officer for Falkirk and West Lothian is available to meet members of the Falkirk Community Planning Partnership to discuss the draft Strategic Plan, and, where relevant, record comments and suggestions.

The draft Strategic Plan has been developed to fulfil the following strategic purposes:

Develops the expectations set out in the Scottish Government Framework
Provides the flexibility required to balance national priorities with the specific needs of local communities
Acts as a bridge between the Fire Framework and Local Plans
Signals the SFRS’ intention to explore new ways and areas of working

Whilst the SFRS is keen to hear views from stakeholders on all aspects of the Strategic Plan, they are particularly interested to hear view on the following aspects of the Plan:

Will the Strategic Plan allow the SFRS to balance national priorities with the needs of local communities?
Are the Services strategy, outcomes and resources the right ones?
What are the key challenges our local community face?
Beyond the Services traditional fire related activities where can we work with partners stakeholders and communities to address key challenges?

To submit your response, or for further information, please visit the Fire Scotland website.