Strategic Leadership Team

Martin Blunden

Chief Officer

Martin Blunden joined us from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and brings with him over 26 years of experience gained across the UK, including a prestigious national resilience role in water safety and water rescue for the UK Department for Local Government and Communities.

David McGown

Deputy Chief Officer

David McGown is the Deputy Chief Officer. As Director of Service Delivery, David has overall responsibility for the delivery of our emergency services to the communities of Scotland and will also lead on the development of the future SFRS operational model and role

Ross Haggart

Assistant Chief Officer with Prevention and Protection

Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart has responsibility for the Prevention and Protection Directorate. Ross has been with the Service for 24 years, and takes on this role following three years as Deputy Assistant Chief Officer for the Strategic Planning, Performance and Communications Directorate. Prior to this, he held the position of LSO for Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire and previously Area Manager for P&P following the formation of the SFRS.

John Dickie

Assistant Chief Officer with responsibility for Response and Resilience

Assistant Chief Officer John Dickie has responsibility for ensuring that the SFRS can provide a safe and effective operational response to emergencies when they occur. John has been with the Service for 29 years, and was previously Deputy Assistant Chief Officer for the Response and Resilience Directorate. Prior to this, he held the position of Area Manager for R&R, and previously was LSO for the City of Edinburgh.

Paul Stewart

Assistant Chief Officer with responsibility for Training.

Sarah O'Donnell

Director of Finance and Contractual Services

Sarah O’Donnell is our Director of Finance and Contractual Services and has responsibility for managing the Service's budgets and assets.

Liz Barnes

Director of People and Organisational Development

Liz Barnes is our Director of People and Organisational Development. The post has responsibility for Training and Employee Development, Health and Safety, Organisational Wellbeing and Fitness; HR Systems and Services; Organisational Development; Employee Relations and Resourcing.

Mark McAteer

Director of Strategic Planning, Performance and Communications

Mark leads our strategic planning, performance management, communication and engagement and corporate business support team.