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.

Ross Haggart

Deputy Chief Officer

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.

Stuart Stevens

Director of Service Delivery

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is our Director of Service Delivery. He has responsibility for frontline operational Service Delivery across all of Scotland’s communities. Stuart also has responsibility for our vital Prevention and Protection and Response and Resilience Functions which together ensure the safety of our communities and Firefighters.

John Dickie

Director of Training, Safety and Assurance

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

Director of Service Development

Assistant Chief Officer Paul Stewart is our Director of Service Development. Paul is in his 28th year of service and has moved into this role following a four year period within the Training Directorate. Paul has responsibility for developing the service to meet existing and future community needs

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 Leadership Development; Organisational Wellbeing and Fitness; HR Systems and Services; Organisational Development; Equality and Diversity; 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.

Iain Morris

Acting Director of Asset Management

John Thomson

Acting Director of Finance and Procurement