The Community Asset Register is a Scotland wide database of volunteers willing to help during an emergency. The database plots assets on a map so if an emergency incident occurs we can identify those who could help. Assets can be people with either skills or equipment.
The Community Asset Register is currently managed and hosted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, but other organisations such as Police Scotland and local authorities can access it. The register was launched in 2017, and built on existing local databases. The Community Asset Register is a fantastic way to contribute to your local community.
What types of people, equipment and skills can register?
Volunteers include individuals, organised groups and business owners. Volunteers have a variety of experience, skills and qualifications gained through work or as a hobby. We speak to volunteers to understand what equipment and skills they have, so we know what we can safely ask them to do.
Assets can include: 4x4 vehicles, boats, search and rescue, first aid and rope skills.
Current assets registered include:
- Water rescue - boats, life jackets and floatation aids
- Vehicles - 4X4s, lorries, tankers and horse trailers
- Communications - VHF and CB radios
- Aircraft - drones and small planes
- Land Clearance - chainsaws and all terrain clearance machines
- Medical - first aid kits and stretchers
We expect volunteer equipment to be maintained in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
How and when do we use volunteers?
We may ask a volunteer to support if they can:
- Enhance our incident response
- Intervene more quickly
- Provide equipment we don’t have.
The majority of incidents are dealt with quickly and efficiently by emergency staff, so volunteers could go long periods without being contacted. To date, volunteers have supported incidents by:
- Providing 4x4 transport during disruptive weather
- Helping to clear vegetation to stop fire spread
There’s no obligation on volunteers to provide support, as we will always respond to deal with emergencies. But, if we believe a volunteer could help, we ask if they’re available. If they are, we explain where they should go and what they should do.
Volunteers acting under our instruction, are insured and can claim certain expenses, such as mileage, however we don’t pay hourly rates for their time.
To find out more please email us - sfrs.communityassetregister@firescotland.gov.uk
To register all we ask volunteers to do is:
- Complete a questionnaire and provide copies of relevant qualifications
- Complete a short online induction course
- Sign a minute of Agreement with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service which explains what we expect, and what volunteers can expect of us.