Building the Future: How Strategic Asset Management Transforms Fire Service Property Portfolios
I joined The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in 2021; one of the first tasks given to me was to create Asset Management Plans for the SFRS Fleet Assets, comprising over 1,500 vehicles, Equipment Assets, consisting of thousands of items from Personal Protective Equipment to Thermal Imaging Cameras, and also for the SFRS Property portfolio. The image below gives you an idea of the scale of the task :
I had spent most of my working life within Scottish Local Authority Property Departments. Creating an Asset Management Plan (AMP) for Property was something that I was well versed in as it had been a statutory requirement for Scottish Local Authorities to produce AMPs for some time. The challenge for me was to adapt to a new and different property estates, no more schools and libraries, and also to use my AMP skills to adapt to Fleet and Equipment assets.
I soon discovered that Fire and rescue services depend on a broad, complex and mission‑critical estate—from fire stations and training centres to control rooms, workshops, offices, and shared hubs. In Scotland, this portfolio supports thousands of staff and volunteers, enabling operational readiness in every community. Managing such an estate requires structure, clarity and long‑term thinking.
After five years I can proudly say that The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has taken major steps forward through its Asset Management Policy and its first comprehensive Strategic Asset Management Plans (SAMPs) across Property, Fleet, and Equipment. Together, these create an evidence‑based, transparent and future‑focused approach to managing assets throughout their lifecycle.
Why Strategic Asset Management Matters
Effective asset management moves organisations away from reactive, short‑term decisions toward structured, risk‑based planning. A SAMP provides the framework to ensure that every building is safe, functional and fit for purpose—while delivering value for money during a time of financial constraint.
SFRS builds its approach around:
- Long‑term planning aligned to organisational strategy
- Risk‑based investment decision‑making
- Lifecycle management from acquisition to disposal
- Robust governance and assurance
- Accurate, consistent asset information systems
This ensures the property estate supports operational capability, staff welfare, community engagement and long-term sustainability.
Core Principles for a Modern Fire Service Estate
SFRS’ Asset Management Policy establishes a clear set of principles that apply across all asset types, but are especially relevant to property:
- Public sector collaboration and co‑location to drive shared value
- Fit‑for‑purpose buildings that meet modern operational and welfare requirements
- Environmental responsibility, aligning with Scotland’s net-zero 2045 target
- Modern, efficient estates that reduce reactive maintenance and extend asset life
- Data‑driven decision‑making through improved asset information systems
The overarching objective is value for money, balancing cost, quality and sustainability across the whole life of each building.
Challenges Driving the Need for a SAMP
Like many fire and rescue services, SFRS manages an estate that is:
- Large and geographically dispersed
- Composed of ageing buildings
- Inherited from legacy organisations
- Under increasing pressure from new legislative, welfare and environmental requirements
Emerging challenges include:
- Contaminant control and firefighter health
- Gender‑neutral and inclusive facilities
- Net zero and carbon reduction targets
- Rising construction costs
- Rural suitability constraints
Without a strategic approach, these pressures lead to higher reactive costs, mounting backlogs and buildings that no longer meet operational needs.
How a Strategic Asset Management Plan Comes to Life
A comprehensive SAMP brings together policy, strategy and an action plan, creating a unified system for asset governance.
1. Policy Foundations
The Policy sets the commitment to:
- Modern, resilient and inclusive facilities
- Reducing environmental impacts
- Evidence‑based investment
- Collaboration with partner agencies
2. Asset Management Strategy
The Strategy translates principles into deliverable processes, including:
- Estate-wide condition and suitability assessments
- Governance structures such as Asset Management Liaison Boards
- National design standards (e.g., Standard Station Design Principles)
- Weighted scoring and lifecycle analysis for investment decisions
3. The Action Plan
Refreshed annually, this plan turns strategy into activity, covering:
- Replacement of high‑risk elements such as RAAC roofs
- Welfare and contaminant control improvements
- Office rationalisation and co‑location opportunities
- Data system upgrades
- Carbon reduction programmes
- Communications and stakeholder engagement
Together, these components ensure a transparent, consistent and accountable approach to managing property assets.
Embedding Lifecycle Planning
SFRS uses lifecycle modelling to guide choices around:
- Repair versus replacement
- Refurbishment and reconfiguration
- Opportunities for co‑location
- Decommissioning of unsuitable assets
This whole‑life lens ensures decisions consider performance, cost, risk, environmental impact and operational need—not just short-term fixes.
Aligning with National Investment Principles
The Scottish Government’s Investment Hierarchy shapes SFRS’ planning by prioritising:
- Clarifying future need
- Maximising existing assets
- Repurposing or co‑locating
- Only building new when essential
This drives practical, cost‑effective solutions and supports partnership models across the public sector.
Service Asset Management Plan: Training
The Training Service Asset Management Plan (TSAMP) for the Training Function aims to support our SFRS Long Term Vision of being regarded as among the best fire and rescue services in the world. This aligns to our strategic intentions to modernise, be more innovative, diverse and inclusive, as a learning organisation where staff are supported through better training. To achieve this, we must ensure our training assets remain functional, compliant, and safe while providing value for money. By implementing proactive maintenance, lifecycle management, and strategic investments, our TSAMP can continue to serve as a vital resource for the fire service, providing top-tier training facilities, vehicles and equipment for current and future firefighter safety.
What the SAMP Unlocks for Fire Services
A well‑executed SAMP delivers tangible benefits:
1. A Clearer Picture of the Estate
Unified data systems and structured surveys provide visibility of:
- Building condition
- Suitability gaps
- Maintenance priorities
- Long‑term investment requirements
2. Better Value for Money
Shift from reactive repairs to planned preventative maintenance, supported by:
- Whole‑life costing
- Risk‑based prioritisation
- Improved governance and assurance
3. Safer, Healthier and More Inclusive Workplaces
Modern stations incorporate:
- Dignified welfare and changing facilities
- Effective contaminant control
- Accessible spaces for all staff
- Fit‑for‑purpose operational layouts
4. A Route to Net Zero
Sustainability is embedded into all planning and investment, enabling:
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Renewable technologies
- Low‑carbon design standards
- Intelligent energy management systems
5. Stronger Collaboration Across Emergency Services
Co‑location and shared services improve:
- Operational collaboration
- Community outcomes
- Capital and revenue efficiency
6. Greater Transparency and Trust
Documented criteria, structured scoring and annual reviews strengthen:
- Internal accountability
- External confidence
- Evidence‑based investment cases
Conclusion: Building a Future‑Ready Fire Service Estate
Over the past five years, the Service has made significant strides in establishing a strategic, coherent, and future‑focused approach to managing its diverse asset base. The creation of Strategic Asset Management Plans (SAMPs) for Equipment, Fleet and Property has already provided a clearer foundation for informed decision‑making, ensuring that our assets continue to support operational delivery effectively in 2026 and beyond. Building on this progress, the continued development of service‑specific asset management plans—including the work on Training assets, Office Accommodation, and the Light Fleet—will further strengthen our understanding of asset performance, risk, and long‑term investment needs.
Collaboration remains essential. By enhancing joint working across the Service and with external partners, we will continue to refine how we plan, invest, and manage our estate and assets. This aligns directly with the ambitions set out in both the SFRS Strategic Plan and the Operational Strategy, ensuring that asset management not only supports but actively enables the wider organisational vision. Through robust governance and unified oversight, the Asset Management team will continue to lead an integrated, organisation‑wide approach that supports the long‑term sustainability and resilience of the Service.
At a time of fiscal constraint and reducing public budgets, the need for disciplined, evidence‑based asset management is more critical than ever. The Service must ensure that every asset—whether a station, vehicle, training facility or item of equipment—delivers maximum value and continues to meet operational needs. By working closely with Service Delivery and Training colleagues, we will ensure that our asset footprint remains efficient, modern, and aligned to future service demands.
Ultimately, Strategic Asset Management is not just about maintaining assets—it is about enabling a safer, more effective and more sustainable Fire and Rescue Service for Scotland. Through disciplined planning, collaboration and a commitment to long‑term value, we will continue to build an asset base that strengthens operations, enhances community outcomes, and underpins the Service’s long‑term vision.
Ijaz Bashir
Head of Asset Management Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Ijaz Bashir was appointed as the Asset Governance & Performance Manager within Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in April 2021. Ijaz took up the role of Head of Asset Management in March 2024.
For more information please visit website firescotland.gov.uk/