The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is delighted to announce it has become a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) approved credit rating body.

This allows the service to create its own qualifications and make its own professional judgement on which level a qualification sits at within the SCQF. 

The SFRS is now one of only six credit rating bodies in Scotland.

This includes the Scottish Qualifications Authority, universities and colleges.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, Paul Stewart said: “We are delighted to have achieved this status as an approved credit rating body.

“This has been one of our main objectives within the Training and Employee Development directorate and we are immensely proud to be successful in our application.

“This partnership allows us to further embrace our values framework by assisting our workforce to fulfil their potential both in the work environment and in the wider community.

“The diverse range of skills required by our front line Firefighters and our corporate staff will be further recognised through accredited learning programmes and help ensure we provide a first class emergency response and rescue service to our communities.”

As part of the application process SFRS demonstrated the quality assurance processes needed and credit rated an Emergency Response Driving course at an SCQF level 6.

Group Manager Craig Thomson who headed the project said: “To become one of only six credit rating bodies in Scotland shows the commitment to learning and development within our service.

“This is a huge achievement for SFRS and will help all our firefighters and corporate staff be recognised for their own personal achievements.” 

Watch Manager Roger Crawford who also worked on the project added: “This has been an exciting project to be part of.

“It’s great to have been part of a project which will benefit everyone in the SFRS and I look forward to continue supporting this area of work.”