Our ambition to help prepare Scotland for uncertain times
As one of Scotland’s oldest and most significant charities, we’ve set out our position to strengthen Scotland’s resilience capacity.
Scotland, along with the rest of the UK, is facing uncertain times due to economic, climate and health related issues. As a result, it’s more critical than ever that our nation is ready to respond.
The systems and structures which were in place in previous generations are long gone, and there’s growing concern amongst political leaders that Scotland is not as prepared and resilient as it needs to be.
Our new position statement, Responding to Uncertain Times, sets out how we will step up – building on our almost 150 year heritage of delivering response services across the country. This outlines our vision to expand our impact through volunteering, community engagement, education, training, and initiatives which help people understand risks, prepare for challenges, and support each other through times of disruption.
Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said:
“We recognise that communities across Scotland face a range of challenges, including climate-related events, pressures on health and social care services, and economic hardship. Our statement highlights the importance of ensuring people, communities and organisations have the skills, confidence and connections needed to adapt and respond when difficulties arise.
“We agree with national governments and organisations that resilience is a shared responsibility. By building on the strengths of public services, voluntary organisations, businesses, community groups and local residents, Scotland can become better prepared for future challenges.”
Over the next decade, we will aim to:
- Recruit and support 50,000 Responders across Scotland
- Train more than 250,000 people in life-saving and community preparedness skills
- Build a network of over 5,000 active and highly trained volunteers
- Engage with 50,000 young people
- Establish a trusted and active presence in communities nationwide
As Scotland’s largest workplace first aid training provider, we see an opportunity to use our national reach to support a broader culture of preparedness and community resilience.
Derek said:
“Scotland has a proud history of people coming together to support one another in times of need. Across the country, communities, public services, voluntary organisations and businesses already make an enormous contribution to keeping people safe, well and connected.
“While first aid, and training for first aid, will always remain at the heart of what we do, our ambition is broader. We want to help more people develop the confidence, skills and connections needed to support themselves, those around them and their communities through whatever challenges the future may bring.
“By growing volunteering, strengthening community capability and encouraging more people to become active Responders, we can help build communities that are better connected, better prepared and more able to cope with the challenges they may face.
“Building resilience is a shared responsibility, and we recognise the vital contribution already being made by partners across Scotland. We do not seek to replace existing arrangements. Our role is to strengthen the space around them by helping more people develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to support their communities.
“For 144 years, St Andrew’s First Aid has supported people when they needed help most. Responding to Uncertain Times represents our commitment to continuing that work and playing an even greater role in strengthening resilience across Scotland for generations to come.
“Of course, the hard work starts now and we will work with all of our stakeholders and partners to develop the appropriate strategic plans and actions that will see us deliver this ambition.
“With plans in place, we will begin the process of recruiting volunteer Responders in 2027, and we will launch our fundraising campaign later this year so that the people of Scotland can get behind our efforts.”
Read our statement, Responding to Uncertain Times.