pdrPro has been helping to track, manage and develop competencies for firefighters across Scotland since 2002.
Over the years, the collaboration has grown from strength to strength, initially, with the 8 regional fire and rescue services and then continuing with the single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) following Fire Reform in 2013. During this time, the SFRS have adopted the full suite of products and services, including the LearnPro LMS, pdrPro Competency system and XVR Simulation.
Prior to adopting pdrPro and LearnPro, the 8 regional fire and rescue services and then SFRS faced the challenge of managing complex training requirements and competency records for a large, distributed workforce. The need for a more efficient, streamlined approach to training and compliance management became apparent as the organisation sought to improve service delivery and manage its workforce more effectively.
With a strong focus on competency management, the service wanted a solution that could deliver not only administrative efficiency but also continuous improvements to their training processes. The implementation of pdrPro all those years ago enabled SFRS to move away from paper-based tracking to a fully integrated, robust and auditable digital system that brought immediate efficiencies, across their training operations.
Since its introduction, pdrPro has become a cornerstone of SFRS’s Learning and Development strategy, helping the organisation to deliver efficient, scalable, and trackable training solutions for operational and non-operational staff. SFRS currently has more than 7,500 employees.
Over the years, SFRS has worked closely with LearnPro Group to ensure that the pdrPro solution evolves in line with the service’s changing needs. This partnership has been more than just a client-vendor relationship — it has been a true collaboration, with SFRS providing valuable feedback to influence the development of new features and modules. For example, SFRS played a significant role in the design and launch of the Training Planner Navigation, ensuring that the system meets the unique needs of fire service personnel. In addition, SFRS has been involved in the development of the new ePortfolio module, which provides a comprehensive digital record of professional development for staff. This strong partnership has benefited the entire sector, with LearnPro Group continually developing modules and system improvements which are aligned with the challenges faced by fire services across the UK.
Next on the roadmap for SFRS is to further integrate data analytics capabilities, including the potential for integration with Power BI- which will enable the organisation to make data-driven decisions to further enhance performance.
SFRS are also implementing the Workforce Pro module for non-operational staff and collaborating with LearnPro Group on some improvements to the user experience of the interface.
By working together, SFRS and LearnPro Group have not only improved the management of training and compliance but have also pioneered new solutions that address the unique challenges of the fire service. As the partnership continues to evolve, SFRS is well-positioned to benefit from LearnPro Group’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and sector-specific expertise, ensuring the service remains at the forefront of operational readiness and firefighter safety.
