Chris Fitzpatrick Email & Phone Number

I’ve played a role in the Fire Service community since January 2008; having joined with a true desire to support an incredibly valuable public service; focused on building safer communities in Scotland.My passion has always been with data stemmed from a love of numbers. Every role I have ever taken on I have known the value of data to succeed with whichever task I had in hand. Every question that drives success can only be answered by information that you trust, that is meaningful and is accurate.Before my time in public sector, I spent 12 years working in the private sector within a healthcare environment. I progressed early in sales and CRM roles. A number of influential business leaders I then encountered gave me the opportunity to develop skills in change management and project management roles and to further my career through my studies. Latterly, I learned the importance of innovation managing the product development arm of what was the UK’s most forward-looking first aid company at that time.I learned the value in building strong relationships within teams and continuously developing networks around me. I have been in management roles for more than 25 years and as a manager have succeeded knowing that trust and excellent communication is key for everyone to succeed.In my most recent role, I have spent considerable time focusing on performance management and understanding strategic priorities. Recognising that data is critical to understand where we are and helping how we move forward is key, but it is essential to have a clear purpose in what we do, understand our goals and to recognise the important questions to ask before data can play its role. Sharing of information; particularly in the public sector environment; is hugely important. There are more than 120 public bodies in Scotland all working to improve the lives of those that live, work and travel across the country. Ensuring relevant data is accessible to all will improve in the years ahead and is essential to achieving national goals in the most efficient and effective way possible. I’m incredibly fortunate to be custodian of a role that includes responsibility as Lead Official for Statistics. This allows me to help Scottish Fire and Rescue be a part of that wider responsibility and strive everyday to help that evolve.