As the plans and policy-making unit within SCDF, it lays down the Force's vision, mission, values, policies and strategic direction pertaining to the organisation's operational and administrative requirements. At the same time, it also runs an internal audit service to ensure that all units within SCDF, maintain operational and administrative capabilities in keeping with prescribed Force standards. It also operates a customer-service centre which handles a range of services from processing of ambulance fees, to consultation on fire safety in buildings.

Co-located with the HQ SCDF, are the Paya Lebar Fire Station, Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), and Central Supply Base.