Thematic inspections
Our Thematic inspections are an examination of a particular service-wide theme, and generally seek to understand how the Service as a whole is managing the subject under scrutiny. The inspection reports are laid before the Scottish Parliament.
The SFRS has an internal process for considering our reports, and their recommendations or observations. Officers of the Service compile an action plan for each report we produce, and these action plans are submitted to either the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee or the Service Delivery Committee of the SFRS Board for consideration and scrutiny.
The Chief Inspector is invited to attend and contribute to specific agenda items at both of these committees thus providing the Inspectorate with oversight of progress and assurance that recommendations have been considered and relevant action taken.
All inspection reports are published in the Publications area of our website
Current and ongoing Thematic Inspection Programme
Joint Audit and Inspection of SFRS Estate, Fleet and Operational Equipment
HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI) and Audit Scotland will undertake a joint audit and inspection of how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) manages its estate, fleet, and operational equipment. This joint work has been initiated in July 2026 and will publish its outcome in March 2027.
The review comes at a time of increasing pressure on SFRS assets. Previous reports by HMFSI and Audit Scotland have identified significant capital investment backlogs, ageing infrastructure and vehicles, health and safety concerns, and the need for more investment, greater collaboration and effective long term planning. By 2025, SFRS estimated its capital investment backlog had risen to £800 million, highlighting the challenge of maintaining and modernising assets while responding to evolving operational demands, climate related risks, equality considerations, and financial budgetary pressures.
The audit and inspection will assess how effectively SFRS’s stations, support facilities, vehicles, and operational equipment support frontline service delivery, firefighter, and public safety, and provide value for public investment. It will examine the condition, availability, and management of these assets, alongside the Service’s strategic planning arrangements, to determine whether they are sustainable, fit for purpose and aligned with current and future needs. Through document review, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and visits to a sample of SFRS sites, the work will quantify the capital backlog as it now stands, identify good practice, highlight risks and opportunities for improvement, and provide assurance to the public and stakeholders that SFRS assets are being managed effectively to maintain operational readiness, resilience and best value.
Organisational Culture (Volume Two)
Our inspection of organisational culture in the SFRS commenced in 2024. This inspection theme is split into different sub-themes. Our first inspection report, focusing on policies, procedures and the corporate elements of culture, was published in June 2025.
The second of these inspections will consider issues around employee behaviour, grievance (where related to matters of conduct, such as bullying), conduct and discipline. The terms of reference for this inspection have been developed following consultation and are influenced by the findings of the first sub-theme inspection.
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