Inspection of Operational Assurance in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

How This Inspection Was Carried out

The purpose of this inspection was to examine the provision of OA within the SFRS as detailed within the policy. An inquiry by the Inspectorate can be self-directed or can be subject to direction by Scottish Ministers. This inquiry into the SFRS was self-directed by the Chief Inspector.

The following persons contributed to the Inspection and to the report:

Robert Scott QFSM, Chief Inspector

David Young, Assistant Inspector

John Joyce QFSM, Assistant Inspector

Brian McKenzie, Assistant Inspector

Graeme Fraser, Assistant Inspector

Calum Bruce, Inspection Support Manager

Lynne Gow, SFRS Secondee

Shirley Hartridge, SFRS Secondee

When undertaking this inspection, we followed established practice utilised in previous thematic inspections. This inspection outline framework provided a structure to our work, which was risk-based, proportionate and focussed on the SFRS OA Policy and procedures, which set out the SFRS position in relation to the information gathering and assurance of operational activities, including the application of those policies and procedures.

We conducted early engagement with the Service and established a SPoC who facilitated a number of different methods of evidence gathering and analysis. These being:

a. desk-top data review of documents and data supplied by the SFRS. We undertook a sense check and assessment of the content of procedural documents;

b. numerous face-to-face and virtual interviews with SFRS staff who are responsible for the provision of, management, and training necessary for service delivery;

c. observation of a Level 3 Incident debrief; and

d. observation and demonstration of the systems used for the management of OA.