Inspection of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: East Service Delivery Area

How this inspection was carried out.

The purpose of this inspection is to examine the effectiveness of Service Delivery by the SFRS within its East SDA.

An inquiry by the Inspectorate can be self-directed or can be subject to direction by Scottish Ministers. This inquiry into the SFRS is self-directed by the Chief Inspector. The following persons contributed to the Inspection and to the report:

Robert Scott QFSM, Chief Inspector

Brian McKenzie, Assistant Inspector

Graeme Fraser, Assistant Inspector

John Joyce QFSM, Assistant Inspector

Martin Riach, Inspection Manager

Iain Cameron, Station Commander (SFRS Secondee)

Assistant Inspector Rick Taylor, who left the Inspectorate prior to the inspection concluding, was also a participant in the inspection fieldwork.

Methodology

This inspection has involved a number of different methods of evidence gathering and analysis:

• 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.
• a number of face-to-face and virtual interviews with SFRS staff who are responsible for the provision of, management, and training necessary for service delivery.
• a sample examination of SFRS equipment, premises and records held at fire stations.
• in person and virtual meetings with partners of the SFRS.