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

23. We are satisfied with some aspects of the performance of the SFRS within the East SDA, in keeping the public safe and secure through prevention and protection activity, how it plans for, and responds to incidents when they do occur, and in how it engages with partners. We believe however that there are opportunities to improve performance in relation to training, leadership development and equality and diversity.

24. Due to the organisational structure of the SFRS the responsibility for the development of policies, procedures and standards lies mostly with central directorates. Although there is a development consultation system in place, there is a perception amongst some of the workforce that there is limited scope for either Local Senior Officers or for the Head of Service Delivery in the East to initiate changes and improvements.

25. The Inspection team would like to offer our thanks to Stewart Nicolson, the East SDA DACO, and his staff, who positively engaged and worked with us during this new approach to area inspection.