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

Recommendation 1 – We recommend that the Service conducts a review of its staffing strategy and how it relates to the current under-resourced Target Operating Model.

Recommendation 2 – We recommend that the Service resolves the roofing problems at the affected fire stations as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 3 – The Service should standardise its recording of standard tests taking cognisance of the electronic innovations already in use.

Recommendation 4 – It is of concern that there are still issues with the reliability and functionality of the Getac tablet which may result in firefighters not having access to up-to-date risk information at time of need. Action should be taken as soon as possible to resolve the technical issues with the system.

Recommendation 5 – As we recommended in our inspection report on command and control, we continue to suggest that more could be done to promote the existence of the CAR, and to encourage the use of assets contained on the list, where appropriate.

Recommendation 6 – We have highlighted that there are problems with the resourcing of training, both locally and at the Newbridge national training centre, which has led to the cancellation of courses. We recommend that a review of training delivery in the East is undertaken with a view to improving training outcomes.

Recommendation 7 – We have highlighted in this report and in others that there are problems in delivering USAR training, leading to the reported low levels of competency in this specialism. We would encourage the Service to review course delivery and resolve the issues identified as a matter of urgency.

Recommendation 8 – The Service should conclude the review and updating of its Positive Action Strategy and continue to promote the Service as an employer of choice in a bid to ensure the make-up of its workforce better reflects the communities it serves.

Good Practice 1 – We feel there is scope, budget permitting, to extend the Bank Hours pilot beyond the initial area following the evaluation of its success.

Good Practice 2 – We welcome the introduction of the Pre-Recruitment Engagement Programme (PREP) process and we have witnessed first-hand during our fieldwork the value of it.

Good Practice 3 – The return from leave briefing is a useful method of updating personnel. If thought to be successful there could be scope for the briefing being rolled out across other LSO areas.

Good Practice 4 – The SharePoint information management site is a valuable resource for station management teams and we think there would be benefit in it being rolled out across the other SDAs.