Inspection of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service West Service Delivery Area

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

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, Robert Scott QFSM.

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

Brian McKenzie, Assistant Inspector

David Young, Assistant Inspector 

Graeme Fraser, Assistant Inspector 

John Joyce QFSM, Assistant Inspector

Martin Riach, Inspection Support Manager

Iain Cameron, Station Commander (SFRS secondee)

Gillian Buchanan, Project Manager (SFRS secondee)

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 the West;
• in person and virtual meetings with Partners of the SFRS;
• an anonymous survey of all SFRS staff based within the WSDA and
• observation of development, training and exercising sessions within the WSDA.