Operational Training and Development in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

About HMFSI

HMFSI is a body that operates within, but independently of, the Scottish Government. Inspectors have the scrutiny powers specified in section 43B of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. These include inquiring into the state and efficiency of the SFRS, its compliance with best value, and the way it is carrying out its functions.

HMFSI Inspectors may, in conducting inspections, assess whether the SFRS is complying with its duty to secure best value and continuous improvement. If necessary, Scottish Ministers can direct Inspectors to investigate anything relating to the SFRS as they consider appropriate.

We also have an established role in providing professional advice and guidance on the emergency response, legislation and education in relation to the FRS in Scotland.

Our powers give latitude to investigate areas we consider necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in connection with, the conducting of our functions.

The SFRS must provide us with such assistance and co-operation as we may require enabling us to conduct our functions. When we publish a report, the SFRS must also have regard to what we have found and take such measures, if any, as it thinks fit.

Where our report identifies that the SFRS is not efficient or effective (or best value is not secured), or will, unless remedial measures are taken, cease to be efficient or effective, Scottish Ministers may direct the SFRS to take such measures as may be required. The SFRS must comply with any direction given.

We work with other inspectorates and agencies across the public sector and co-ordinate our activities to reduce the burden of inspection and avoid unnecessary duplication.

We aim to add value and strengthen public confidence in the SFRS and do this through independent scrutiny and evidence-led reporting about what we find. Where we make recommendations in a report, we will follow them up to assess the level of progress.

We aim to identify and promote good practice that can be applied across Scotland. Our approach is to support the SFRS to deliver services that are high-quality, continually improving, effective and responsive to local and national needs. The terms of reference for inspections are consulted upon and agreed with parties that the Chief Inspector deems relevant.

How This Inspection Was Carried out

The purpose of this inspection was to examine the provision of OTD within the SFRS. 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

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 focused on the SFRS OTD Policy 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 training courses and induction processes; and

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