The Chief Inspector's Plan 2025-2028

1.  HMFSI exists to provide independent, risk‑based and proportionate professional inspection of the SFRS. Its purpose is to give assurance to the public and to Scottish Ministers that the SFRS is working in an efficient and effective way, and to promote improvement in the SFRS. We also provide independent, professional advice to Scottish Ministers and have a determination function in relation to non‑domestic fire safety.

2.  The statutory basis for the Inspectorate is derived from sections 43A to 43G of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (the Act). HM Chief Inspector is appointed by an Order in Council and operates independently of Scottish Ministers and the SFRS. Assistant Inspectors are appointed under Ministerial powers contained in the Act, and also act independently.

3.  Our stated values are: Integrity, Objectivity and Fairness.

Integrity – putting the obligations of public service above personal interests

Objectivity – basing inspection conclusions and recommendations on rigorous, unbiased analysis of evidence

Fairness – interacting with persons in a reasonable way and not imposing unwarranted burdens or adversely affecting individuals

4.  In addition to our values, our guiding principles are that our inspection work is proportionate, accountable and transparent. We will always act independently, ensure our scrutiny is appropriately targeted, and publish impartial and objective reports. We will be accountable for what we do and will justify our actions and our findings.

HMFSI website: hmfsi.scot.