The Chief Inspector's Plan 2025-2028

Inspection powers and duties: Fire (Scotland) Act 2005

Section 43B Inquiries by Inspectors

(1) An Inspector may inquire into a matter mentioned in subsection  (3).

(2) If directed to do so by the Scottish Ministers, an Inspector must inquire into a matter mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The matters are

(a) the state and efficiency of SFRS,

(b) whether in carrying out its functions SFRS is complying with its duty under section 39A to make arrangements which secure best value,

(c) the manner in which SFRS is carrying out any of its functions.

(4) In carrying out an inquiry under this section an Inspector may—

(a) require SFRS to provide any information or documents relating to the functions of SFRS that the Inspector may require,

(b) enter and inspect any premises which are used by SFRS,

(c) inspect any equipment which is used by SFRS.

(5) If an Inspector exercises a power of entry by virtue of subsection (4)(b), the Inspector may

(a) take onto the premises

(i) such other persons, and

(ii) such equipment,

as the Inspector considers necessary,

(b) require any person present on the premises to provide the Inspector with any information or documents that the Inspector may reasonably request.

(6) An Inspector may not under subsection (4)(b)—

(a) enter or inspect premises occupied as a private dwelling,

(b) enter premises by force.

(7) SFRS must provide such facilities, assistance and co‑operation as an Inspector may reasonably request for the purposes of, or in connection with, an inquiry under this section.

Section 43F Chief Inspector’s plan

(1) The Chief Inspector must prepare a plan setting out—

(a) priorities for inquiries to be carried out by Inspectors, and

(b) information on how inquiries will be carried out in a way which is proportionate, accountable and transparent.

(2) The Chief Inspector—

(a) must keep the plan under review, and

(b) may from time to time revise the plan.

(3) The Chief Inspector must, in preparing a plan (and any revised plan), consult such persons as the Chief Inspector considers appropriate.

(4) The Chief Inspector must publish the plan (and any revised plan) in such manner as the Chief Inspector thinks fit.