The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Command and Control Mobilising System (CCMS)

About HM Fire Service Inspectorate

His Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI) is a body that operates within, but independently of, the Scottish Government (SG). 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 manner in which it is carrying out its functions.

HMFSI Inspectors may, in carrying out inspections, assess whether the SFRS is complying with its duty to secure Best Value and continuous improvement. If necessary, Inspectors can be directed by Scottish Ministers to look into 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 Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland.

How this inspection was carried out

This inquiry is self-directed by HM Chief Inspector.

The Inspection team members were:

• Robert Scott QFSM, Chief Inspector
• Brian McKenzie, Assistant Inspector (Lead Inspector)
• Iain Cameron, Inspection Officer (Seconded from the SFRS)

All the members of the inspection team contributed to the development of this report and the quality assurance provided a professional challenge to the contents, assumptions and conclusions made.

Our report reflects the circumstance at the time of our visits and interviews which were undertaken between December 2022 and January 2023.

This inspection was not a comprehensive in-depth audit, albeit it is sufficiently detailed in order for the Chief Inspector to give a professional judgement on the activity and suitability of the Service’s arrangements within an operational context.

Methodology

A draft outline was prepared which defined the scope of the inspection.

We undertook a desk-top review of the documents supplied to us by the SFRS.

We visited each of the SFRS control rooms and spoke with a manager and, where it was possible, a staff member.

We interviewed relevant SFRS managers and employees involved in the project.