The inspection of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS): FOI release

Information requested

It has been made public that HM Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI) Scotland has been commissioned by the NI Health Minister Northern Ireland, to undertake an independent inspection of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

As a result of the above announcement, the following matters are requested under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the NIFRS Inspection.

1. Is HM Chief Inspector of Scottish FRS leading the Inspection of NIFRS?

2. When is the inspection due to commence and to be completed?

3. What financial contribution is being paid to HMFSI Scotland for the inspection?

4. Is it correct that HM Chief Inspector, Scotland is intending to use a private sector consultant (ex FRS officer) to complete all or some of the above work?

5. What is the cost of the private sector consultant undertaking all/some of the inspection of NIFRS?

6. Did HM Chief Inspector Scotland seek alternative tenders for the engagement of a private sector consultant to undertake all/some of the NIFRS inspection?

7. Have Department of Health NI been approved the engagement of a private sector consultant to undertake all/some of the above inspection?

8. Who are the people on the Inspection Team?

9. How were the people identified, what was the recruitment process?

10. Will the report be publicised? If so where?

Response

I have appended my response below for each of your questions.

1. Is HM Chief Inspector of Scottish FRS leading the Inspection of NIFRS?
The Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is leading the inspection and will be responsible for the approval of the inspection report.

2. When is the inspection due to commence and to be completed?
The inspection has already commenced and is expected to be completed by January 2023.

3. What financial contribution is being paid to HMFSI Scotland for the inspection?
The Chief Inspector will only receive such reimbursement of costs actually incurred by HMFSI staff in relation to this inspection work.

4. Is it correct that HM Chief Inspector, Scotland is intending to use a private sector consultant (ex FRS officer) to complete all or some of the above work?
At present, the inspection team includes private sector consultants some of whom are ex fire and rescue service officers. These individuals are engaged directly by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and their suitability approved by the Chief Inspector.

5. What is the cost of the private sector consultant undertaking all/some of the inspection of NIFRS?
This information is not held by the Chief Inspector. Those team members who are private sector consultants are engaged directly by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and not by the Chief Inspector.

6. Did HM Chief Inspector Scotland seek alternative tenders for the engagement of a private sector consultant to undertake all/some of the NIFRS inspection?
The Chief Inspector was not involved in tenders for engagement. Those team members who are private sector consultants are engaged by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland with their selection approved by the Chief Inspector.

7. Have Department of Health NI been approved the engagement of a private sector consultant to undertake all/some of the above inspection?
Those team members who are private sector consultants are engaged by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland. The Chief Inspector holds no information on the engagement process.

8. Who are the people on the Inspection Team?
At present the inspection team comprises Robert Scott (Chief Inspector) Alasdair Hay, John McDonald and Marieke Dwarshuis.

9. How were the people identified, what was the recruitment process?
Recruitment was carried out by Department of Health in Northern Ireland and the Chief Inspector holds no information on the recruitment process. The Chief Inspector was asked to identify individuals with the specific skills and experience to carry out this process.

10. Will the report be publicised? If so where?
The Chief Inspector holds no information in this respect. The report has been commissioned by the Department of Health and any decision in relation to its publication and associated publicity is a matter for the Department.

If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.