HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland: Chief Inspector's plan - 2021 to 2024

Inspection process

We use the Scottish Fire and Rescue Framework, currently the 2016 edition, as a guide to how we measure the effectiveness of the SFRS. HMFSI will consider any future changes to the national Framework and their associated impact on our plans. By referencing the Framework we are able to assess how the SFRS considers the following chapter headings:

1. Protecting Communities: Risk, Prevention and Response

• Performance Measures
• Safety, Well-being and Prevention
• Response and Resilience

2. Evolving Role of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

3. Governance, Accountability and Performance of the SFRS

• The Framework defines priorities for the Service covering the following specific areas.
• Performance Measures
• Safety, Well-being and Prevention
• Response and Resilience
• Partnership
• Service Transformation
• Modernising Response
• Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS)
• Effective Governance and Performance
• People

The Chief Inspector gives as much notice of an inspection as is reasonably practicable to the SFRS. From time to time the Inspectorate may carry out unannounced visits as part of an inspection programme. The Inspectorate has an agreed communication and feedback protocol with the SFRS which sets out how we take feedback into consideration.

When we conduct our inspection activity, the SFRS must provide us with such assistance and co-operation as we may require to carry out our functions, and must comply with any reasonable request that we make. When we publish a report, the SFRS must give consideration to the findings and take such measures, if any, as it thinks fit.