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PRINCIPAL INSPECTION REPORT HIGHLAND AND ISLANDS FIRE BRIGADE
INTRODUCTION
1. The Principal Inspection of Highland and Islands Fire Brigade was conducted during September and October 2002. The HM Inspectorate team comprised Dennis Davis, Allan Whitton, Mark Jones and Charles Stewart. Robert Clark from Audit Scotland (the Brigade's External Auditor) also reviewed arrangements. Firemaster Brian Murray, with the support of the Brigade's senior managers, facilitated and was present during key stages of the inspection.
2. The inspection was the first of a new-style Principal Inspection conducted within the Brigade. Although it was not a joint inspection with Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive, this function in part being reviewed by Assistant Inspector Jones, the method used was comprehensive following a detailed assessment criteria.
3. Issues offering further opportunity for improvement are seen in:
- Clearer and enhanced management structures linked to planning processes.
- Management information systems and operational risk assessments.
- Comprehensively concluding fire safety and emergency cover arrangements.
- Integrated communication systems and the procurement process.
- Training resource assessment and utilisation.
- Planning to integrate fire safety enforcement and awareness supported by IT.
4. Overall, it is assessed that the service provided is, with the exception of fire cover in some areas, satisfactory and there is confidence that, in the general terms of the Fire Services Act 1947, the Brigade and Fire Authority are effectively discharging their duty.
5. This report highlights in bold text areas for further consideration to assist in the process of continuous improvement and those of good practice. The purpose of this approach is to enable the Firemaster and other Brigade managers the opportunity to review, together with members of the Fire Authority, the findings arising from the inspection. Having reviewed the findings it is suggested that action is taken in a programmed and targeted way to ensure advancement of the Brigade, either through the structured Service Plan or a specific action plan. This progress will be reviewed by HM Fire Service Inspectorate during Performance Monitoring Inspections which will occur during the next two years.
6. By adopting this approach HM Fire Service Inspectorate believes sufficient time, and where required resource, can be allocated to secure the longer-term progress required in some areas.
7. It should also be noted that highlighting matters for further consideration is not intended to suggest that only the need for improvement was identified during the inspection. On the contrary, since fire brigades are extensive and complex organisations, the focus for improvement commences from a position that satisfactory performance exists in all areas and that in some shows good practice.
8. Some of these good practice areas identified in Highland and Islands Fire Brigade are:
- Provision of a capability to fight fires offshore.
- External contribution through CACFOA and other groups in matters like performance review and good local joint working with the Police.
- Joint collaboration on specialist vehicle procurement.
- A well established health and safety policy.
- Tangible cultural shift towards community fire safety balanced by a clear enforcement policy.
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