Serious concerns over Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue service

There is an urgent need for Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue to establish an effective and sustainable service model which reflects the needs of the area.

In its findings published today, the Accounts Commission says it is seriously concerned that Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue does not demonstrate Best Value. While the area has a low number of casualties and the Commission recognises the challenge of providing an effective service in such an expansive area, the service is unable to demonstrate that its approach - particularly in how it matches resources to community risk - is sustainable.

The Commission notes with concern that the service’s approach to deployment of stations and fire fighters is not based on a strategic use of Integrated Risk Management Planning. There are some serious weaknesses in how the service manages its workforce, for example in relation to training and health and safety issues.

The Commission notes that over a number of years there has been poor leadership and governance of the service by both the Joint Board and the senior management team. But it is encouraging that steps have been taken recently to improve officer leadership. There have also been improvements to the quality of performance information reported to the Board.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said:

“The Board now needs urgently to demonstrate better leadership and show that it can fulfil its statutory responsibilities in providing a sustainable fire and rescue service for its communities.

“To achieve this, the constituent councils need to ensure that Board members have the skills and support required to scrutinise and challenge the service in order that they can make the difficult decisions needed to demonstrate best use of resources. This is especially important at this critical time for the Board as it faces local government elections followed by a period of transition in the run up to the development of a national fire and rescue service.”

While noting developments nationally in relation to a proposed national fire and rescue service, the Commission has asked the Controller of Audit to monitor the progress of the service in responding to its findings and to his report.