Audit Scotland
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue provides an effective service and makes good
use of integrated risk management planning, with clear evidence of shifts in
resources to better match community risks.
The Accounts Commission’s findings published today say the service
shows innovation in working with other organisations, demonstrated by its
highly effective Community Safety Partnership Unit which has helped improve
the targeting of preventative work.
While the service has a good focus on improvement and efficiency, it also
has relatively high operating costs. The Commission said it is particularly
encouraged by the service’s commitment to self evaluation as demonstrated
by the peer review exercise of it by London Fire Brigade - the only such review
of a Scottish fire service.
There is scope for board members to take a greater role in setting the
strategic direction of the service. The board should review the support
provided to ensure that it is sufficient in helping members meet their Best
Value responsibilities.
Strathclyde has strengths in how it manages its workforce. It has also
introduced a new shift system, aimed at providing greater flexibility and
significant financial savings.
Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said:
“Strathclyde Fire and Rescue is an effective service with a
strong culture of performance management and continuous improvement.
The board needs to assure itself that crewing its appliances with more
firefighters than other fire and rescue services demonstrates value for money,
and fulfils the suggested benefits to public safety."