Justice Department
HM Fire Services Inspectorate

Date: 19 October 1999

Dear Colleague

MEASURING UP - A CONSULTATIVE PAPER

I would like to know your views regarding HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland.

I believe the time is right to review the activities undertaken by HM FSI so that we might try and ensure that the opportunities and challenges of the future are faced realistically. A copy of my proposals, issued as a consultative paper, is attached.

The current arrangements have served well but are showing signs of not meeting the expectations of either users or staff. Forward looking responsive public services, which produce a quality service, use new technology and enhance value, are suggested.

An internal review has been undertaken, using these principles, which seeks to explore how the Inspectorate might work better, adding value to Scotland's fire services. To do this new targets and approaches are suggested.

Your views are requested to help guide the way in which the Inspectorate will operate in year 2000 and onwards. It would be helpful if your views could be made before St Andrew's Day, on the 30 November 1999. All comments will be helpful although to aid collation, if you could also address the questions on the attached paper, I would be grateful.

If further explanation, comment or presentation is needed, please ask.

Yours sincerely

DENNIS DAVIS

Dennis T Davis OBE, OStJ, QFSM, CEng, CIMgt, FIFireE(Life), MInstE
Chief Inspector
Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh EH11 3XD

Telephone: 0131-244 2342 Fax: 0131-244 2564

e-mail: dennis.davis@scotland.gov.uk