Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue provides an effective service with a clear strategic vision

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue provides an effective service with a clear strategic vision supported by good integrated risk management planning.

The Accounts Commission’s findings published today say the service has a strong approach to financial management but improvements need to be made in its management of its assets and equipment.

Workforce planning has some strengths such as a new approach in day shift duty where whole-time firefighters work alongside retained colleagues. High levels of sickness absence are a concern and Lothian and Borders also needs to invest more resource in the development of retained firefighters.

The Commission says it is encouraged by the service’s clear focus on preventative work and its innovative approaches working with partner organisations and engaging with communities, most notably with young people.

But to make its preventative work more effective, the service needs to do more to establish the reasons behind the relatively high casualty figures in the region. The Fire and Rescue Board has good self-awareness, but it should strengthen its scrutiny of the service, which should be supported by better performance information.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said:

“Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue provides an effective service with a clear strategic vision supported by good planning for matching its resources to levels of risk.

It needs to do more to establish the reasons behind the relatively high casualty rate in the region.”