Assistant Inspector

Do you have sector experience within either a local authority or defence fire and rescue service environment (or other blue light organisations), with knowledge across the functions of the Service?

If so, we are seeking an Assistant Inspector to join our small, dynamic team on a 3 year Fixed Term Appointment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the scrutiny and improvement of fire and rescue services in Scotland.

Assistant Inspectors are integral to His Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI) mission to provide assurance and drive improvement in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Your work will culminate in published reports that influence policy and deliver real impact for communities across Scotland. HMFSI provides independent, risk-based inspections of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and professional advice to Scottish Ministers. Our work ensures that this critical public service operates effectively and efficiently, delivering assurance to government and communities across Scotland. Our values are Integrity, Objectivity, and Fairness. These values are essential for the postholder.

As an Assistant Inspector, you will play a key role in inspections, inquiries, and strategic reporting, helping shape recommendations that influence policy and operational practice. Subject to Ministerial approval, the successful candidate will be appointed under Section 43A of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in inspections and inquiries in line with legislation and HMFSI guidelines.
• Prepare strategic reports, briefing notes, and presentations.
• As required by the Chief Inspector, provide professional advice to Scottish Ministers.
• Represent HMFSI at national and local forums, occasionally deputising for the Chief Inspector.
• Manage allocated projects within the Inspectorate’s business plan.
  
  

Qualifications

Academic studies in Management or a related field or relevant experience.

Success profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data and statistics.
• Knowledge of operational and strategic management issues facing fire and rescue services (or other blue light organisations), including risk management, training, health & safety, contingency planning, and service reform.
  
  

Experience

• Experience or an understanding of the scrutiny role of Public Services or other organisations.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, which are used to inform strategic decisions and policy.

Behaviours

• Changing and Improving - Level 4. Encourage, recognise and share innovative ideas from a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders via Inspectorate reports. Create an environment where people feel safe to comment upon and to challenge current organisational practices and know their voice will be heard.
• Delivering at Pace - Level 4. Being clear about objectives, priorities and focusing on results. Ensure delivery of quality outcomes, maintain own levels of performance that assist HMFSI achieve its business priorities and goals.
  
  

You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

How To Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 February 2026

, however this may be subject to change.

About Us

HM Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI) operates independently of Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). We scrutinise, inspect and report on the SFRS with the purpose of assuring the public, and Scottish Ministers, that it is working in an efficient and effective way, and to promote continuous improvement in the Service.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). Security Check (SC) clearance will be required for this post.

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to have or be in a position to obtain Security Check (SC).

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before: 9 February 2026 (23:59)