Health Minister Robin Swann has commissioned an independent inspection of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).
![](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/health/news/doh-minister-latest-news.png?itok=z0tJ79Vv×tamp=1655722984)
The inspection will be led by HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Robert Scott.
The Minister said: “This independent inspection is timely and will help put NIFRS on a firm footing for the future.
“Firefighters and support staff make an immeasurable contribution to public safety in Northern Ireland. Like many public sector organisations, NIFRS has had a challenging period over a number of years, not least due to funding constraints.
“This inspection can help it move forward with confidence, as both an employer and provider of a vital public service.”
Issues to be covered include staffing, resourcing, governance arrangements, organisational culture, staff development, wellbeing, diversity and leadership.
The Minister concluded: “I am very grateful to Robert Scott, HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service for agreeing to lead this inspection. I also thank the Scottish Government for permitting this inspection to take place.”
The inspection will provide an independent examination of the challenges currently facing NIFRS and the inspection report will be made public. The Board of NIFRS has firmly advocated for this review which is also supported by the Chief Fire & Rescue Officer and his Executive Leadership Team.
Notes to editors:
- For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
- Follow us on twitter @healthdpt.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
Latest news
- Temporary ban on prescription and supply of puberty blockers extended to NI 23 August 2024
- Consultants vote to accept pay offer 23 August 2024
- Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Active Recruitment Statistics & Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Workforce Statistics June 2024 21 August 2024
- Independent Autism Reviewer appointed 21 August 2024