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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to inspect and improve fire and rescue services in Scotland.
- Company: HM Fire Service Inspectorate, dedicated to public service and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety and influence policy for communities.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience or studies in Management and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vital public service role.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Locations: Edinburgh, United Kingdom (On-site)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hire Type: Fixed Term Appointment - Fair and Open
Number of Openings: 1
Apply Before: 02/09/2026, 11:59 PM
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.
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.
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. 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.
Assistant Inspector in Edinburgh employer: Work For Scotland
Contact Detail:
Work For Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Inspector in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research HMFSI and understand their mission, values, and recent reports. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal insights can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview by rehearsing answers to common questions related to the role. Focus on your analytical skills and experience in fire and rescue services, as these will be key topics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at HMFSI. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Inspector in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Inspector role. Highlight relevant experience in local authority or fire and rescue services, and showcase your analytical skills and understanding of operational management issues.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the success profile. Keep it concise and focused on your achievements.
Be Honest About AI Use: If you decide to use AI tools for support, remember to keep it real. All statements must be truthful and based on your own experiences. Plagiarism can lead to your application being withdrawn, so stay authentic!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Work For Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fire and rescue services, especially the operational and strategic management issues they face. Familiarise yourself with HMFSI's mission and values, as well as recent reports or changes in legislation that may impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of public service scrutiny. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of an Assistant Inspector, particularly in inspections and strategic reporting.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since excellent communication is key for this role, consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your verbal and written communication skills.
✨Be Ready to Engage
Expect to be asked about how you would encourage innovative ideas and challenge current practices. Think about how you can create an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, and be prepared to share your thoughts on fostering such a culture within HMFSI.
