New Chief Inspector of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Simon Routh-Jones has been appointed the new HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Routh-Jones served as a fire officer for 37 years and joined HM Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI) as an assistant inspector in 2016.

He takes over as Chief Inspector from Martyn Emberson who recently retired after more than two years in post.

Announcing the appointment, Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing said:

“I warmly welcome the appointment of Simon Routh-Jones as Scotland’s Chief Inspector of our fire service. He brings a huge breadth of experience in fire and rescue and with his history of strategic and innovative thinking his appointment brings continuity to the Inspectorate, which has independent oversight of one of our vital public services.

“I would also like to record my sincere thanks to Martyn Emberson for his dedicated service as Chief Inspector and for his advice and wise counsel. He can be proud of the positive impact he has had and I wish him all the very best in his retirement."

Mr Routh-Jones said: "I am immensely proud and honoured to be appointed as HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. It is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team within the Inspectorate.

"I look forward to continuing to provide independent and professional advice to Scottish Government and promote continuous improvement within Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and support the Organisation in the challenges ahead."

Background

Mr Routh-Jones begins his role today after formally being appointed via an Order in Council.

HMFSI is independent of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and carries out independent inspections. The Inspectorate also provides independent advice to Ministers and has certain functions relating to non-domestic fire safety.

Simon Routh-Jones has served as a Fire Officer for over 37 years and retired from the post of Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive at Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in April 2016.

Whilst at Wiltshire FRS, Mr Routh-Jones was instrumental in successfully delivering a business case with Dorset FRS, for a merger between the two services. During his time in Service, he developed and implemented a highly successful Juvenile Firesetters Programme to intervene and educate young people in fire and fire setting, working in partnership with Youth Offending teams, Police, Education and Social Services.

In 2016 Mr Routh-Jones was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for services to the Fire and Rescue Service.