For many years, the way people are protected from fire has been influenced and shaped by a series of tragedies. It is with regret that I do not have the space here to go into the detail that each of these justly deserves. However, if I were to reflect on the significant loss of life experienced at the Rosepark Care Home, the Lakanal House fire and the events leading to the death of 72 people at the Grenfell Tower fire, then, it would be impossible not to be fiercely driven when it comes to supporting those tasked with promoting life safety and protecting the built environment from fire.

It is therefore very pleasing to report on the positive developments where the fire safety sector has come together and deployed the totality of its resources to take steps to ensure that these terrible events are never repeated.

This coproduction was seen in August this year, when the British Standards Institute published BS 8674, a standard written by a drafting committee made up of experts from across the fire safety sector. BS 8674 sets out to support those undertaking fire risk assessments (FRAs) by establishing core competence criteria across three interrelated levels of fire risk assessor: foundation, intermediate and advanced.  

By establishing the skills, knowledge and behaviours required by fire risk assessors at each of these levels, we see a philosophy emerge based on competence and grounded in a principle that those undertaking FRAs must never work beyond their ability.

It can be argued that many competent people already work to this guiding principle, but for the first time, it is expressly set out within the Standard. BS 8674 has created a development pathway for those engaged in FRA practice, helping them to develop in their career and ensuring that they prepare to take on increasingly complex work in a way that is both progressive and can be supported by more experienced experts or specialists.

The Standard lays a solid foundation for those in need of fire safety advice. It makes sure that anyone who appoints a fire risk assessor can do so in the safe knowledge that they possess the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience, are ethical and that they demonstrate the right behaviours to offer advice and provide recommendations relating to fire safety.

Whilst there are slight differences in the law relating to fire safety across the United Kingdom, the broad thrust of the legislation is such that those who have responsibility for fire safety (responsible person(s) RP) are required to undertake an FRA of their buildings and premises. Additionally, this assessment should be reviewed at regular periods or at times when there has been specific or material changes that may alter the findings of the original assessment.

Note 1 – In England and Wales, the legal requirement to undertake FRAs applies to many types of build and premises, and these [requirements] are imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended). In Scotland, similar legal requirements relating to FRA requirements are imposed by the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 together with the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. In Northern Ireland, these requirements are imposed by the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and by the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.

It is  acknowledged that some RPs can undertake FRAs without assistance. However, in recognising that many RPs will not have the necessary attributes to carry out the FRA, it is accepted that they may appoint a ‘competent professional’ to complete the assessment on their behalf. In addition to acting on the findings of the FRA, the RP is also required to put in place fire safety management arrangements and, in so doing, devise, implement and keep under review a range of systems to support fire safety. These may include the maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, ensuring emergency exits and routes are kept clear or the provision of staff training. A competent fire risk assessor can help to maintain these fire safety arrangements by offering advice and recommendations when required.

Since the Grenfell tragedy, the existing FRA process has been considered and strengthened with amended legislative requirements made in England and Wales through the Fire Safety Act 2021. These now require the RP to include external walls, cladding, balconies and windows within their assessment. Moreover, all doors between domestic premises and common areas are to be included.

Furthermore, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 places further duties on the RP which relate to recording assessments, cooperating with other responsible persons and providing those affected by the assessment with information relating to its findings. Notably, Section 156(4) will require the RP not to appoint someone to undertake their fire risk assessment unless that person is competent to do so.

The potential for RPs to appoint competent people in light of these changes is likely to increase and, when this occurs, the RP must seek assurances that a fire risk assessor can follow a rigorous and consistent process when undertaking FRAs. BAFE, therefore notes the significance of BS 8674 and we very much welcome the fact that it provides a benchmark against which the RP can make their selection.

At BAFE we cannot overstate the importance of BS 8674, as we reflect on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 report insofar as it provided commentary regarding a fire risk assessor’s competence. Here it was recommended that a mandatory system to accredit and certify the competence of fire risk assessors be put in place. This adds to the core competency levels set out in BS 8674, which has the potential to further enhance the practice of FRA and provide scope to regulate the profession in a way that is long overdue.

To help justify this point, the Government’s response was, ‘that for far too long, fire risk assessors have operated without a consistent standard or oversight, resulting in a culture of complacency that lacked due regard for competency.’ As outlined above, the Government has since set out its intention to legislate in order to mandate competency requirements for fire risk assessors who perform this vital role. However, notwithstanding its future intention, we at BAFE believe that existing independent verification by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) of Certification Bodies delivering third-party FRA certification schemes will help to satisfy the Government’s plans.

Since these announcements, BAFE has been reviewing and updating our scheme for  Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment (SP205). SP205 Version 6 has now been revised to align with BS 8674 and, I can announce that these changes have been endorsed by UKAS.

The updated scheme requires UKAS accredited Certification Bodies to assess both the management systems and the scope of activities being carried out by fire risk assessors. This applies to all who provide FRA services and can be applied equally to a sole trader as well as an organisation employing multiple fire risk assessors. This ensures that fire risk assessors are accountable and that their FRA practice is competent and consistently applied.

A central requirement of the revised BAFE SP205 scheme is also the need for on-site audits to check and verify FRA performance. These audits serve a dual purpose; firstly, they verify that the Organisation's management systems are functioning effectively, and secondly, they ensure that fire risk assessors are properly validated by observing them operating, performing and interacting with those who have appointed them.

Given the above, I must stress that anyone who considers the need to appoint a fire risk assessor carries out some due diligence. To this end, BAFE would recommend that RPs ensure that the fire risk assessor has been subject to third-party certification by a UKAS accredited Certification Body. This must be a vital part of the appointment process and will help RPs to demonstrate compliance with all the requirements I have detailed above.

BAFE’s and my message is therefore very simple, please check that a fire risk assessor is registered with BAFE or an equivalent Organisation that has been accredited by UKAS.  

It is essential that the RP scrutinises the evidence provided. They should note that not all fire risk assessors or their organisations belong to the UKAS accredited schemes mentioned above. RPs must consider that simple membership of trade associations or other types of body does not confer certification which is equivalent to third party UKAS accreditation schemes.

While BS 8674 does not outline a formal transition period, fire risk assessors are encouraged to review and prepare for its implementation. In keeping with its established approach, BAFE will offer existing registered Organisations a two-year transfer window to align with the requirements of the revised SP205 scheme.

As the changes take effect, the demand for UKAS-accredited schemes is expected to intensify, placing additional demands on the certification sector. Preparation to meet these demands are well underway but, BAFE’s recommendation is simple, encouraging anyone seeking certification to act without delay rather than waiting until the end of the transition period.

Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Chief Executive Officer at BAFE, summarises:

“The introduction of BS 8674 marks a landmark moment for the fire safety sector. The development of a new Code of Practice, alongside the introduction of regulated qualifications and the update of the existing BAFE SP205 scheme, has involved a wide array of stakeholders. The collective effort aims to create a safer fire safety environment for all. While implementation will take time, establishing a clear timetable for the updated legislation is essential. The sooner this is in place, the sooner we can begin educating the market on what to expect and what to look for moving forward.”

BS 8674 now redefines development pathways and this requires the need for new qualifications which have been regulated and mapped against the standard.

Awarding Bodies such as FireQual have now launched regulated qualifications which correspond with the core competency levels detailed within BS 8674.

While the requirement for regulated qualifications is not new to other BAFE schemes, their formal integration into the revised SP205 marks a significant new requirement. In collaboration with Approved Training Centres (ATC’s)and Awarding Organisations, fire risk assessors will now be able to evidence their work and practical experience by achieving a regulated qualification which has been mapped against BS 8674.

Lewis Ramsay QFSM MBA FIFSM, Chair of FireQual said:

“Developing new qualifications has posed challenges for both Awarding Organisations, such as FireQual, and their ATCs. Recognising the requirements of BS 8674 has placed a welcome change in our qualification design and assessment methods, and this has ensured that FireQual’s qualifications meet the new expectations for competence. FireQual, along with our ATCs, has aspired to ‘raise the bar’ in fire risk assessment practice and has already launched new FRA qualifications accredited by SQAA and Ofqual. By embedding higher standards of skills, knowledge and professional behaviour into the qualification framework, the sector is taking a decisive step towards more reliable, accountable, and effective fire safety practices.”