FireQual, the specialist Awarding Organisation for the fire safety sector, are pleased to announce Darren Ellis as their new Qualifications Manager.

Darren is a well-known expert within the regulatory and qualification development sector with over 15 years teaching and training national and international experience. Most recently he has supported the creation of the Military Qualifications Centre (MQC) in Abu Dhabi to provide qualifications for the United Arab Emirates Safety, Defence and Emergency and Crisis Management (SDEC) sectors. Prior to that he worked with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) as their Qualifications, Compliance and Assessment Manager.

Darren also brings a wealth of knowledge from his 9 years of education regulation having worked with the English regulator Ofqual and later helping to embed the then new Welsh regulator, Qualifications Wales, supporting the development of the regulatory requirements of awarding organisations, namely the ‘Standard Conditions of Recognition’ for both countries.

Darren stated “I am excited and eager to be part of FireQual and to use my expertise and experience to support their strategic aims to maintain safety within the industry. With a lot of change on the horizon and growth within the sector, I will continue to work with our established and much valued stakeholders to ensure FireQual's qualifications remain fit for purpose and have real currency.”

Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Managing Director of BAFE and FireQual, added “Darren’s skills, knowledge and experience will support the aspirations of FireQual moving forward, including the ongoing development and growth of both new and existing qualifications. As Darren notes, we are on the precipice of change within the industry, where FireQual are confident that regulated qualifications will become part of the growing requirements to demonstrate knowledge to work within the life safety industry. His support during this time shall be extremely valuable and we welcome him to the team.”

Justin adds “Darren will be joining us at the BAFE Conference [12 June 2024], so please do register if you wish to meet Darren and discuss regulated qualifications. FireQual Board Member Jim Fitzpatrick will also be speaking on the topic of regulated qualifications on the day.”

The BAFE Conference 2024 is to be held at FSM Live June 12, Coventry. Register for your free ticket here