THE BRITISH Standards Institution (BSI) has published a revised version of PAS 9980, the Code of Practice for the fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats. The document contains an updated risk-based methodology to support “more consistent and proportionate assessments” across the built environment. [Read More]

BETWEEN 1 April 2025 and 1 April 2026, a total of 730 risks secured insurance cover through the industry’s Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility, reports the Association of British Insurers (ABI), at a total sum insured of £19.6 billion. This represents an increase from 703 risks in the previous year, reflecting the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility’s continued growth and development. [Read More]

THE OFFICE for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has published the UK National Action Plan in direct response to a European-wide review of fire protection at nuclear installations. This work is part of the second European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group’s Topical Peer Review (TPR2), with the subject of fire protection chosen due to its potential to challenge safety systems. [Read More]

NEW REPORTS just published by the Government set out the final reflections from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor, while also outlining the current state of play in terms of progress realised against the recommendations made in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report. [Read More]

THE FIRE Industry Association (FIA) is introducing a new suite of FireQual regulated qualifications in fire risk assessment, providing industry professionals with qualifications at the Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels. [Read More]

FOLLOWING THE restructure of the BAFE Group, Dr Justin Maltby-Smith (Group CEO of BAFE Holdings) has spoken exclusively with Fire Safety Matters’ Editor Brian Sims to discuss the thinking behind the new operational model and proceeds to explain how this move will support a broader and more ambitious role for the organisation across the fire and life safety domains. [Read More]

THE BAFE Group has announced a restructure of the organisation designed to better integrate the Group and strengthen its ability to support the life safety sector through an expected “period of change”. [Read More]

BARONESS BLAKE of Leeds CBE – the Labour politician serving as a Life Peer in the House of Lords since 2021 – has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Baroness Blake’s appointment in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new administration was confirmed on 14 August. [Read More]