2025: A Year in Review at the IFE

One of the defining moments of 2025 was the official launch of the new ‘Driving Fire Safety’ strategic vision. Developed in close consultation with members and stakeholders, the strategy is designed to inspire excellence and resilience across the profession.

In addition to hosting flagship events such as the FIRE Conference, the International President’s Technical Conference and the Graduate Lecture, the IFE has proudly represented the profession at major global trade shows. Those shows have included Intersec, the NFPA Conference and Expo and The Fire Safety Event.

Technical activities

The IFE has enjoyed an exceptionally active year when it comes to advancing technical standards and guidance such as BS 8674, which sets competence requirements for fire risk assessors, and the forthcoming BS EN 81-76 for evacuation lifts.

Additionally, we supported the publication of PAS 8700:2025, addressing modern construction methods and continuing our commitment to shaping the future of fire safety through robust standards and their practical implementation.

A major focus this year has been the draft update to PAS 9980, introducing tools to help determine when a fire risk appraisal of external walls is required. This empowers non-specialists to make informed decisions and promotes proportionality in risk assessment.

We’ve also strengthened engagement with Special Interest Groups through new Terms of Reference and we’re leading on the response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our volunteers.

Next generation 

Following the 2024 launch of the Early Careers Networking Group, we introduced Elevate: an exciting series of 60-minute interactive online sessions led by experts from across the global fire sector. Backed by respected partners such as the Association for Specialist Fire Protection and the London Fire Brigade, Elevate provides an essential platform for learning and engagement.

Following on from its overwhelming success, Elevate has been extended into 2026, offering even more opportunities for engagement and knowledge-sharing. By closing critical skills gaps and fostering the next generation of fire safety leaders, Elevate continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

In April, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to building safety reform, setting ambitious targets for cladding remediation and outlining significant regulatory changes. In alignment with this, the Engineering Council introduced the new UK-SPEC HRB standard, strengthening professional competence for those working on higher-risk buildings. It’s a standard the IFE proudly supports.

Working closely with the Engineering Council and other institutions, we continue to contribute towards safer and better-managed buildings.

Our Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) work also advanced meaningfully in 2025. In partnership with Equal Engineers, we hosted a series of member-led focus groups, enabling IFE members to actively shape EEDI initiatives within the organisation and the wider global fire sector.

Shaping the future

Another milestone was the launch of the inaugural International President’s Technical Conference, itself a long-anticipated event designed to spotlight critical technical issues in fire safety. This was complemented with the re-introduction of the Graduate Lecture and Rasbash Lecture (both celebrating the breadth of talent in fire safety, from emerging professionals to seasoned experts).

The IFE also held its first hybrid Annual General Meeting: a significant step towards greater inclusivity and accessibility for all members.

Moving into 2026, the IFE remains dedicated to advancing the fire safety profession worldwide. With a renewed strategy and an enthusiastic global community, we are perfectly positioned to lead the next era of progress in fire engineering and fire safety.

Steve Hamm is CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers (www.ife.org.uk)