BAFE unveils updated SP205 Scheme at Parliamentary reception

Sponsored by Bob Blackman CBE MP (pictured, above left)  in his capacity as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety Group, the gathering brought together representatives from a diverse range of organisations including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Qualifications Scotland, UKAS, fire sector associations, certification bodies and industry stakeholders.

Fire Safety Matters was represented by Leanne Velez, commercial head of the Fire Safety Matters portfolio at Western Business Media.

This prestigious event marks the relaunch of what’s widely recognised as the benchmark scheme for demonstrating competence in life safety fire risk assessment. The SP205 Scheme has been updated to ensure that it remains aligned with current legislation, Best Practice and the expectations placed on those responsible for fire safety.

Addressing guests, BAFE Group’s CEO Dr Justin Maltby-Smith (pictured, above right) paid tribute to the technical experts, authors and representatives from across the industry whose collaboration helped shape the new SP205 Scheme. Maltby-Smith described it as an important step forward in affording ‘Responsible Persons’ the confidence they need that fire risk assessments are being undertaken by competent organisations and individuals.

Wider reforms

BAFE Group’s chief operating officer Lewis Ramsay skilfully set the launch event in the context of the wider reforms that have reshaped the fire safety landscape post-Grenfell. He acknowledged the significant progress made through legislative change, new competence standards and greater collaboration across the sector, but also argued that public confidence ultimately depends on competence being independently demonstrated rather than simply claimed.

The SP205 Scheme assesses not only the technical capability to carry out life safety fire risk assessments, but also the quality management systems, governance and assurance processes that underpin the work of organisations and their employees.

In total, upwards of 130 representatives from across Government and the fire safety sector attended the reception, reflecting the broad support for raising professional standards through independent certification and accreditation.

*Further information is available online at www.bafe.org.uk