Consultation launched to support review of key fire safety qualifications

The project to update the qualifications was led by SFJ Awards (the Awarding Organisation responsible for the qualifications) in collaboration with the Home Office, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the London Fire Brigade and further interested parties.

The initial review phase has updated the qualifications’ content. Now, the stakeholder consultation process is launched to capture the views of a wider pool of experts and practitioners in the sector.

Working Group

Adreena Parkin-Coates of the NFCC was part of the expert Working Group that conducted the initial phase of the review.

Encouraging stakeholders across the sector to contribute to the consultation, Parkin-Coates said: “Fire safety roles are central to minimising and mitigating the risk of harm posed to people, property and the environment from fire. Ensuring the workforce is fully prepared for the rigours and challenges of the role requires a robust set of qualifications suitable for all different learners.”

Parkin-Coates continued: “The suite was reviewed in its entirety to promote consistent regulation and fire safety standards across Fire and Rescue Services and reduce content duplication for learners. Following this initial evaluation, we now invite input from a wider group of stakeholders as we finalise the review process.”

Structured development pathway

David Higham, managing director at SFJ Awards, commented: “The fire safety suite of qualifications offers a structured development pathway for fire safety regulators, in parallel providing a platform for developing the dedicated workforce to keep people, property and the environment safe from fire.”

Higham added: “The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Safety have each been reviewed by the expert Working Group to ensure alignment with current Best Practice. The consultation stage now seeks the views of stakeholders to ensure that practical considerations are factored into the mix.”

In conclusion, Higham noted: “Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, it’s widely recognised that qualifications which support the training and development of fire safety personnel must be fit for purpose. I encourage stakeholders to submit their valued representations.”