Fire Sector Confederation publishes Annual Report 2025-2026

In the six-page publication’s introduction, Fire Sector Confederation chair John Spencer notes that the organisation has taken up its place as “the principal representative, convening and governance body across the UK’s fire and building safety landscape” and boasts an “emerging Parliamentary influence” with the successful reset of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fire and Rescue being an important step forward.

Further, Spencer states: “There are challenges ahead and the Trustees are well aware of the need to build a more secure and recurring funding base. However, the partnerships now being agreed with leading organisations in the sector and the many constructive conversations underway give us real confidence that the funding model will evolve to reflect the value the Confederation delivers. In addition, we are also looking to expand and broaden the base of Trustees.”

Detailed appraisal

Steve McGuirk CBE QFSM DL, executive director of the Fire Sector Confederation, delivers and extensive and detailed report that frames the document.

“The last year has been a period of sustained and, in many respects, accelerating activity,” observes McGuirk, “as the Confederation has moved from the foundational work of establishing a new charity into the more demanding task of delivering real value, building genuine influence and securing its long-term future. The overall picture is positive.”

Embellishing that last point, McGuirk comments: “The Confederation is now a recognised and increasingly influential body across the fire and building safety landscape. It has developed credible relationships with key sector organisations, Government departments and parliamentarians. The Consultations Network remains one of its most distinctive and valued assets. Through the aforementioned All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fire and Rescue, the Confederation now has a genuine pathway into the heart of Government.”

The Confederation remains in a relatively stable short-term position of 18 months to two years, though long-term sustainability remains the major strategic challenge. Membership and grant income have allowed continued safe operation, while the organisation is now in a stronger position than at the point of transition. The final grant from the Fire Research and Training Trust has been received. The overarching aim is to establish a secure annual funding position targeting a range of £250,000 to £300,000 per annum. Achieving this goal would also enable a more sustainable footing for contracted personnel.

Priorities for 2026-2027

*Secure stable core funding arrangements

*Expand strategic partnerships across the fire chain

*Develop the knowledge networks and digital hub

*Progress the meetings tracker and stakeholder mapping

*Build on the relationship with the All-Party Parliamentary Group

*Co-ordinate strategically important consultations

*Launch the Fire Futures concept

*Strengthen governance, compliance and administrative capacity

*Demonstrate visible value to members, partners and founders

In terms of the Fire Futures concept, this centres on working with CROSS-UK to develop a coherent and forward-looking programme that addresses emerging threats (including climate change, new technologies, lithium-ion batteries, modern methods of construction and workforce challenges). There’s a broader fire research alliance meeting taking place at the University of Chester in June.

*Further information is available online at www.firesectorconfederation.co.uk