Fire Sector Confederation “lays foundations for resilient future”

The past year has been transformative. Achieving charity status marked more than an administrative milestone. It signalled our commitment to operating as a permanent and sustainable institution serving the public good. The establishment of our new governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, demonstrates the professional foundation upon which we’re building our future work.

Perhaps most gratifying has been the response from our members and partners. When we asked for patience and support during our development phase, the sector responded with both financial backing and constructive engagement.

The recent launch of our new website represents a tangible expression of our mission. More than a digital presence, it serves as a portal into the fire safety system itself: a place where specialist networks converge, knowledge is shared and collaboration flourishes. Our Knowledge Hub exemplifies this approach, providing a home for focused expertise, while at the same time connecting existing professional networks to a wider audience.

Innovation in co-ordination has defined our progress. The Fire Consultations Network, expertly led by Simon Gibbins, has filled a gap that many didn’t realise existed. For the first time, organisations across the sector can co-ordinate their responses to national consultations, ensuring both individual voices are heard and collective wisdom is captured. With over 100 participants, this network demonstrates the appetite for structured collaboration.

National Fire Safety Congress

Last June, the inaugural National Fire Safety Congress exceeded expectations. Bringing together 50 delegates from across the fire, building, products, insurance and regulation domains, it proved that neutral convening power can unlock frank and solution-oriented dialogue.

The feedback was clear: the sector needs a catalyst and co-ordinator and the Confederation is uniquely positioned to serve that role. The second Congress this coming spring promises to build on that momentum.

Looking ahead, our evolution of the Advisory Council into a permanent Fire Futures Thinking Group represents strategic ambition matched with practical necessity. With the Building Safety Act 2022, Grenfell recommendations, technological disruption, climate risks and demographic shifts all converging, the sector needs systematic foresight. This will not be consultant-heavy or academic. It will instead harness the considerable expertise already within our community in order to produce actionable intelligence through biennial Fire Futures Reports.

Our relationship with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fire and Rescue has deepened, creating valuable alignment between Parliamentary oversight and sector expertise. This connection ensures that fire safety knowledge informs the legislative process on an effective basis, while always maintaining appropriate governance boundaries.

Established rhythms

Regular meetings with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Building Safety Regulator have become established rhythms, building the trust necessary for a system convener. These relationships enable honest dialogue and ensure that our members remain informed about regulatory developments.

We’re now in the early stages of 2026. The Fire Sector Confederation has moved beyond establishing itself towards demonstrating its value. We’re not replacing regulators or professions: we’re operating in the gaps between them, helping the fire safety system to see itself clearly, remember its history and align its authorities around a shared purpose.

The recent and terrible fires in Hong Kong and Murcia remind us of why this work matters. The complexity of the socio-technical system and the wicked nature of fire safety demand collaborative and forward-thinking approaches. Together, we’re building the infrastructure to meet those challenges.

Steve McGuirk CBE QFSM DL FIFireE is Executive Director of the Fire Sector Confederation (www.firesectorconfederation.co.uk)