IFE contributes to reform through Fire Engineers Transitional Board

The Transitional Board has been established to provide expert support and advice to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as work progresses to strengthen the fire engineering profession. Its work forms part of the UK Government’s response to recommendations arising from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, including proposals relating to professional recognition, regulation, competence and education.

Bringing together representatives from professional bodies, regulators and experienced fire engineering and academic experts, the Board will support the development of competency standards, education and training requirements, routes to registration and professional oversight.

Board members include Dr Barbara Lane, Professor Jose Torero, Professor Luke Bisby, Lynsey Seal, Ben Bradford, Simon Howard (primary representative for the Architects Registration Board), Charles-Elie Romeyer and Karen Holmes (primary representatives for the Building Safety Regulator), Paul Bailey (representing The Engineering Council), Natasha McCarthy (primary representative for the Royal Academy of Engineering and Richard Clark representing on behalf of the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Steve Hamm’s appointment provides an important opportunity for the IFE to contribute its specialist knowledge and represent the experience and perspectives of fire engineers as these reforms develop. Through its involvement, the IFE will contribute constructively to discussions that will help in shaping the future development of the profession.

Reform and public safety

The reform programme has wider implications for public safety. The Government has stated that its aim is to strengthen public safety through a highly-skilled and sustainable fire engineering profession with high standards of professional accountability. Future arrangements are intended to establish clearer expectations around competence and professional standards for those undertaking safety-critical fire engineering work.

The IFE’s involvement in the Transitional Board reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting professional competence, education and standards across the fire engineering community.

The IFE will continue to engage with the MHCLG and fellow professional and industry stakeholders alike, duly contributing its knowledge and expertise to this significant programme of reform and actively supporting the ongoing development of a profession that’s properly equipped to meet the complexity of modern buildings and evolving fire safety demands.

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