IFE expands technical team with duo of appointments

Over the past year, the technical team has played an instrumental role in raising the IFE’s profile and supporting the sector in a constantly changing world. Team members have worked in partnership with the fire engineering community to run workshops on the future of fire risk assessments and PAS 9980, contributed to sector consultations and supported the launch of new Special Interest Groups.

Highlights have included the work of the Contextualised Registration Steering Group, the team’s work with the National Fire Chiefs Council to introduce a contextualised auditors register for fire safety regulators and also the team’s role in the launch of the Government-backed EWS-1 professional indemnity insurance scheme.

With Mark Chubb overseeing the team’s activity and leading on strategic matters, Paul Trew will continue his focus on alternative fuels, while Ian Bailey will take up the role of UK Government liaison to lead the IFE’s work with the Home Office, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the new building safety regulator at the Health and Safety Executive.

Technical matters

Mark Chubb leads the IFE on technical matters following a 40-year career developed in senior, technical and executive positions in Fire and Rescue Services in New Zealand and the United States.

On his new appointment, Chubb stated: “I’m pleased to accept the role of technical director from Peter who has played a pivotal role over the last two years in shaping the IFE’s technical resource and helping to advance our technical offering for the better of our members and wider society.”

He added: “I look forward to developing this resource further with the help of Paul and Ian and the support of our volunteers whose expertise we value so much. On behalf of the IFE, I want to express my sincere thanks to Peter for his time and commitment and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity as international president.”

Ian Bailey joins the IFE after serving many roles within the London Fire Brigade over the past 30 years. On joining the technical team, Bailey commented: “I have gained a vast array of skills and experience throughout my career with the London Fire Brigade. I believe the influential work carried out by the IFE and its members in the built environment, notably so post-Grenfell, is of such critical importance. I relish the challenge of being part of developing a safer built environment and representing the members to achieve that goal.”

Technical Committee

In addition to the technical team, the IFE benefits from running a Technical Committee (formerly known as the Technical Strategic Advisory Group) whose members play an instrumental role in contributing to a wide range of agendas addressed by Technical Standards Committees and industry consultations.

This is such an essential committee for the Institution and its members. The IFE values the commitment of the volunteers involved and the support of their respective employers who enable individuals to give of their time for the IFE.

David Quinn has been appointed as the new chair of the Technical Committee, duly taking over the role from Mostyn Bullock. Quinn is a Chartered Engineer with significant experience of delivering innovative and practical fire strategies throughout Ireland and the UK. He has served as an active IFE volunteer for many years now.

Quinn explained: “It’s an honour to take over from Mostyn in this role. I’m hoping to continue his great work to help us focus our efforts in advancing the discipline and, in particular, the IFE’s contribution to the industry.”

In conclusion, Quinn observed: “We need technical expertise now more than ever. There are challenges ahead such as changing legislation and a big drive towards combating climate change. As fire engineers, we have a pivotal role in helping to shape how the construction industry responds to these challenges.”

IFE members receive monthly updates from the technical team through the IFE’s e-News and a quarterly journal.

*For further information on IFE membership visit https://www.ife.org.uk/Membership