IFSM: Championing the Voice of Fire Safety Professionals

Whether it’s responding to formal consultations, attending national research meetings or contributing towards the development of new qualifications, the IFSM’s teams have been putting in the hours to ensure that the Institute remains at the table wherever important decisions about fire safety are being made.

Right at the heart of all the work transacted by the IFSM is a simple commitment: the organisation exists to represent all of its members and make sure that the membership’s voice is heard.

As the profession continues to evolve and face new challenges, the IFSM is proud to be playing a major role in shaping the future of fire safety. Pleasingly, we are now increasingly being recognised as a leading player in the world of fire safety when it comes to the national stage.

Concrete action

Over recent months, the aforementioned commitment has translated into concrete action across a number of key areas.

Fire safety in residential care

Last month, the IFSM submitted its formal response to the Government’s consultation on fire safety in residential care settings. Drawing on the expertise and experience of the members, the submission reflected the practical realities faced by those working across the care sector, ensuring that the views of fire safety professionals are firmly represented in the policy-making process.

Consolidating and co-ordinating national fire research

In June, the Institute’s representatives travelled to Chester to attend the Consolidating and Co-ordinating National Fire Research meeting, joining colleagues from across the sector to discuss the direction of fire research nationally and to help ensure that future research priorities directly reflect the needs of those working on the ground.

Skills For Justice (SFJ) Level 5 Fire Risk Assessor qualification syllabus

The IFSM has provided detailed feedback and commentary on the proposed SFJ Level 5 qualification syllabus for fire risk assessors, drawing on members’ expertise to help and influence SFJ and its qualification, ensure that it’s fit for purpose and reflects the evolving demands of the profession.

MHCLG: Improving proportionality and building safety outcomes in Building Control

Looking ahead, the IFSM is currently working on its response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s consultation on emergency repairs under the higher-risk buildings regime.

This consultation proposes changes to the emergency repairs route for higher-risk buildings, seeking views on the public’s perception of the current route, whether the definition of emergency repairs should be expanded or a new route created for critical works, what further guidance may be needed and which types of emergency works might be suitable for self-certification through a Competent Persons Scheme.

The consultation closes on 3 September. As always, the IFSM would welcome member input to help shape the response. The full consultation can be viewed online at gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-proportionality-and-building-safety-outcomes-in-building-control-emergency-repairs-under-the-higher-risk-building-regime

Approved Document B

Now closed for comment, there have been two further and major consultations from the Government for which the IFSM has delivered contributions. They focused on improvements and additions to Approved Document B of the Building Regulations and the fire risk assessment profession.

None of the work outlined here would be possible without the knowledge, experience and engagement of the IFSM’s membership. As is always the case, we are here to help and represent our members at all levels. We welcome the views of all members when working on projects such as those outlined above.

If you have expertise, insight or opinions you would like to contribute to future consultations, research initiatives or developments in relation to qualifications then we most certainly want to hear from you.

Working together, we can continue to ensure that the voice of fire safety practitioners is heard loud and clear, wherever the future of our profession is being decided.

Vicki Swaine BEng (Hons) MIFSM MIFireE MCABE CMIOSH is a Director, Council Member and Technical Team Member at the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (www.ifsm.org.uk)