Building inspectors offered training to plug fire engineering competence gaps

One year on from the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report and its 58 recommendations, Local Authority Building Control (LABC) has introduced its ‘Fire Engineering Principles’ course in direct response to recommendation 18: “That the Government, working in collaboration with industry and professional bodies, encourage the development of courses in the principles of fire engineering for construction professionals and members of the Fire and Rescue Services as part of their Continuing Professional Development.”

The course has been created in collaboration with specialists in fire engineering from the University of Edinburgh, CROSS-UK, the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Smoke Control Association, as well as fire engineering consultancies PartB, OFR Consultants, Design Fire Consultants and The Fire Surgery. Delivered via 11 half-day virtual workshops, it covers a range of topics including an introduction to design, smoke ventilation, structural fire engineering, building legislation and British Standards.

Competence and accountability

Lorna Stimpson, CEO of LABC, stated: “We brought together leading experts who’ve helped us to develop and deliver practical training designed to equip professionals with the knowledge to assess and challenge fire engineering strategies and that’s reflective of real-world demands and current Best Practice. With a continued emphasis on competence, accountability and cultural change, this training provides a clear pathway to meet regulatory demands and lead improvements in building safety.”

This latest offering from LABC adds to its existing suite of award-winning training courses created specifically for the wider construction industry including ‘Safety at Sports Grounds and Other Events’, ‘Building Regulation Compliance’, ‘Building Regulation Application’ and ‘Building Regulation Inspections’.

*The Fire Engineering Principles course starts on 5 December. Those unable to make this particular course can register their interest for future courses scheduled for 2026. Visit bit.ly/fire-engineering-principles and www.labc.co.uk for additional information