MHCLG launches consultation on mandatory fire risk assessor certification

Fire risk assessors perform a critical role in ensuring fire safety. Fire risk assessments help to ensure that hazards are identified and the right fire precautions delivered in order to keep people safe in the buildings in which they live, work and also visit.

At present, ‘Responsible Persons’ (usually the building owner or landlord) can undertake their own fire risk assessments or may appoint a fire risk assessor in order to assist them in doing so. The consultation process is looking towards strengthening standards and ensuring those who conduct such assessments have the proper competencies and capabilities to do so.

The consultation marks an important step in delivering Recommendation 26 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, in response to which Government committed to establish a mandatory certification system for fire risk assessors.

Samantha Dixon (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy) explained: “Fire risk assessors play a vital role keeping our communities safe from fires. I would strongly encourage responses to this consultation that will help us introduce the right measures to make sure we have consistent levels of competency across the profession.”  

The consultation seeks views on proposals relating to:

*defining the role of fire risk assessors and their protected assistance duties

*considering the ‘Responsible Person’ and their ability to conduct their own fire risk assessments

*developing a competency framework and standards complete with robust methods of verifying competence

*establishing clear career pathways through proposals for apprenticeships and a proficient workers scheme

*providing appropriate regulatory powers and ensuring effective implementation of measures

*The consultation runs for 12 weeks from 26 March, closing on 18 June. The consultation can be found online at Fire risk assessors profession - GOV.UK