The past year has been transformative. Achieving charity status marked more than an administrative milestone. It signalled our commitment to operating as a permanent and sustainable institution serving the public good. The establishment of our new governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, demonstrates the professional foundation upon which we’re building our future work.

Perhaps most gratifying has been the response from our members and partners. When we asked for patience and support during our development phase, the sector responded with both financial backing and constructive engagement.

The recent launch of our new website represents a tangible expression of our mission. More than a digital presence, it serves as a portal into the fire safety system itself: a place where specialist networks converge, knowledge is shared and collaboration flourishes. Our Knowledge Hub exemplifies this approach, providing a home for focused expertise, while at the same time connecting existing professional networks to a wider audience.

Innovation in co-ordination has defined our progress. The Fire Consultations Network, expertly led by Simon Gibbins, has filled a gap that many didn’t realise existed. For the first time, organisations across the sector can co-ordinate their responses to national consultations, ensuring both individual voices are heard and collective wisdom is captured. With over 100 participants, this network demonstrates the appetite for structured collaboration.

National Fire Safety Congress

Last June, the inaugural National Fire Safety Congress exceeded expectations. Bringing together 50 delegates from across the fire, building, products, insurance and regulation domains, it proved that neutral convening power can unlock frank and solution-oriented dialogue.

The feedback was clear: the sector needs a catalyst and co-ordinator and the Confederation is uniquely positioned to serve that role. The second Congress this coming spring promises to build on that momentum.

Looking ahead, our evolution of the Advisory Council into a permanent Fire Futures Thinking Group represents strategic ambition matched with practical necessity. With the Building Safety Act 2022, Grenfell recommendations, technological disruption, climate risks and demographic shifts all converging, the sector needs systematic foresight. This will not be consultant-heavy or academic. It will instead harness the considerable expertise already within our community in order to produce actionable intelligence through biennial Fire Futures Reports.

Our relationship with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fire and Rescue has deepened, creating valuable alignment between Parliamentary oversight and sector expertise. This connection ensures that fire safety knowledge informs the legislative process on an effective basis, while always maintaining appropriate governance boundaries.

Established rhythms

Regular meetings with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Building Safety Regulator have become established rhythms, building the trust necessary for a system convener. These relationships enable honest dialogue and ensure that our members remain informed about regulatory developments.

We’re now in the early stages of 2026. The Fire Sector Confederation has moved beyond establishing itself towards demonstrating its value. We’re not replacing regulators or professions: we’re operating in the gaps between them, helping the fire safety system to see itself clearly, remember its history and align its authorities around a shared purpose.

The recent and terrible fires in Hong Kong and Murcia remind us of why this work matters. The complexity of the socio-technical system and the wicked nature of fire safety demand collaborative and forward-thinking approaches. Together, we’re building the infrastructure to meet those challenges.

Steve McGuirk CBE QFSM DL FIFireE is Executive Director of the Fire Sector Confederation (www.firesectorconfederation.co.uk)

A new nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults across the UK conducted by consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First reveals that 7% of Brits admit to never testing their smoke alarm: the equivalent of four million adults across the country. Now, experts are raising serious fears that many households may be jeopardising their chances of escaping a fire outbreak.

“Every second counts when it comes to escaping a fire in your home,” urged Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First. “Smoke alarms can be the life-saving gadget that proves to be the difference between life and death. they need to be maintained to ensure they operate properly.”

The charity recommends households test their smoke alarms at least once every month and that households take just a few seconds to build this task into their routine at home.

Further research conducted by Electrical Safety First reveals that only 22% of Brits test their smoke alarms once per month, with 39% of Brits testing their smoke alarm less often than this. Worryingly, almost one-in-ten test their smoke alarm just once a year or less.

“Fires don’t discriminate,” added Capanna. “Many people affected by fire often tell us they simply didn’t think something like this could happen to them, which is why it’s so important households take just a few seconds to test their smoke alarms. It’s also vital to consider if are enough smoke alarms in the home. It’s important to make sure alarms are positioned in areas within the home where a fire could start. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every floor of the property. The more alarms, the earlier the warning will be depending on where in the home a fire starts.”

Lucky escape

Recent reports demonstrate just how vital a smoke alarm can be, with one family in Derbyshire having a lucky escape after being alerted to a fire in the middle of the night in late November last year.

Reported to have been caused by an e-bike battery, the fire triggered the working smoke alarms and the family members were forced to escape from a first floor window.

Another local report reveals how smoke alarms played a vital role in allowing a family of five the vital minutes needed to escape from a fire in North Wales that occurred just before the New Year.

Alarm ‘blackspots’

While experts raise serious concerns about the infrequent testing of smoke alarms across the country, households are being warned that lives could be placed at risk if alarms are missing altogether.

Analysis of Government fire data by Electrical Safety First reveals the regions across England where alarms are absent. Out of 24,140 accidental electrical dwelling fires between 2023 and 2025, a total of 4,498 (or 19%) fires were recorded where there was no smoke alarm in place.

“People living in a property without a smoke alarm altogether are at a significantly higher risk of being serious injured or, worse still, losing their life in the event of a fire taking hold in their home,” asserted Capanna. “The Government’s own analysis reveals that people living without a working smoke alarm are eleven times more likely to die in a dwelling fire.”

Norfolk tops the list as one of the UK’s biggest fire safety ‘blackspots’. With smoke alarms absent in 188 homes where accidental electrical fires have broken out in the past two years, Norfolk poses the greatest fire safety risk per capita.

Avon ranked second (199), followed by Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (87), Hertfordshire (161) and Nottinghamshire (98) rounding out the five foremost fire safety blackspots.

Least likely to test

Separate survey data also shows where in the country people are least likely to test their smoke alarms. Sheffield ranks the highest in the list, with over 14% of its population admitting to never testing their smoke alarms.

The rest of the top five is dominated by major UK population centres, meaning that even more people could be putting themselves at risk. Liverpool follows closely, with 11% of residents neglecting to test their smoke alarms. London stands at 9%, while Bristol and Cardiff round up the list and are tied at 8%.

Electrical Safety First is urging households to test smoke alarms at least once every month, replace batteries when needed, never disable smoke alarms and adopt simple fire-safe habits in the home.

*one smoke alarm may not be enough: experts urge homes to ensure they have at least one working smoke alarm on every floor and ensure they are alerted to a fire as soon as possible

*don’t ignore the beep: if an alarm starts to beep it should never be ignored (this could indicate the battery is low or there’s a fault with the sensor that requires attention)

*check the type of smoke alarm: some are battery operated only, while others are mains powered

*prevention is better than cure: building preventative habits into nightly routine can serve to reduce the risk

The launch event takes place on 10 March from 09.30 am-11.30 am at the Royal College of Pathologists, [email protected], 6 Alie Street, London E1 8QT.

Developed in response to the Morrell/Day ‘Testing for a Safer Future’ report and the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, PAS 2000 describes the framework against which manufacturers can show they’ve taken all reasonable steps to ensure that their products are safe for their intended uses.

Those practitioners responsible for manufacturing, specifying, testing or procuring construction products will be able to learn what’s in the new Code of Practice, why it matters and how organisations can lead the way in delivering safer and more reliable products.

Key areas of focus

Specifically, the launch event will concentrate on the following key areas:

*understand the PAS 2000 standard: what it covers, who it’s for and how it supports safer construction products

*learn how to demonstrate product safety: discover the framework for evidencing the fact that products are safe for their intended uses

*deliver reliable evidence: find out how to provide comprehensive, accurate and trustworthy information to support product claims

*hear from the experts: receive insights from the technical author, sponsors and sector leaders about the standard’s development and impact

*stay ahead of regulation: see how PAS 2000 aligns with the latest industry reforms and Government recommendations

*network with peers: connect with manufacturers, importers, distributors, designers, contractors, building owners and clients, etc

Event timings

*9.30 am: Registration, refreshments and networking 

*10.00 am: Welcome and introductions

*10.10 am: Presentation from the PAS 2000 sponsor

*10.20 am: PAS 2000 overview and purpose statement 

*10.50 am: Construction products reform overview 

*11.10 am: Q&A with speakers 

*11.25 am: Closing remarks 

*11.30 am: Event close and networking

Speakers on the day will include Ian Richardson (built environment sector lead at the BSI), Hywel Davies OBE (technical author of PAS 2000) and Geoff Brown (assistant director at the Office for Product Safety and Standards).

*Registration for this free event is available online by visiting the BSI’s website

The pair have been fined a total of £12,500 for failing to licence the property (located on Clonmell Road, London N17). Enforcement action was also taken for allowing tenants to live in unsafe conditions.

Haringey Council initially received a complaint about damp and mould in the rented home. During their investigations, enforcement officers discovered that the property was operating as an unlicensed ‘Additional’ HMO. An inspection of the property revealed multiple hazards, including inadequate fire protection and dangerous stairs, duly putting tenants at significant risk.

As a result, the property owner and managing agent were issued civil penalty fines for failing to apply for the required HMO licence. The managing agent appealed the penalty to the First Tier Tribunal. However, the Tribunal dismissed the appeal, describing it as misguided, and upheld in favour of Haringey Council.

The managing agent was ordered to pay a £10,000 fine and has been added to the Greater London Authority’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker, a public register of landlords and agents fined or convicted of housing offences. The owner remains liable for a separate £2,500 civil penalty.

Legal standards

Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet member for housing and planning and also deputy leader of Haringey Council, said: “This case makes our position absolutely clear. Haringey Council will not tolerate landlords or agents who put residents at risk. Every property must meet legal standards. Those who ignore their responsibilities will face decisive action.”

Williams added: “Our priority is protecting tenants and driving up standards across the private rented sector. We will continue to pursue anyone who fails to provide safe, secure and properly managed homes.”

Following enforcement action, the property has now been licensed. An Improvement Notice issued by Haringey Council has led to all disrepair being addressed. The home now meets required safety standards, ensuring that its tenants live in a safe and compliant environment.

The project to update the qualifications was led by SFJ Awards (the Awarding Organisation responsible for the qualifications) in collaboration with the Home Office, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the London Fire Brigade and further interested parties.

The initial review phase has updated the qualifications’ content. Now, the stakeholder consultation process is launched to capture the views of a wider pool of experts and practitioners in the sector.

Working Group

Adreena Parkin-Coates of the NFCC was part of the expert Working Group that conducted the initial phase of the review.

Encouraging stakeholders across the sector to contribute to the consultation, Parkin-Coates said: “Fire safety roles are central to minimising and mitigating the risk of harm posed to people, property and the environment from fire. Ensuring the workforce is fully prepared for the rigours and challenges of the role requires a robust set of qualifications suitable for all different learners.”

Parkin-Coates continued: “The suite was reviewed in its entirety to promote consistent regulation and fire safety standards across Fire and Rescue Services and reduce content duplication for learners. Following this initial evaluation, we now invite input from a wider group of stakeholders as we finalise the review process.”

Structured development pathway

David Higham, managing director at SFJ Awards, commented: “The fire safety suite of qualifications offers a structured development pathway for fire safety regulators, in parallel providing a platform for developing the dedicated workforce to keep people, property and the environment safe from fire.”

Higham added: “The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Safety have each been reviewed by the expert Working Group to ensure alignment with current Best Practice. The consultation stage now seeks the views of stakeholders to ensure that practical considerations are factored into the mix.”

In conclusion, Higham noted: “Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, it’s widely recognised that qualifications which support the training and development of fire safety personnel must be fit for purpose. I encourage stakeholders to submit their valued representations.”

*The consultation in support of reviewing the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety is now live. Further information is available online at www.sfjawards.com/fire-safety-qualifications-review/#take-part

Steve Hamm, the IFE’s current CEO, commented: “As well as expanding our leadership capacity, these two new appointments will ensure organisational resilience and enable us to provide services to our members that reflect the evolving role of the IFE as the leading international professional body for fire safety. The appointments will also support emerging regulatory frameworks for registered fire engineers and technicians.”

Hamm continued: “Having been CEO on a part-time basis for the past five years, I will transition to a strategic fire safety advisory role following the appointment of a new full-time CEO later this year. The new CEO will provide a dedicated full-time resource for the IFE, supported by qualified professionals who form the corporate management team.”

Recruitment will be a comprehensive and carefully managed process to ensure the corporate management team is resourced appropriately for the future.

Essential support

Paul Stollard, chair of the IFE, stated: “These appointments come at a critical time and will provide essential support for the IFE’s growth, in turn enabling us to effectively navigate the increasing demands placed on the institution, particularly so since the publication of the Grenfell Tower report.”

Stollard went on to state: “The Board recognises that the current CEO has led the organisation for over five years on a part-time basis, having initially been engaged to provide oversight of a change management programme. As a qualified chartered engineer with extensive strategic leadership experience, Steve has led the IFE through an era of significant organisational development, resulting in the situation where greater capacity is needed in terms of both strategic leadership and technical expertise.”

Further, Stollard noted: “The recruitment of both roles demonstrates the IFE’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership framework and positioning the organisation for sustained growth and resilience.”

The IFE is working with a specialist executive recruitment agency to lead the appointment of a new full-time CEO. Further updates regarding this appointment, as well as the strengthening of the IFE’s technical staff resources, will be shared in due course.

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

The course, which focused on how global Emergency Services operations respond to terrorist incidents, was attended by five NATO partner nations, with officers from Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Jordan and Egypt present. This was the second iteration of the training in the wake of the successful sessions held back in 2024.

The training is designed to afford officers the skills needed to improve inter-agency planning, operational preparedness and the response to a range of episodes including major incidents, acts of terrorism, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents and serious public disorder.  

The skills and knowledge obtained by the officers who attend can also be used when responding to a variety of standard emergencies in a multi-agency environment. The training provides valuable insights designed to strengthen and improve civil emergency plans, complementing national training systems and further developing enhanced co-operation between first responders.

Officers from law enforcement, the Emergency Services and military backgrounds attended the course. Attendees heard from the Brigade’s officers, as well as national subject matter experts, about how the Emergency Services and public bodies in the UK co-ordinate their response to emergency situations. This included sharing the UK’s Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Principles and details of Ten Second Triage.

There was also an opportunity for the participating officers to learn specifically about the response capabilities employed by the Emergency Services in London. This included a tour of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Operations Room and a demonstration of the specialist assets available to the London Fire Brigade when responding to high threat and marauding terrorist incidents, as well as viewing specialist equipment such as the Brigade’s 32-metre ladders, drones, Fire Rescue Units and fire boats.

Preparedness is key

Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne, the national co-ordinator for NILO, said: “It has been an honour for the Brigade to once again host our global partners, working in partnership with our colleagues from NATO and the US State Department. In an uncertain world, preparedness is key. By giving first responders the ability to co-ordinate an effective response to complex and challenging situations, this improves the chances of a successful response aimed at maximising safety for members of the public.”

Goulbourne added: “This training allows us to share the lessons we’ve learned over the last two decades with partners, helping to develop how their Emergency Services and civil protection work together. It also offers us the opportunity to understand the environments in which they work and learn from the challenges they may face.”

The programme is part of NATO’s wider work in the region. NATO’s Counter-Terrorism Section is also developing and conducting counter-terrorism courses for assistance-eligible NATO partner countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the Gulf and the Sahel regions thanks to the financial support provided by the United States for the NATO National Contributory Fund.  

This programme encompasses both civilian law enforcement and criminal justice agencies as well as the Armed Forces, defence and security officials with a view towards strengthening overall civil-military co-operation and information sharing on counter-terrorism efforts through an holistic, whole-of-Government approach in counter-terrorism areas of work such as CBRNE defence, battlefield evidence, countering terrorism financing, border security and responding to terrorist incidents.

Developing expertise

The NILO Network can trace its origins back to 2001 when officers from the London Fire Brigade began to look at how the UK would co-ordinate an emergency response when faced by an act of terror. For over 20 years now, NILO has continued to develop its expertise in this area, initially working to improve capabilities across the UK. Now, in partnership with NATO and the US State Department, NILO is looking at how this can be shared with partners across the world.

The partnership with NATO grew out of the Brigade’s involvement in the Counter-Terrorism Preparedness Network, which brings together the Mayors and counter-terrorism leads of major European cities. Through these meetings, it became clear that NILO’s expertise could be used to train NATO partners. As a result, the programme has been created, with additional support from the US State Department. The clear aim is to assist first responders when it comes to increasing public safety on the global stage.

The Building Safety Regulator’s move from the Health and Safety Executive to its new status as an arm’s-length body operating under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government represents a “significant moment” for the built environment.  

Originally established back in 2021 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Regulator’s full powers came into force under the Building Safety Act 2022. Having gained from the expertise of the Health and Safety Executive to set itself up and establish the foundations required for a new regulator, the Building Safety Regulator’s transition signals a renewed commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything it does.

As a new organisation, the Building Safety Regulator will work towards establishing a single regulator by promoting competence and higher standards. It will drive the vital culture change required by everyone working in the built environment in order to support the Government’s ambition of building more safe homes and, in parallel, remediating those which are unsafe.

The move to standalone status is underpinned by a significant ‘operational reset’ in the Building Safety Regulator’s role as the Building Control authority for higher-risk buildings.

Following the introduction of its Innovation Unit and new efficiency measures, the Building Safety Regulator’s operational delivery is fast improving. This progress demonstrates a commitment to combine regulatory experience with industry knowledge to target guidance and education where it’s most needed.

Creating coherence

Lord Andy Roe KFSM, chair of the Building Safety Regulator, commented: “This is a decisive and important step forward in strengthening building safety and a milestone that marks our evolution into a standalone regulator. While the creation of the Building Safety Regulator in 2021 was indeed a watershed moment, we now look forward to a single construction regulator that brings coherence to a once-fragmented system.”

Lord Roe continued: “We will know we are successful when residents acknowledge that we’ve made the built environment safer. It’s about continuing to support homes being built safely.”

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, stated: “The announcement marks a significant new chapter for the Building Safety Regulator, with a clear signal that, while we must continue to focus on improving our operational delivery for both new build homes and occupied HRBs, our mandate extends far beyond high-rise oversight to a broader responsibility for safety and standards across buildings in England.”  

Pugsley affirmed: “By driving professional competence and refining regulatory guidance, we can ensure an holistic approach that spans from initial design all the way through to lifelong building management.”

He concluded: “Our commitment to robust enforcement and cultural transformation serves a single and vital purpose in 2026 and beyond. That of restoring residents’ confidence and trust in the built environment.”

Lasting change

Building Safety Minister Samantha Dixon observed: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe home and we’re determined to deliver lasting change to make this a reality. The Building Safety Regulator sits at the heart of this mission. Launching the new standalone body is an important step in realising sector-wide reform. I look forward to working with the new leadership team on our journey towards the establishment of the single construction regulator.”

Mark Reynolds, executive chair of the Mace Group and chair of the Construction Leadership Council, said: “Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen a very tangible shift in terms of how the Building Safety Regulator has worked with the Construction Leadership Council and developers across the country. The end result has been a more effective process that enables safer buildings to be commissioned and delivered on a faster basis.”

Reynolds continued: “The UK needs confidence that the construction industry, the regulator and Government are all working together to deliver new and safe housing at scale. I believe this moment marks a major step forward on that journey. As an independent body and working under the leadership of Andy and Charlie, I’ve no doubt that we’ll see more positive progress during 2026.”

Industry reaction

Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at the Building Cost Information Service, informed Fire Safety Matters: “Data published by the Building Safety Regulator in the past few months has spoken for itself. While more Building Control approval decisions are being made thanks to the new Innovation Unit, the speed of decision-making, and specifically so for remediation applications, must improve.”

Crosthwaite continued: “Establishing the Building Safety Regulator as an independent organisation is certainly an important step toward, unifying and simplifying how construction is regulated. It shows the industry is being listened to in the same way that the Building Safety Regulator’s process adaptations did last year.”

In addition, and following on from that last point, Crosthwaite explained: “That said, the Building Safety Regulator cannot afford to take its foot off the gas. Its new caseload is growing. Construction’s residential market in particular would benefit from a slicker regulatory system sooner rather than later.”

Finally, Crosthwaite asserted: “Both private and public sector housing output has slowed. Fewer approval hold-ups would go a long way towards speeding up project starts and the economic value they can deliver.”

During an inspection of the property (which is located on Belsize Road in Kilburn) conducted back in May last year, Camden Council enforcement officers found five unrelated tenants living in the property, meaning that thwre was a requirement for an HMO licence.

Officers also identified multiple fire safety issues including the lack of a carbon monoxide alarm, items blocking the fire escape and insufficient fire safety doors to the flat entrance, kitchen and bedrooms. They also found significant disrepair and mould growth in the bathroom.

The landlord – namely Benjamin George Wilson of Fitzjohn Avenue in Barnet – didn’t appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 8 January. In his absence, Wilson was found guilty of five offences committed under the Housing Act 2004 for letting an unlicensed HMO and failing to comply with multiple regulations under Section 234 of the Housing Act 2004.

As a result, Wilson was ordered to pay a total of £15,872 (ie £2,500 for each of the five offences, a surcharge of £2,000 and prosecution costs of £1,372).

Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet member for better homes at Camden Council, noted: “This landlord profited from residents living in dangerous conditions and failed to comply with clear legislation. I’m pleased that he has been handed this fine thanks to the robust work of our enforcement officers.”

Abdi-Wali continued: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that’s safe and secure. With over one third of households in Camden being privately rented, we will not hesitate to take action against landlords who fail to meet important safety and management standards for our residents.”

The Memorandum of Understanding sets out shared expectations for collaboration under the EHRC’s Uniformed Services Programme, which aims to address race and sex-based discrimination, harassment and victimisation within the Fire and Rescue Service, the police service and the Armed Forces. It also outlines how the Equality and Human Rights Commission will support the National Fire Chiefs Council’s work designed to improve culture and inclusion across the sector.

Based on the feedback received from Fire and Rescue Services, this year the Equality and Human Rights Commission will deliver a bespoke package of support, including a webinar series on preventing sexual harassment, a peer-to-peer learning programme and Case Studies of good practice drawn from within the sector.

Those Case Studies will explain the steps taken by some Fire and Rescue Services to proactively protect their members of staff from sexual harassment in line with the preventative duty of the Worker Protection Act and also with reference the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s eight-step guide for employers.

Resources and support

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, stated: “We’re pleased to announce that we’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Fire Chiefs Council to improve how discrimination is tackled within Fire and Rescue Services.”

Stephenson continued: “We know there’s a lot of work to be done across the uniformed services in order to fully eradicate sexual harassment and racial discrimination. As Britain’s equality regulator, it’s our job to ensure these services have the resources and support they need to prevent discrimination and comply with the law.”

In conclusion, Stephenson noted: “This agreement marks a positive step. We now look forward to continued collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council such that we can assist all chief fire officers across Great Britain in tackling discrimination and cultivate an inclusive workplace for all employees.”

Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, explained: “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Equality and Human Rights Commission is another in a series of steps we’ve taken to move from commitment to action on culture, equality and inclusion across the Fire and Rescue Services.”

Garrigan went on to state: “There’s no doubt that the challenge we face as a sector is real. This agreement strengthens the good work already taking place across Fire and Rescue Services, supporting continued learning and improvement by working closely with the Equality and Human Rights Commission in order to share evidence, insight and Best Practice and deliver tangible progress.”

In addition, Garrigan said: “At the National Fire Chiefs Council, we are clear that positive culture, dignity and respect must sit alongside operational competence and capability as a priority in the sector. This partnership will support our members to lead by example, amplify the quietest voices and ensure that Fire and Rescue Services are inclusive and safe places in which to work and continue to earn the trust and confidence of the public we serve.”

Initial commitments

Initial commitments include the National Fire Chiefs Council distributing Equality and Human Rights Commission surveys and event invitations to their respective networks and nominating representatives to support the Commission’s guidance development.

In return, the equality regulator will contribute to the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Listen and Learn sessions, provide feedback on key products (such as the Culture Dashboard Methodology) and deliver expert advice on the Worker Protection Act.

This agreement builds on a strong foundation of collaboration. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has previously responded to National Fire Chiefs Council consultations focused on the Addressing Sexual Harassment Toolkit, the Race Equality Toolkit and Violence Against Women and Girls Guidance. The equalities regulator has also participated in the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Culture and Inclusion Conference and presented findings from its own sexual harassment survey to senior leaders at the Council.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has actively engaged in the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Equality Exchange events, duly contributing towards discussions on the subjects of sexual harassment and race. The Council is also represented on key Equality and Human Rights Commission Advisory Panels, which help to shape guidance and strategy for uniformed services.

This Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive and respectful workplaces across the Fire and Rescue Services.