The new managing building safety-centred toolkit – to be found online at Building Safety Toolkit – Making Buildings Safer is targeted towards more than 4,000 ‘Principal Accountable Persons’ who hold a critical statutory role under the Building Safety Act. These duty holders are responsible for ensuring fire and structural safety are properly managed, in turn safeguarding buildings and the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents across England.

Navigating duties
The toolkit has been developed to help ‘Principal Accountable Persons’ – and notably so those in resident managed buildings – navigate their complex duties and uphold the highest building safety standards.

The toolkit offers a wide array of materials and advice:  

*On Demand webinars, Q&As, useful guides, tips and alerts 

*engaging with residents 

*remediation in existing buildings 

*free training for resident-managed building directors 

*official guidance for occupied buildings 

*guides for high-rise residents 

*Your Home, Your Safety resident campaign materials

Other resources include information on preparing a building’s Safety Case Report (this is a vital document for demonstrating safety compliance) as well as plans for future building assessments.

Support for resident-led buildings

Recognising the diversity of high-rise management in England, the toolkit also provides free training for more than 2,000 resident directors. These are both residents and, in many cases, also the ‘Principal Accountable Person’ themselves in high-rise Resident Management Companies, Right to Manage Schemes and Commonhold Associations.

Beyond building safety compliance for duty holders, the toolkit places a strong emphasis on residents themselves. It includes guidance on how ‘Principal Accountable Persons’ should engage with residents in order to gather views on building safety-related matters affecting their homes.

Resources to raise awareness of the Building Safety Regulator’s national Your Home, Your Safety resident-focused campaign are also available, as well as Building Control approval advice for residents looking to make home improvements within their own high-rise home.

For those buildings undergoing specific construction work, resources and information about the Building Safety Regulator’s Remediation Plan is also being made available.

Significant step forward

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, explained: “This new toolkit represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support ‘Principal Accountable Persons’, particularly so those in thousands of resident-managed buildings across England.”

Pugsley added: “By centralising resources, training opportunities and links to guidance, we are supporting duty holders to more effectively manage the complex, but essential requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.”  

Further, Pugsley stated: “Whether it’s preparing a Safety Case Report, planning for remediation work on an existing building or engaging with residents, this resource helps to ensure that building safety remains the top priority for both the Building Safety Regulator and thousands of our high-rise communities.”

Commitment to ongoing support

The launch of this digital resource is part of the Building Safety Regulator’s commitment to keeping building safety information current, accessible and useful. It follows on from a recent announcement that the Building Safety Regulator plans to introduce a more proportionate and targeted approach for future higher-risk building assessments. That plan also includes the offer of greater support to underpin resident-led ‘Principal Accountable Persons’.  

Regular updates are planned over the coming months to add new resources to the toolkit as the building safety regime continues to evolve. ‘Principal Accountable Persons’ and other interested parties can access the free toolkit and sign up for regular updates at Building Safety Toolkit – Making Buildings Safer.

The survey encompasses 39 questions covering a variety of core topics, among them legislation, training, competency, compliance, fire risk assessments, sector challenges, manufacturing and export, consultancy, fire suppression and the role of Artificial Intelligence in the fire sector.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey and that’s where we need the help of Fire Safety Matters’ dedicated readers and contributors. We would really appreciate you setting aside some time in order to take part. Rest assured that your answers will provide key information on a number of pressing issues facing the UK’s fire safety sector.

This survey is conducted on an anonymous basis. We will be asking several leading industry professionals for their feedback on the results. That feedback will inform our review of the opinions raised by the survey. 

*Take part in the Fire Safety Matters State of the UK Fire Safety Market Survey 2026

Of course, everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure and affordable home. However, nine years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy of June 2017, there are still too many buildings wrapped in unsafe cladding and far too many people feeling unsafe and trapped in properties they cannot sell.

The Government took decisive action to speed up the pace of remediation by introducing the Remediation Acceleration Plan. Since that document was published, over 470 more buildings are reported to have completed cladding remediation, helping around 35,000 more residents to feel safer in their homes.

That said, the Government recognises more needs to be done, going further to identify and remediate all buildings and support residents in the process.

Building Safety Minister Baroness Blake of Leeds CBE stated: “It’s unacceptable that so many people have been left living in homes with dangerous cladding, anxiously waiting for those responsible to take action. This Bill is a milestone in our mission to right these wrongs and ensure that everyone feels confident in the safety of their home.”

Baroness Blake continued: “Crucially, the Bill will ensure all residents have a route to remediation, regulators have the powers they need to take action and that, for all residents currently waiting, an end is in sight.”

Drawing a line in the sand, the Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill makes clear what works are required, who needs to complete them and what the consequences will be for not taking action.

Key measures

Key measures outlined in the Bill include the following:

Stronger enforcement 

The Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill brings forward a new legal duty on those responsible for the safety of their buildings, such as freeholders, to identify, assess and fix issues without delay. Anyone who obstructs this work could face criminal penalties.  

In addition, there will be a stronger enforcement framework to sanction responsible entities that fail to comply with a Remediation Order, enabling the First-Tier Tribunal to hand down financial penalties of up to £500,000.

The expectation remains that, by the end of 2029, every building over 11 metres with unsafe cladding should either have been remediated or have a clear date for completion, with the key change being that tougher powers will become available before this.

Clearer route to remediation 

As a safety net, third parties (such as Homes England or local authorities) will be able to step in and carry out remediation if those responsible continuously fail to act, thereby reassuring residents that works will go ahead.

Additionally, if a building ends up with no effective owner or responsible entity, leaseholders will have clearer legal routes to take control of the building’s management so that essential maintenance and safety works can continue.

Making sure all parties pay their fair share  

Developers, contractors and others who’ve paid to make buildings safe will have a simpler and more effective route to pursue cladding manufacturers in terms of recovering remediation costs where specific products have contributed to a building being unsafe, in turn unblocking technical legal barriers that have too often stood in the way.

Greater transparency and certainty for residents and regulators

A new register of all medium-rise residential buildings in England will help to ensure that no building falls through the net. Failure to register could result in civil penalties of up to £7,000 with higher financial penalties of anything up to £40,000 or prosecution also being made available.

Fire risk appraisals of external walls – which help to determine whether remediation is needed – will be required to follow a consistent approach to assessment where buildings are judged on the same basis and risks identified through independently audited and evidence-based assessments.

Where an assessment recommends remedial work, responsible entities will be required to share a plan with residents, setting out the steps and proposed timescales for remediating each building for which they bear responsibility.

The Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill is expected to accelerate remediation for circa 12,000 residents (including around 3,000 residents whose buildings benefit from the remediation backstop).

Extensive work

The new measures emerge alongside extensive work already underway to progress remediation, including over £5 billion committed by the Government, as well as clear targets set for works to be completed, funding for buildings under 11 metres in exceptional circumstances, an extra £1 billion to support social housing providers’ remediation and extended funding for fire alarms to replace expensive Waking Watch regimes.

The Government also continues to deliver on the recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel, including the recent appointment of an independent Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor to provide expert advice on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, thereby helping to deliver a better and more robust building safety system.

Amy Rees CB, CEO for Homes England, commented: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. These measures are an important step in accelerating remediation, strengthening accountability and giving residents greater confidence that unsafe buildings will be fixed.”

Rees added: “Homes England will continue working with Government, regulators and industry partners alike to help ensure no building falls through the cracks and that remediation progresses as quickly as possible.”

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO for the Building Safety Regulator, concluded: “The Building Safety Regulator is fully engaged with stakeholders to support building owners in fixing known buildings on a faster basis. We will continue to support the Government as a collaborative and proportionate regulator on the critical issue of remediation on higher-risk buildings across England.”

The prosecution relates to premises located at York Gardens in Hastings, which form part of the Queens Arcade, and follows on from an investigation by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service officers focused on fire safety arrangements at the premises.

As part of the investigation, an authorised fire safety inspector exercised statutory powers under Article 27 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Where necessary for the purpose of enforcing the Fire Safety Order, these powers enable authorised inspectors to enter and inspect premises, make enquiries and require the production of relevant information and documents.  

Brighton and Hove Magistrates’ Court heard that Ahudja, as the sole director of J&R Real Estate (the freeholder for the premises), failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide documents and information required by an authorised inspector in connection with the investigation.  

Following the investigation, J&R Real Estate and Ahudja were charged with offences under Article 32(2)(e) and Article 32(8) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Guilty verdict

At Brighton and Hove Magistrates’ Court on 6 October, J&R Real Estate and Ahudja were found guilty of the offences. The case has been adjourned for sentencing, which is due to take place on 8 November.

George O’Reilly, assistant director for risk reduction at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fire safety legislation is there to protect people from the potentially devastating consequences of fire. Our authorised inspectors have statutory powers, which enable them to obtain the information and evidence necessary to determine whether premises are being managed safely and whether those responsible are complying with their legal duties.”  

O’Reilly continued: “We will always seek to work constructively with businesses and ‘Responsible Persons’ to help them understand and meet their fire safety responsibilities. However, those responsible for premises must co-operate with our inspectors and comply with lawful requirements made as part of an investigation. Where they fail to do so, we will not hesitate to consider appropriate enforcement action.”

In conclusion, O’Reilly noted: “This successful prosecution demonstrates that East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service will use the enforcement powers available to us where necessary to uphold fire safety standards and protect the public.”

Legal duty  

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is reminding businesses, building owners and those responsible for premises that they have a legal duty to both understand and,, subsequently comply with their responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  

All ‘Responsible Persons’ should ensure appropriate fire safety arrangements are in place at their premises and co-operate fully with authorised fire safety inspectors carrying out their statutory duties.

*Further information is available online at www.esfrs.org

With demand for its courses increasing, fire alarm system training provider Zzeus Training was looking for someone with deep technical knowledge, a strong grasp of the standards and lived experience when it comes to training industry professionals.

Davidson began his tenure in the industry back in 1982 as an engineer working on high-security projects. He spent most of his career at the NSI, where his roles included regional auditor, head of field operations, technical services manager and then Fire Schemes lead, training sector professionals and helping to assess the competence of engineers and company schemes.

For over two decades, Davidson represented the NSI on industry Boards and Working Groups, contributing directly to the development of not just BS 5839-1, but also BS 5839-6. As such, he will now be teaching on British Standards that he helped to write.

Davidson is a Fellow of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and, through time, has helped to develop BAFE Schemes.

Now retired from the NSI, Davidson’s part-time involvement at Zzeus Training will see him deliver courses alongside Buddy Squires, including the four-day and five-day BS 5839 courses, the one-day BS 5839 refresher and the BS 5839-6 course.

Shared values

Tom Brookes, managing director at Zzeus Training, explained: “Extending our team of dedicated trainers is something we’ve been working towards for a long time. One of the reasons why our delegates choose to learn with us is due to who’s standing at the front of the room. As such, this was never an appointment we were going to rush.”

Brookes continued: “It had to be the right individuals: someone who shares our values, has the depth of knowledge we expect at Zzeus Training and who can maintain the highest standards of training we’re so proud to provide. We have now found the right individual. We’re thrilled to officially welcome John to the Zzeus team as our new trainer.”

John Davidson responded: “Helping people to understand fire safety has always been the part of the job I’ve loved the most. I’m grateful for the chance to keep doing so alongside the members of what is such an experienced team.”

Zzeus Training provides Level 3 EAL-recognised training and examinations for electricians and fire alarm engineers at its purpose-built Training Centre in Lincoln. Its courses are approved by the EAL, the ECA, the FSA, the ECS, the NSI and the SSILB.

*Further information, details of course dates and booking forms can be accessed online at www.zzeus.org.uk

Running from 10.00 am-11.30 am, the webinar aims to explain what has changed when it comes to external wall fire risk appraisals, why it has changed and how the revised approach adopted in PAS 9980:2026 actively supports more proportionate and risk-based decisions.

This online session offers important insights into the revised methodology for today’s fire engineers, surveyors, managing agents, building owners, housing providers, designers and consultants.

Following on from the introductions delivered by Anthony Burd (director of the built environment at the BSI), Stephen Porter (senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) will spend 20 minutes reviewing external wall remediation policy.

The ensuing 30 minutes, focused squarely on the revisions to PAS 9980, is the domain of Dr David Crowder (partner at DCCH Experts LLP, the business specialising in the provision of expert fire safety advice in relation to fire incident investigation, building defects and challenging engineering problems). The webinar then concludes with a Q&A session hosted by Anthony Burd.

Ultimately, those who attend the webinar will learn about the following:

*the latest Government policy on external wall remediation and supporting guidance. 

*the underlying drivers behind the full revision of PAS 9980 

*the key changes from the previous edition and what they aim to achieve 

*how the revised methodology supports evidence and risk-based decision-making 

*what building owners, managing agents and duty holders need to understand 

*practical considerations for fire engineers, surveyors and consultants 

*the relationship between PAS 9980 and the Building Safety Act 2022 framework 

*common challenges and lessons learned from implementation

*Register online now by visiting www.bsigroup.com

At Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, Scanlans Property Management LLP pleaded guilty in relation to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice issued under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The offences included a defective fire alarm system on-site and the continued display of incorrect evacuation signage within the building.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that, despite long-standing concerns, faults within the fire alarm system remained unresolved, resulting in numerous attendances by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel due to the occurrence of false alarms. It was also established that evacuation notices advising residents to adopt a ‘Stay Put’ strategy remained in place, despite a simultaneous evacuation strategy being required.

In sentencing, District Judge Pitts found culpability to be high and concluded that the failures created a high likelihood of serious harm in the event of a fire.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court highlighted the risks posed to residents and noted that repeated false alarms could lead to complacency and delayed evacuation in an emergency.

The company was fined £153,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 in addition to prosecution costs of £11,410.15, bringing the total financial penalty to a sum of £166,410.15.

Significant outcome

Chris Kemp KFSM MIFireE MInstLM, senior fire protection manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “This is a significant outcome which demonstrates the importance of complying with fire safety legislation and ensuring that residents are protected from avoidable risks.”

Kemp continued: “Kirklees Magistrates’ Court’s findings reinforce the seriousness of these failings and send a clear message that, where ‘Responsible Persons’ fail to address known fire safety issues, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.”

Further, Kemp stated: “I would like to recognise the professionalism, determination and commitment shown by our Fire Protection Team members throughout this lengthy and complex investigation led by Group manager John Senior. This was an exceptionally thorough investigation, ensuring that the evidence presented to Kirklees Magistrates’ Court was robust, accurate and compelling.”

In conclusion, Kemp explained: “This successful prosecution reflects the high standards of our Fire Protection Team and our ongoing commitment to keeping the people of West Yorkshire safe.”

Case preparation

Following the hearing, Counsel Cassie Williams praised the investigation and case preparation, describing the result as a “great outcome” and recognising the quality of the evidence and witness statements that supported the prosecution.

The prosecution demonstrates West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s continued commitment to holding duty holders to account where fire safety failures place residents and communities at risk.

*Further information is available online at www.westyorksfire.gov.uk

Established through a partnership between OFR Consultants and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, the bursary will provide financial support to UK undergraduate students pursuing an engineering degree that could lead to a career in fire safety.

Priority will be given to those students studying for the University of Edinburgh’s BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) degrees in Structural and Fire Safety Engineering.

Alistair Henderson (pictured, right) was widely respected for his technical expertise, generosity and dedication to developing others. Sadly, he passed away following a battle with cancer back in 2020, OFR Consultants then sought a meaningful way in which to honour his legacy. The Alistair Henderson Bursary will help to ensure that his impact continues through the students and future engineers it supports for many years to come.

Through this initiative, OFR Consultants and the University of Edinburgh aim to help remove barriers to access in relation to higher education and encourage more students to pursue careers in a profession that plays a vital role in protecting people, places and communities.

Strengthened pathways

As one of the UK’s leading providers of structural and fire safety engineering education, the University of Edinburgh harbours a long-standing reputation for developing highly-skilled engineering professionals.

The Alistair Henderson Bursary represents a shared commitment between academia and industry to invest in future talent and strengthen pathways for all into the fire engineering profession.

Dr Danny Hopkin MEng FIFireE FIMechE, director at OFR Consultants, commented: “Alistair made an enormous contribution to fire engineering, not only through the quality of his technical work, but also through the time, care and encouragement he gave to others. The Alistair Henderson Bursary is a fitting way in which to recognise that legacy by helping talented students to access engineering education and consider a future in fire safety. We’re delighted to be working with the University of Edinburgh to support the next generation of engineers in Alistair’s name.”

Professor Luke Bisby from the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh explained: “The Edinburgh Fire Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh is delighted to partner with OFR Consultants to establish the Alistair Henderson Bursary, which opens the door to fire engineering for talented students who might otherwise never see it as a path for them.”

Bisby continued: “Widening participation is not simply about fairness in admissions. It’s also about strengthening our profession with the diversity of perspectives and lived experiences that lead to safer and better-designed buildings. This commitment reflects both the professional ambitions of some of the most dedicated members of the fire engineering community and the hard lessons of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel’s Phase 2 recommendations, which call for a more competent, better-resourced and more accountable fire safety sector. We’re proud to work with OFR Consultants to help develop the next generation of fire engineers who will carry that responsibility forward.”

Wider commitment

The launch of the Alistair Henderson Bursary forms part of OFR Consultants’ wider commitment to supporting learning, professional development and greater access to careers in engineering. By partnering with the University of Edinburgh, the company hopes to help inspire talented students who will then go on to shape the future of fire and structural engineering.

The Alistair Henderson Bursary will be awarded from the 2026-2027 academic year and is now open to eligible applicants through the University of Edinburgh.

*For more information about the Alistair Henderson Bursary and eligibility criteria visit https://registryservices.ed.ac.uk/scholarships-and-student-funding/prospective-undergraduates/uk-students/merit-based-scholarships-0

The appointment is strategically positioned as part of the wider scientific advisor network across Government, duly recognising the important role of both the construction and scientific sectors when it comes to building safety reform.

This development responds to one of the recommendations in the Public Inquiry report being implemented by Government following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June 2017 when the fire that occurred took the lives of 72 people and exposed profound failings in the building safety regime.  

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will provide independent construction, engineering and scientific advice on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, as well as on productivity right across the built environment sector.

Vital role

Baroness Blake, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience, commented: “Delivering safer buildings and protecting residents from costs remains our priority as we drive forward our building safety reforms. The Building Safety Levy is a key part of that mission.”

Further, Baroness Blake stated: “I’m thrilled to confirm the appointment of the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. Sergio will play a vital role in shaping our reforms to ensure that safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will also support the delivery of the remaining Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry recommendations and regulatory reform, acting as a bridge between Government, regulators, industry, professional and trade bodies, academia and residents.

Cavalaro will take on the role on a full-time basis, working closely with the interim Chief Construction Advisor, namely Thouria Istephan, across the next month to ensure a thorough handover period.

Improving safety and resilience

Speaking about his new role, Sergio Cavalaro explained: “I’m delighted to join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in the role of Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. I’m wholly committed to working with the Building Safety Regulator and across the wider sector to improve the safety, quality, resilience and productivity of the built environment.”  

In conclusion, Cavalaro noted: “I look forward to providing independent advice and constructive challenge, while also contributing to cross-Government priorities through the network of Chief Scientific Advisors.”

The aforementioned Building Safety Levy – itself a tax on new eligible residential developments over ten units – came into force on 1st October.  

The funds raised through the Building Safety Levy will support important building safety works, forming a key part of the Government’s approach to ensure the industry contributes towards fixing building safety defects, while at the same time protecting leaseholders and taxpayers.

The Building Safety Levy is expected to raise circa £3.4 billion over the next ten years, thereby providing vital funding for the removal of dangerous cladding and keeping residents safe.

These confirmed updates form a key part of the Government’s mission to improve the building safety system and enable everyone to feel confident in the safety of their own home.

Cross-Government network  

Professor Angela McLean, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “Congratulations to Professor Sergio Cavalaro on being appointed as the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor at the MHCLG. He has led scientific research on several key areas related to the built environment. I look forward to working with him as part of the cross-Government network of chief scientists, where his expertise will be of great value.”

Building Safety Regulator chair Lord Roe stated: “At the Building Safety Regulator, we welcome the appointment of Sergio to this critical role. I look forward to engaging him on the work that we’re conducting so that we can benefit from his extensive experience in the built environment.”

Watson’s appointment “ensures continuity of leadership” and “reinforces the FIA’s commitment” to supporting its members, advancing fire safety standards and representing the interests of the fire sector across the UK.

With extensive experience in terms of leadership, governance and stakeholder engagement, Watson has played a significant role in guiding the FIA as chair. In his new capacity as interim CEO, Watson will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Trade Association, while also working closely with the Board, members, partners and colleagues in order to deliver the FIA’s strategic objectives.

Speaking about his appointment, Watson observed: “The Fire Industry Association plays a critical role in promoting fire safety, supporting professional standards and providing a strong voice for the industry. I’m honoured to take on the additional responsibility of interim CEO and look forward to working with our members, staff and stakeholders to continue building on the excellent work that’s already underway.”

Watson added: “My focus will be on ensuring stability, maintaining momentum and delivering value for our members, while in parallel continuing to champion the highest standards across the fire sector.”

The FIA Board has expressed its full confidence in Watson’s ability to provide leadership and continuity during this period. This appointment “reflects the Association’s commitment to maintaining strong governance” and, what’s more, ensuring that members continue to receive the support, representation and services they expect.

The FIA is the UK’s largest fire protection-focused Trade Association, representing over 1,300 members. As a not-for-profit, the organisation realises essential fire safety training, technical support and industry guidance, all the while working to shape legislation and professional standards and ensure the continual advancement of fire protection methods and practices.

*Further information is available online at www.fia.uk.com