The Built Environment Competence Hub is a national digital Hub designed to act as a central point of reference for competence-related information. It brings together key standards, competence frameworks, guidance and insights in one place to assist professionals and organisations in navigating what is an increasingly complex regulatory and professional landscape.

Managed by the BSI and developed in collaboration with the Industry Competence Steering Group and the Building Safety Regulator, the Built Environment Competence Hub responds to concerns in the sector that competence information is often fragmented, difficult to navigate and inconsistent across roles and disciplines.

The Hub aims to address those concerns by providing a shared space for industry to engage on competence, exchange Best Practice and access authoritative resources that support greater clarity, consistency and confidence across the built environment lifecycle.

Living resource

Anthony Burd, director of the built environment within the BSI Knowledge Solutions division at the BSI, said: “Competence is fundamental to a built environment sector that’s safe, trusted and capable of meeting society’s needs. The Built Environment Competence Hub has been designed as a living resource, shaped by ongoing industry input and able to evolve as competence requirements, standards and Best Practice continue to develop.”

Burd added: “By improving access to authoritative information and supporting a more consistent understanding of competence, the Hub also aims to play a vital role in helping the sector respond to regulatory reform following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022.”

The Built Environment Competence Hub is open to professionals, organisations and stakeholders across the sector. Users are encouraged to register to access resources, engage with content and remained informed as the Hub develops.

*Visit the Built Environment Competence Hub

As of this month, the FPA offers the following full suite of FireQual-accredited qualifications designed to meet the competency levels set out in BS 8674:2025:

*Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment (course dates available now)

*Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment (course dates available now)

*Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment (course dates coming soon)

Enhanced focus

These new qualifications introduce an enhanced focus on the core competencies detailed within BS 8674. The FPA’s training will equip learners with a means to interpret fire safety plans and fire risk assessment action plans. It will also enable an assessment to be made that ensures additional specialist advice can be sought when necessary (for example when it comes to securing the right technical knowledge necessary to assess external walls by adopting the guidance contained within PAS 9980).

Finally, the new qualifications will enable learners to evaluate the suitability of fire safety features within buildings, subsequently ensuring their awareness of the latest Best Practice techniques and required technical expertise to deliver fire risk assessments.

As a specialist Awarding Organisation for the fire sector, FireQual provides nationally recognised Ofqual-regulated and SQA-regulated qualifications that set the knowledge and skills benchmarks for specialist fire and life safety disciplines. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the new qualifications reflect current industry needs and support fire risk assessors in demonstrating the competencies required at the foundation, intermediate and advanced levels.

Leading the charge

Commenting on the launch of the new qualifications, Lewis Ramsay (Group chief operating officer of BAFE Holdings, the owner of FireQual) said: “FireQual is at the front end of leading the charge for high quality, regulated and competency-based qualifications in the fire safety sector that evidence skills and knowledge. These fire risk assessment qualifications are aligned to BS 8674:2025 and BAFE’s SP205 Scheme evidence requirements. We are proud to be working with the Fire Protection Association as one of our ‘Approved Training Centres’ to award these qualifications, which offer a progressive pathway for fire risk assessors and set a new benchmark for professional competence in the sector.”

With the Government in England having confirmed that mandatory competence requirements for fire risk assessors will be introduced and independently verified by UKAS-accreditation certification bodies, the FPA’s new suite of qualifications will provide those assessors with a clear route to third party certification through alignment with existing UKAS-accredited schemes.

Bridging course

“We’re delighted to announce our suite of new FireQual-accredited fire risk assessment qualifications,” explained Luke Ventura, deputy head of training at the FPA. “By aligning with BS 8674:2025, we are equipping fire risk assessors with the latest Best Practice advice and technical expertise, enabling them to further demonstrate competency to duty holders and ‘Responsible Persons’. We are now in the process of creating a bridging course for existing learners, helping them to close knowledge gaps, gain the equivalent FireQual qualification and progress to the higher-level qualifications offered by the FPA.”

Learners can complete the qualifications at the FPA’s new Training and Education Centre in Oxfordshire, online or on-site at client premises.

In order to mark the opening of the Training Centre, the FPA is offering a 10% discount on training courses taking place in January, February and March when booked via the FPA’s website using code ‘celeb10’.

Resource 5 helps SMEs to achieve sustainable growth by providing strategic, commercial and operational expertise. Its services span business improvement, mergers and acquisitions support, market entry strategy and restructuring along with business integration and compliance advice.

Now operating across the UK and Europe, Resource 5 has already realised a significant impact on numerous businesses through its consultancy offer, duly supporting SMEs across fire alarm systems, passive fire protection, cyber security and electronic security systems, etc.

Senior-level leadership

Between them, Watson (senior associate at the consultancy) and managing director/lead consultant Wragg bring more than three decades each of senior-level leadership within internationally recognised companies. As well as holding senior roles within the UK’s leading fire and security trade bodies, Martin Watson spent more than a decade working at both Mitie Security and Siemens Building Technology.

Through time, Watson has built a strong reputation as an effective executive leader with the capability to deliver complex organisational change and guide businesses through rapidly evolving technological and regulatory landscapes. His depth of commercial insight and industry credibility position him as a key strategic voice within the sector.

As stated, Clive Wragg holds the prestigious ChMC accreditation (the highest professional status in management consulting). Known for delivering significant business growth, improving financial performance and driving operational efficiency, his work has helped companies to purposefully strengthen performance and unlock long-term value.

Wragg’s leadership style combines commercial clarity with a practical approach to sustainable improvement, particularly so when it comes to SMEs.

Shared commitment

Formed back in 2022, Resource 5’s and recent expansion is underpinned by a shared passion and commitment to elevate business performance across these crucial sectors. After several years of independently supporting companies within these industries, Watson and Wragg have now combined their expertise in order to offer a comprehensive and highly experienced consultancy partnership along with a number of experienced associates.

Resource 5 is now welcoming new clients across the UK and Europe.

*Further details are available online at www.r5consultancy.com

With a specific focus on empowering and equipping fire professionals in 2026, in turn actively supporting those in the early stages of their career and championing lifelong professional development, the IFE is dedicated to shaping a safer and stronger future for all.

The IFE’s technical team remains actively involved in consultations and Working Groups shaping reform. Operating alongside Government, regulators and professional bodies, the team is purposefully influencing competence frameworks, regulatory models and standards.

A core focus of the team continues to be the regulation of fire risk assessors driven by concerns about competence, oversight and consistency identified through the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The Government’s position confirms that reliance on voluntary schemes alone is no longer deemed sufficient. A more formal regulatory framework, supported by defined competence standards and oversight, is now firmly part of the reform programme.

The Government is expected to consult on the phased approach for risk assessor competence in higher-risk buildings in the early stages of this year.

Levels of competence

Alongside all of this, the regulation of fire engineers has moved to the forefront of the team’s workstreams. The recent publication of the Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement represents a significant milestone, setting out as it does a Government-backed view of what fire engineers do, who should undertake the functions and the levels of competence required. This is an important step in clarifying professional boundaries and responsibilities and in distinguishing fire engineers from related technician roles, other disciplines and advisory roles.

While the IFE’s technical team ensures expert input on proposed changes, a strong professional voice depends on broad member participation. Reforms will impact fire engineers and technicians across design, construction, regulation and risk assessment. Members are encouraged to engage in consultations, share experience and join discussions. These are all essential steps for achieving practical and effective regulations.

With our world changing and new challenges constantly emerging, the IFE recognises the need to further support its members. We stand at the forefront of shaping guidance and advancing knowledge across the sector and embrace the responsibility to not only recognise and adapt to progressive change, but also to lead in this area. By influencing standards and driving change, we serve to ensure that fire engineers and technicians remain equipped, empowered and ready to define the future of safety.

We are developing our tools and educational services to better support our members and, indeed, empower professionals worldwide to meet evolving challenges and drive real change. 

New launches and activity

Later this month, the IFE will launch a dedicated monthly Continuing Professional Development (CPD) e-mail for its members. Curated to ensure that members never miss an opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge, it will highlight upcoming events, new and featured content on the CPD Hub and outline useful learning resources. It’s our way of ensuring members are fully informed and empowered in their professional development, making continuous learning easier and more accessible.

In order to empower fire safety professionals worldwide and advance industry knowledge, the IFE has strengthened its qualifications offering with the introduction of digital examinations. We’ve been integrating online examinations over the past two years to ensure greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them. We’ll continue to expand our digital offering as well as introduce fire risk assessor examinations to our suite.

Developing future talent is key to advancing fire engineering. For the third year running, we will take part in the National Apprenticeship Week campaign to shine a spotlight on the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships bring to the fire engineering profession and delve into how IFE membership has supported those starting out in their career.

We are also excited to celebrate Chartered Week and Careers Week for the first time to promote fire engineering as a career and feature the incredible success stories of our members. Together, we are shaping a safer and smarter future.

Vital expertise

As our environment evolves, the expertise of fire engineers has never been more vital. Their role is not only growing in importance, but also in influence.

At this pivotal moment as a New Year begins, our mission is clear: to lead with vision, set uncompromising standards and inspire confidence across what is now an ever-changing landscape.

Steve Hamm is CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers (www.ife.org.uk)

“Legislation sets the rules you must operate within, while regulation tells you how to work safely and on a professional basis,” observed Ruth Oliver, skills and development advisor at BAFSA. “This programme affords learners the knowledge to apply the rules confidently.”

Running under the headline ‘Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Installation: Key Legislation and Regulations’, the self-paced learning programme is designed for professionals responsible for such system installations and covers a wide range of essential topics, including sprinkler systems installation, legislation and standards, ethics and own action in addition to non-compliance.

Structured across seven modules, the course provides approximately two hours’ worth of engaging content that learners can complete at their convenience. In order to earn a CPD Service-endorsed certificate, participants must complete all modules and pass a short multiple-choice assessment. Certificates will be available for immediate download within the platform.

Ruth Oliver added: “Understanding legislation and regulation is not just a requirement. It’s also very much part of developing competence within a given fire safety-focused role. This new programme of learning evidences BAFSA’s ongoing commitment to promoting Best Practice, safety and professional development within the fire protection industry.”

*Course fees are £35 plus VAT for BAFSA members and £50 plus VAT for non-members. Access the programme online

Council officers visited the four-bedroom property located in Edgware following repeated complaints of rubbish piling up outside. Inside the property, inspectors found dangerous living conditions underpinned by a broken boiler and the absence of smoke alarms.

An emergency engineer was called out after a strong smell of gas was detected and officers immediately issued an Emergency Prohibition Order to prevent anyone from living in the property until urgent repairs had been carried out.

Despite several formal requests, Trivedi failed to provide the required fire and electrical safety certificates. These documents are vital for Harrow Council to be able to identify who’s managing the property and ensure tenants are protected at all times.

On 11 December at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, the London Borough of Harrow successfully prosecuted Trivedi. He was found guilty of two offences: failing to provide a fire safety certificate and failing to provide the electrical safety certificate.

Trivedi was​ subsequently fined £5,000, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 and also ordered to pay a costs contribution amounting to £2,000.

Councillor Pritesh Patel, cabinet member for cleaner streets and public safety at Harrow Council, said: “Our officers work tirelessly to protect tenants and ensure landlords know their responsibilities. When they issue notices, those documents must be taken seriously. This case shows the consequences of ignoring warnings and allowing a property to fall into a dangerous state.”

Patel continued: “Our officers acted swiftly to shut the property down and prosecute Trivedi. No-one is above the law. We will continue to put residents first and take tough action against anyone who places them at risk.”

The Orama Group’s initiatives aim to concretely reduce the environmental impact of its operations and promote responsible business practices in line with the most rigorous international standards.

“In recent years, we’ve taken concrete steps to embed sustainability into our operations, while always being guided by a clear and actionable improvement plan,” explained Giorgio Koursaris, managing director of the Orama Group.”

Koursaris continued: “We’re proud to share the news that two of our Group companies are now certified by EcoVadis, the globally recognised sustainability rating platform. Internally, we use a robust Environmental, Social and Governance framework to assess progress and identify areas for growth. All initiatives at the Orama Group are aligned with Halma’s Key Strategic Objectives, emphasising structure, reliability and long-term value. Our shared purpose and values ensure a unified approach towards sustainability excellence across the entire Group.”

EcoVadis certification

The Group (which includes the Argus, Hyfire and Ramtech brands) has recently achieved significant recognition in the field of sustainability. As previously referenced, Argus and Ramtech obtained EcoVadis certifications, receiving bronze and silver medals respectively.

These certifications represent an important milestone, acknowledging the quality of internal policies regarding the environment, labour rights, ethics and sustainable sourcing. This achievement confirms the Orama Group’s constant attention to continuous improvement and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Sustainable future

Key actions recently undertaken by the Orama Group include the installation of photovoltaic systems for renewable energy production at selected sites (including for Argus and Ramtech), the progressive conversion of thermal systems from natural gas to electric, the exclusive use of 100% renewable energy and the strengthening of Health and Safety and inclusion policies in the workplace.

The Orama Group also applies a rigorous Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework in order to constantly monitor progress, identify areas for improvement and define new sustainability-focused opportunities.

The Group’s sustainability is structured around three distinct, but complementary levels: customer, internal and compliance. The goal is to provide safe and technologically advanced solutions that meet energy efficiency criteria and minimise environmental impact.

*Customer: The Group uses internationally recognised methods, such as EcoVadis, to ensure clear and transparent communication with clients

*Internal: ESG criteria are applied to identify and measure improvements, while the Orama Group promotes an inclusive, safe and employee-focused corporate culture, valuing human capital as a key element of sustainable growth

*Compliance: all activities are aligned with Halma’s guidelines, ensuring consistency between corporate values, current regulations and global practices

Sustainability efforts are further supported by ISO certifications and policies purpose-designed to reduce plastic use in packaging.

Moving forward together 

These efforts reflect the Orama Group’s commitment to demonstrating that technological innovation and sustainability can advance hand in hand, creating value not only for clients and communities, but also for the environment.

Through a forward-looking vision and a structured approach, the Orama Group confirms its position as a pioneer in the domain of wireless safety and a model of excellence for companies seeking to integrate sustainable practices in a tangible and measurable way.

*Further information is available online at www.oramaglobal.com

The sponsorship reinforces the Confederation’s commitment to advancing fire safety standards, promoting industry collaboration, supporting the professional development of fire safety practitioners across the sector and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the built environment.

The BSI Fire Safety Conference 2026 brings together several of the most influential voices in fire safety, including regulators, standards leaders and front line practitioners. The event will address critical topics such as building and residential safety, product compliance and testing, competency frameworks and the digital ‘golden thread’ of fire safety information.

Steve McGuirk, executive director at the Fire Sector Confederation, commented: “The BSI Fire Safety Conference provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across our sector. As we navigate evolving regulations and standards, events like this are essential for ensuring that fire safety professionals have the tools, insights and connections they need to protect lives and property.”

Updates from the Building Safety Regulator

Conference will feature updates from the Building Safety Regulator, developments focused on key British Standards (including BS 9994 and BS 9996) and insights from the National Fire Chiefs Council.

On the day, speakers include Andy Roe KFSM (chair of the Building Safety Regulator), Dr David Crowder (partner at DCCH Experts LLP), Aman Sharma MBE (chair of the BSI’s strategic Fire Safety Committee for the built environment), Dr Peter Wilkinson (founder and director of Pyrology) and emergency lighting specialist Chris Watts.

Whether you’re a ‘Responsible Person’, an asset owner or manager, designer, contractor, assessor or supplier, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about what’s next in the fire safety domain. Conference provides Continuing Professional Development-style learning opportunities and practical advice that can be applied immediately.

*Delegate places are priced at £230. Further information concerning the BSI’s Fire Safety Conference 2026 along with registration details can be found online at https://pages.bsigroup.com/l/35972/2025-10-15/3t99wkv

The built environment accounts for circa 37% of UK carbon emissions and nearly 50% of all material resource use. Fire safety plays a critical role within this landscape, influencing product choices, system design, construction methods and whole-life building performance.

As regulatory and market expectations accelerate, the FIA’s Sustainability Special Interest Group will provide a dedicated forum for members to collaborate on practical, proportionate and credible approaches to sustainability.

Key focus areas

The Special Interest Group will bring together manufacturers, service providers and sustainability specialists in order to address both environmental and social aspects of sustainability, including Environmental Product Declarations and Life Cycle Assessments, embodied carbon and ‘Net Zero’ pathways, circular economy principles and product lifecycles, Environmental, Social and Governance reporting and practical tools and social sustainability topics such as diversity and inclusion, well-being and community impact.

The Special Interest Group will share practical guidance, real-world Case Studies and tools that members can apply immediately within their organisations, helping to move beyond compliance towards Best Practice.

Supporting members

Sustainability-related requirements across the built environment are evolving rapidly. From the Future Homes and Buildings Standard (2025) to Construction Products Regulation updates, Digital Product Passports and embodied carbon disclosure, requirements are accelerating.

The FIA’s Sustainability Special Interest Group will help members to stay ahead, with practical guidance, peer insights and aligned approaches with UKGBC (the UK’s Green Building Council), the Building Research Establishment and the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products.

Registering interest

FIA members and non-members alike are invited to register their interest in joining the founding cohort of the FIA’s Sustainability Special Interest Group and help set the agenda for sustainable fire safety.

Interested parties should send an e-mail to [email protected]

The Special Interest Group’s first meeting takes place on Friday 20 February.

Ultimately, the FIA’s Sustainability Special Interest Group aims to support a fire safety sector that not only protects lives and property, but also contributes positively towards a safer, lower carbon and more socially responsible built environment.

Fire protection contractors, installers and engineers right across the country will now have access to high-quality Italian fire pump solutions, along with dedicated customer service courtesy of a knowledgeable UK-based team.

Idroelettrica is renowned for its ongoing commitment to quality and precision in the manufacture of fire pump sets and pump house equipment. The business offers cost-effective bespoke solutions and options that meet a wide range of international, European and British industry standards. The recent expansion of its manufacturing and in-house testing facilities in Modena ensures swift delivery times along with robust quality control.

Growing demand  

The launch of Millars Pumps responds to a growing demand for reliable fire pump solutions in both new-build and retrofit projects across the UK, driven by stricter fire safety standards and planning requirements.

As the management teams at more commercial sites and high-rise residential buildings determine to upgrade or install sprinkler, water mist and hydrant systems, Millars Pumps will support contractors and specifiers with compliant, reliable and space-efficient equipment.

Along with its wide range of end suction, split case, vertical turbine and submersible pumps and associated equipment, Millars Pumps will introduce Firebox. Idroelettrica’s flagship solution, Firebox is a ‘plug-and-play’ pre-fabricated pump room, which arrives complete and ready to install.

An efficient and cost-effective alternative to constructing a traditional pump house, Firebox is fully customisable to clients’ specifications and space requirements. The innovative design means that all sides can fully open, providing 360° access for easy maintenance, inspection or future upgrades.

Combined expertise

Giovanni Vaccari, sales export manager at Idroelettrica Spa, informed Fire Safety Matters: “The launch of Millars Pumps in the UK is exciting news for any company looking to install or upgrade fire pumps for sprinkler or water mist fire protection systems. Products in our wide range of fire pump solutions, which encompasses Firebox, are designed to be long-lasting, convenient to install and easy to maintain.”

Vaccari concluded: “The combined expertise of Millars Pumps and Idroelettrica will ensure UK customers are fully supported at every stage of the process, from specification all the way through to delivery, installation and maintenance.”

*Further information is available online at www.millarspumps.co.uk