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

The British Standard was updated in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and subsequent fire safety reforms and aims to improve consistency, quality and accountability in terms of how fire risk assessments are conducted.

Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement in the UK. Anyone who’s responsible for a building – for example an employer, an owner or the occupier of a premises that isn’t a ‘single private dwelling’ (ie a private home) – needs to make sure that a suitably competent individual completes this process.

SFJ Awards has worked with Fire and Rescue Services, the Ministry of Defence and others to develop the Ofqual-regulated Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment qualification routes in order to offer greater flexibility for learners.

The qualifications support the application of legislation and risk-based methods across a range of premises, enabling learners to produce clear findings and recommendations as part of the fire risk assessment process.

Learning architecture

David Higham, managing director at SFJ Awards, commented: “Delivering improved standards in fire risk assessments relies upon having the learning architecture in place to support learners so that they can acquire the requisite knowledge and apply it practically in the field. Bringing these new qualifications to market is a key step forward in supporting this aim and enabling alignment with BS 8674:2025.”

Higham continued: “The introduction of the Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma brings forward two qualification routes to provide flexibility for learners and support greater coverage across the sector, as is needed, in order to drive up safety standards overall.”

Chris Wilson is managing director at The Fire Safety Academy and was part of the Steering Group that led on the development of the qualifications. “BS 8674:2025 is an important step forward for assessing and mitigating fire risk in residential complexes, tall buildings and business in addition to mixed-use premises across the UK. The qualifications provide a vital bridge between the new safety standards and learners and practitioners responsible for conducting fire risk assessments.”

Continuing Professional Development

The Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment are now available for delivery at Training Centres across the UK and support progression through supervised practice, workplace experience and ongoing Continuing Professional Development.

The Level 5 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment are also in development to support progression to the advanced fire risk assessor competencies outlined in BS 8674:2025.

*Further information is available online at https://sfjawards.com/qualifications/fire-and-rescue/certificate-diploma-in-fire-risk-assessment

BS 8524 remains the leading reference point for the design, specification, testing, application, installation and maintenance of active fire curtain assemblies in the UK.

The series comprises two parts: Part 1 (Product Specifications and Performance Requirements) and Part 2 (Code of Practice for Application, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance). Both parts have been republished for the 2025 iteration.

A major challenge for industry compliance has been the lack of UKAS-accredited third party certification schemes, following the withdrawal of previous bodies in 2023. The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is pleased to note that UL has now achieved UKAS accreditation to certify products to BS 8524 and is accepting new applications: an important step in supporting consistent and independent verification of product performance.

Debate has continued regarding the interaction between BS 8524-1 and the harmonised European Standard EN 16034, which is also designated in the UK as BS EN 16034. The work conducted in redrafting the BS 8524 series of standards addressed the scope clash and sought to differentiate applications where the different standards are appropriate.

BS 8524 includes unique and more stringent testing requirements – notably cycle and independent ‘hot’ motor testing – that are not covered within EN 16034, except in specific cases such as pedestrian door set applications as installed in Shopping Centres, where the EN standard is a legal requirement.

The revised BS 8524 also references ISO 21524, the new international standard concentrated on fire curtains. This includes updated test methods addressing features such as vision panels, thereby ensuring stronger alignment between UK practice and global standards.

BS 8524-1:2025 – scope and application

BS 8524-1:2025 addresses performance criteria including reliability and durability, fire resistance, smoke containment, force-gauge resistance and the performance of control devices and ancillary equipment.

The British Standard applies to active fire curtain barrier assemblies made of any material and intended to provide fire resistance in most end-use applications. It doesn’t apply to barriers forming part of a building’s structure, theatre/proscenium textile curtains (see BS 5867-1), fabrics for curtains, drapes and blinds (see BS 5867-1 and BS 5867-2), smoke barriers (see BS EN 12101-1) or operable fabric curtains used in retail settings for pedestrian access (see BS EN 16034).

Mike Ward, managing director at the ASFP, commented: “The release of the 2025 versions of the BS 8524 series marks a pivotal moment for the fire safety sector. After a prolonged period of confusion and inconsistency, the industry now has a clear and robust framework for the specification and testing of active fire curtain barriers.”

Ward added: “This update strengthens alignment with international standards, restores a vital third party certification pathway and provides the clarity that manufacturers, installers, regulators and, ultimately, end users have urgently needed. The ASFP strongly welcomes this revision and encourages all stakeholders to adopt and apply the updated requirements without delay.”

*Further information is available online at www.bsigroup.com and www.asfp.org.uk

This will be the first dedicated Emergency Lighting qualification offered by the FIA, providing learners with a formally recognised outcome on successful completion. Moving to FireQual accreditation ensures the course meets nationally recognised assessment and quality standards, strengthening confidence in both the training and the competence of those who complete it.

The introduction of a Level 3 FireQual qualification reflects the continued professionalisation of fire industry training. By combining structured learning with an independent examination, the updated Emergency Lighting course demonstrates how industry training standards are evolving to meet increasing expectations around competence, compliance and accountability.

The qualification also aligns with the BAFE Emergency Lighting Scheme, duly supporting organisations and individuals working within third party certification frameworks.

All Emergency Lighting courses delivered from 2026 onwards will follow the new Level 3 FireQual format.

*For additional information on this course and the full range of FIA training opportunities visit www.fia.uk.com/training/training-course-browser.html