This webinar has been developed in partnership with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) for those who are responsible for preparing, co-ordinating or submitting staged applications to the Building Safety Regulator.

Whether an individual is new to the process or looking to strengthen their approach, this session will help practising professionals to understand what the Building Safety Regulator expects at each stage, how to avoid common pitfalls and also how to ensure submissions are clear, complete and compliant.

The webinar will cover the purpose of staged applications, the key information required and how each stage supports safe design, construction and decision-making. There’s also going to be practical insights from Building Safety Regulator specialists and industry experts who drafted the CLC’s building safety staged application guidance and an opportunity to ask questions about real‑world scenarios.

The webinar panel includes chair Neil Hope-Collins (policy team lead for higher-risk buildings at the Building Safety Regulator), Matt Coleman (director of structures for WSP), Dave Morris (operations policy advisor at the Building Safety Regulator) and Ben Oram (technical director at Buckley Gray Yeoman).

*Register online at https://bsrevents.co.uk/basket/attendee/add

**The Building Safety Regulator is running two more webinars in March: ‘Managing Competence in the Built Environment’ (23 March from 10.30 am-12 noon) and ‘An Introduction to the Building Safety Regulator’s Remediation Enforcement Unit’ (25 March from 2.00 pm-4.00 pm). Registration can be completed using the above link

Offering tall ceilings, roller shutters and vehicle access to the upper levels, this flagship scheme in Barking, East London has been described as a ‘pioneer project’, but two years on, most of it is empty.

The reason isn’t market collapse or any lack of demand. It’s a fire strategy. The development in question has been designed as a multi-storey industrial and warehousing scheme. Part of a drive to maximise land use in order to free up other areas for housing. On paper, it achieved remarkable land efficiency. The units were large, airy and perhaps tall enough to accommodate mezzanines. The kind of space in which you would reasonably expect to store goods, materials and products at scale for a local logistics hub.

However, despite those apparent credentials, the completed building has struggled to attract occupiers. Only a small fraction of the available space has been let. The issue, it transpired, is that, while the building resembles a collection of small warehouse units, it cannot operate as one in any meaningful sense.

The sprinkler system had been designed for industrial use, not for storage. As a result, flammable materials can only be stored to a height of around 1.2 metres. In units that were otherwise capable of accommodating storage many times that height, the commercial reality became immediately obvious. What should have been flexible and lettable space became highly constrained accommodation suitable only for a limited range of occupiers.

Value engineering

The sprinkler system was described by Barking and Dagenham Council as having been “value engineered” to “balance cost, compliance and anticipated use”. It complied with fire safety regulations and Barking and Dagenham Council has said it went beyond the guidance in fitting the sprinklers. The installation passed the checks. It was signed-off. Unfortunately, the outcome has been a building that doesn’t do what it was built to do.

This is not a story about sprinklers failing, rather a story about assumptions going unchallenged and then meeting the reality of enforcement, which then spotlights the limitations of the design.

Sadly, fire engineering strategies are often treated as static technical documents, agreed early and rarely revisited. They can determine what can be stored, how space can be used, how easily it can be adapted and, ultimately, how commercially viable it is. When those strategies are developed around the minimum anticipated for compliance, rather than the likely or marketed use, the consequences can be severe.

Even when strategies are updated, further value engineering can quietly redefine the future life of a building. In this case, it’s reported that an additional £2.2 million is needed to put the property back in a position so that it can be used in the original way intended.

The parallels with other parts of the sector are uncomfortably familiar. We have seen schools designed with atria only to find they cannot hold events in them. Large-scale warehouses designed with impressive clear heights only for it to emerge later that the structures will not be protectable with ceiling-only automatic sprinklers. In these cases, occupiers are faced with decisions over layouts and, perhaps, compromises over the use of their premises. Retrofitting becomes complex, expensive or otherwise simply not viable. Once again, the building technically complies, but practically fails.

Misreading compliance as success

What links these examples isn’t poor intent or a lack of regulation. It’s a culture that can misread compliance as success, limiting future use and, unfortunately, outcomes seen to miss the needs of occupiers/owners.

At the Business Sprinkler Alliance, we often talk about outcomes because outcomes are what owners, occupiers and communities actually experience. A building that cannot be let because its fire strategy restricts its use is not a success. A development that requires millions of pounds of remedial work shortly after completion is not a success. A scheme that looks right, feels right, but functions incorrectly has failed at a fundamental level.

The uncomfortable question is whether we are too willing to accept these outcomes because the paperwork says everything is fine. As multi-storey industrial and warehousing developments become more common, this matters more, not less. These buildings are long-term assets. They’re expected to adapt, to support different occupiers over time and to respond to changing patterns of production and storage. Designing fire protection systems that lock them into a narrow operational envelope undermines that flexibility from Day One.

Warning sign

If a building looks like a warehouse, is marketed as a warehouse and priced as a warehouse then it should be able to operate as one. Anything else is not regulatory success. Rather, it’s a warning sign.

At the Business Sprinkler Alliance, we will continue to argue for fire safety approaches that value protection, resilience and continuity alongside life safety. When compliance delivers buildings that don’t work, it’s not just a technical issue. It’s a failure of outcome.

Tom Roche is Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance (www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org)

Launched in 2024, the Apprenticeship Awards were created in order to recognise excellence among Fire and Rescue Service apprentices and training providers. The annual programme highlights the vital role apprentices play in strengthening the sector, protecting communities and supporting organisations in developing new knowledge and skills within the workforce.

This year witnessed a remarkable 198 nominations (more than double the number received in 2025) across seven award categories.

Praise from sector leaders

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the NFCC’s lead on apprenticeships, said: “The Apprenticeship Awards inspire Fire and Rescue Services to prioritise high-quality apprenticeship programmes and help raise training standards nationwide. Championing apprenticeship successes enhances professionalism and builds capability across the UK’s fire community.”

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan echoed those sentiments in stating: “It’s important that we recognise and praise the innovation, commitment and fresh perspectives apprentices bring to the Fire and Rescue sector as well as the transformative impact apprenticeships continue to have on hundreds of young people.”

Organised by the NFCC’s events team and apprenticeships deputy lead Ashley Roberts, the evening highlighted the work of the NFCC Apprenticeship Network, which brings together apprenticeship professionals, training providers and assessment-focused organisations alike to share Best Practice and strengthen the sector’s long-term development.

2026 Apprenticeship Awards: The Winners

Inclusion Champion Award

*Winner: Kate Chetland-Johnson (London Fire Brigade)

*Runner-Up: Eve Eaton (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Sasha Weaver (Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Non-Operational Apprentice of the Year

*Winner: Amanda Kennedy (County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Zuzanna Zagrobelska (Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Molly Ashcroft (Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service) and Eric Connor (Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Apprentice Support of the Year

*Winner: Richie Mathews (South Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Sam Collins (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Cheryl Porter (County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service)

*Learning and Development Department: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Apprenticeship Project of the Year

*Recruit Course 1/25 (Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service)

*Essex Prevention Apprentices (Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

Apprenticeship Champion Award

*Winner: Sue Mottershead (Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Niamh Errington (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Chloe Sansom (Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Apprenticeship Provider of the Year

*Winner: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

*Runner-Up: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

*Highly Commended: Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Operational Apprentice of the Year

*Winner: James Miller (South Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

*Runner-Up: Sasha Weaver (Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service)

*Highly Commended: Ricardo Clark (London Fire Brigade), Luke Turner (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service) and Adam Walford-Dunn (Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service)

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

One-in-four adults in the UK suffer from hearing loss. Are you sure everyone in your building can hear the fire alarms when activated? In the event of a fire, everyone must be provided with equal opportunity to evacuate buildings.

The new Deaf Alerter devices are rechargeable and boast a larger LCD backlit screen for increased readability. Notifications sent to the new devices can also be sent to Bluetooth-connected smart phones.

Deaf Alerter systems are compliant with BS 5839-1:2025 and use a ‘National Roaming’ feature (meaning the devices can receive notifications in any UK building displaying the Deaf Alerter sign).

BS 5839-1 Section 18 is dedicated to the special requirements of “fire alarm warnings for people with impaired hearing”. It’s vital that this British Standard recommendation is followed.

Section 18 of BS 5839-1 is seen as the minimum acceptable standard by industry leading experts that’s considered safe to use. It’s important not to cherry-pick areas within this British Standard, and notably so when potentially life-saving equipment is used.

Alerter Group has amassed 25 years’ worth of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing radio-based emergency communication systems.

As well as Deaf Alerter, the Derby-based company’s products include Refuge Alerter (a wireless Emergency Voice Communication System enabling two-way communication between building management and refuge points).

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

Stand J36 Hall 4

*Photograph: The main entrance to Glasgow Central Station, which is next to the site of the Union Corner building

The fire began at around 3.45 pm and is believed to have started in a shop on Union Street that, among other things, sold vapes. Glasgow City Council has now confirmed that the “highly dangerous” remains of the Union Corner structure will be demolished, with work on that process beginning on 13 March.

Major disruption realised by the fire has included the neighbouring Glasgow Central Station being closed, although low-level platforms have now resumed operations. The latter serve the Argyle line north of the River Clyde.

Once the cause of the fire is determined post-investigation, the UKVIA would welcome the opportunity to engage with Fire and Rescue Services and relevant authorities on identifying any lessons that can be learned from this incident in a bid to ensure such an episode doesn’t occur again.

Fire safety message

Although the precise cause of the blaze has still to be determined, the UKVIA is nevertheless keen to reinforce the fire safety message among its membership.

The letter – written by John Dunne (director general of the UKVIA) – has also been circulated to the Fire Standards Board, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

According to Dunne, the UKVIA is “already aware” of retail members having sent circulars to their stores immediately following the Glasgow blaze in order to reiterate fire and lithium battery-related safety measures.

Licensing scheme

Dunne observes: “We are also working with the British Government on the introduction of a mandatory retail licensing scheme, proposed as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently before Parliament. This goes beyond the Scottish registration scheme. We believe it could provide an effective mechanism for supporting robust compliance with fire safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK in the future.”

The UKVIA has long advocated for a “robust and fit-for-purpose” licensing scheme for vape retailers, including provisions to ensure the highest possible safety and compliance standards.

Following on from the Glasgow incident, the Trade Association is now advising all of its members to check their fire risk assessments and contact their local Fire and Rescue Authorities should they need to seek any further guidance.

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

Guided by member insight, the IFE has embedded EEDI into how the organisation operates and communicates. In tandem, the IFE is proactively shaping the future of the fire engineering profession as part of structural, cultural and lasting change.

The IFE is fully aware that meaningful progress starts with practical action. As such, several early commitments have already been delivered and are already “making a tangible difference”. For instance, inclusive language and accessibility checks are now embedded into the IFE’s communications and policy sign-off processes. A clear checklist supports teams to do the right thing consistently. Feedback routes are being included wherever possible so that members can inform the IFE on what works and what needs improving.

Further, the organisation has “strengthened transparency and trust” through a more structured feedback system, using clear metrics to understand engagement and satisfaction. This affords a stronger evidence base for decision-making and helps to ensure member voices continue to shape the IFE’s priorities.

IFE branches have been a key focus of the work, with practical guidance, presentations and tools shared with branch leaders to help embed EEDI principles into local activity. This support is designed to strengthen branch culture, encourage inclusive practice and lay the groundwork for future re-engagement across the IFE’s international network.

The IFE has also identified support for members returning to the profession as an important area for future development, informed by member feedback and lived experience. This work will be shaped over time to ensure that it’s practical, proportionate and aligned with professional standards.

Standards and behaviour

Professional excellence depends on a safe and respectful environment. Work is well underway to reinforce a zero tolerance approach towards unacceptable behaviour, supported by strengthened policies and clearer routes for reporting concerns (including anonymously).

Alongside this, the IFE has developed guidance and educational content for employers, helping them to understand what zero tolerance looks like in practice and how to embed it meaningfully within their organisations.

In addition, the IFE is tackling some of the more complex structural challenges facing fire engineering. Examination-based progression routes are being reviewed and modernised, with close collaboration between the IFE and sector partners to ensure alignment with real roles and responsibilities across the Fire and Rescue Services. This work is ongoing, but it represents an important step in making professional progression clearer, fairer and more inclusive.

True inclusion, of course, is sustained over time. As the IFE’s work continues to evolve, the organisation is focused on ensuring that EEDI is increasingly embedded into how decisions are made. This includes exploring how lived experience, professional insight and member feedback can better inform future activity, and also how progress can be reflected and shared in a way that’s meaningful, proportionate and transparent.

To support this, the IFE is using the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity and Inclusion Progression Framework internally to help reflect on progress, identify areas for improvement and benchmark the approach used over time. This will be complemented by periodic member feedback, ensuring that the IFE continues to close the loop between listening, learning and action.

Members at the centre

The IFE’s work doesn’t happen in isolation. Members will continue to receive regular updates through the IFE’s communications, while structured feedback loops will ensure that the organisation keeps listening, learning and adapting. Members’ experiences, challenges and successes remain the most powerful drivers of change.

The IFE concludes: “Together, we are shaping a profession that’s not only technically excellent, but also inclusive, ethical and fit for the future.”

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

Further, the Government thanks the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, and the community, for the work being transacted to create a lasting memorial. There’s also reference to recent press reports about preserving parts of the Tower for possible inclusion in the memorial and confirmation that that steps are being taken to carefully remove and preserve these elements where possible.

The Government also commits to working with the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and the community during the memorial design process, and states that no decisions have yet been taken as to whether the requested elements will be included in the memorial.

The statement reads as follows:

“We recognise that Grenfell Tower has a deep personal significance to those most affected by the tragedy and that the land is sacred to families. We would like to thank the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and the community for their ongoing dedication and hard work towards a fitting and lasting memorial to honour those lives lost and forever changed as a result of the tragedy.”

“Families may be aware of recent press reports that a request was made to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to retain certain elements of the Tower, from above Floor 9, for possible incorporation into the memorial. We are aware that this may have been a difficult time. We recognise that we did not make the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission aware of that request.”

“We can confirm that we have instructed our principal contractor, DeconstructUK, to take steps to carefully remove and preserve the requested elements, where possible.”

“No decisions have been taken as to what will happen to the requested elements, including whether they will be incorporated into the memorial. We understand that families hold a range of views on that issue and further consultation and engagement will be required.”

“We remain committed to working with the Commission, and the community, to support the consideration of this throughout the memorial design process being led by Freehaus.”

The Building Safety (Wales) Bill establishes a “comprehensive” new building safety regime for residents of shared buildings across Wales, regardless of building height or tenure. It’s said to be “broader in scope and ambition” than equivalent legislation in England and delivers on the Welsh Government’s commitment to make building safety a guiding principle for how homes and buildings are managed across the country.

The new legislation is a direct result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy that occurred back in June 2017 and as a result of which 72 people lost their lives. In essence, the Bill seeks to ensure that the failures which contributed to that disaster can never occur in Wales.

Three core principles underpin the Building Safety (Wales) Bill:

*Safety

The Bill requires that fire risk assessments are carried out only by competent persons, with criminal penalties for those who do not comply (directly addressing a concern raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel)

*Accountability

The legislation establishes clear legal responsibilities for those who manage buildings, thereby ending any confusion about who’s answerable for building safety risks

*Resident voice

The Bill empowers residents with clear routes of redress and a stronger say in matters affecting their homes, with appropriate responsibilities for residents supported by guidance to help them contribute to a safer living environment

Landmark moment

Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “This is a landmark moment for building safety in Wales. The legislation delivers a new building safety regime for residents across Wales, regardless of building type, height or tenure and goes further than anything that exists elsewhere in the UK.”

Bryant continued: “None of this would have been possible without the support and expertise of so many partners. I want to pay particular tribute to the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services and the many residents and leaseholders who shared their lived experiences with us. Their voices have shaped this legislation and will continue to matter as we implement it.”

In conclusion, Bryant noted: “By passing this Bill, we’ve taken a huge step forward in ensuring that the people of Wales are safe in their homes.”

The Welsh Government has also published a report on progress being made to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and continues to support leaseholders and residents alike through the dedicated building safety remediation programme.

*Further information is available online at www.gov.wales

Fire Engineers wanted in:
Aberdeen, Ashford (Kent), Basingstoke, Birmingham, Bootle, Bristol, Buxton, Cardiff, Carlisle, Carmarthen, Chelmsford, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, London, Milton Keynes, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxted, Plymouth, Sheffield, Wrexham, or York

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

About Us

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. Our work helps to protect people and places, ensuring everyone can lead safer and healthier lives at work.

We are now looking for six Fire Engineers to join us on a full-time, permanent basis at our locations throughout the country.

The Benefits

- Salary of £62,898 per annum
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days’ annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays and one day of Civil Service privilege leave
- Flexible working options
- Family-friendly and carer-friendly policies
- Parental leave benefits
- Access to a wide range of benefits, including the Cycle to Work Scheme, e-gift cards and vouchers via EdenRed

This is a unique opportunity for a qualified fire safety engineer with expertise in fire safety design and assessment of complex or higher-risk buildings to join our nationally significant regulatory organisation.

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of building safety in England, whilst further developing your expertise and growing your portfolio of experience within a critical area of H&S.

What’s more, alongside meaningful work, you will have the advantage our exceptional public sector benefits, including market-leading pension contributions and plenty of family-focused leave and support initiatives.

The Role

As a Fire Engineer, you will provide specialist fire safety expertise to support the assessment and approval of high-rise building applications, helping to protect people in and around buildings across the country.

Working within the Building Safety Regulator’s building control team, you will act as the principal advisor on fire safety matters for caseworkers managing Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 applications for high-rise and complex developments.

You will evaluate fire safety aspects of building applications and provide clear, competent advice to support regulatory decision-making. Contributing expert technical guidance to Multi-Disciplinary Teams, you will ensure all advice and assessments align with the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, Building Regulations 2010 and associated standards. Through this work,

Additionally, you will:

- Support our commitment to high performance
- Enable continuous improvement initiatives
- Help to create lasting cultural change in building safety across England

About You

To be considered as a Fire Engineer, you will need:

- Demonstrable experience in fire safety design and assessment for complex and higher-risk buildings (HRBs)
- Experience applying Approved Document B, BS999, BS7974 or equivalent fire engineering standards
- Experience interpreting and critically analysing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling
- Experience working with a wide range of building types, including complex and non-standard buildings
- Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to building safety and fire safety
- Experience assessing compliance against the Building Act 1984 and Building Regulations 2010
- Knowledge of approved documents, best practice and technical guidance relating to building safety
- Experience in fire safety, construction safety, building systems, health and safety and design and construction
- Experience carrying out site inspections, plan assessments and inspection schedules
- Level 6 (Degree) qualified in fire engineering, building studies, construction or another relevant discipline
- Professionally qualified Fire Engineer – e.g. Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) or an equivalent recognised fire safety engineering qualification

The closing date for this role is midday on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

Other organisations may call this role Fire Safety Engineer, Building Safety Engineer, Fire Safety Consultant, Fire Engineering Consultant, H&S Engineer, Senior Fire Warden, Fire Safety Assessor, Building Safety Consultant, or Fire Risk Engineer.

Webrecruit and the Health and Safety Executive are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

So, if you want to become a Fire Engineer and lead the way on building fire safety approaches for this country, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The Fire and Security Matters Awards are supported by Security Matters and its sister security titles at Western Business Media (namely Professional Security Installer, Benchmark and Risk Xtra), in addition to Fire Safety Matters.

In 2026, the Fire and Security Matters Awards are once again free to enter and duly recognise excellence and innovation in the security and fire safety sectors.

It only takes a few minutes of your time to prepare and submit entries for the Fire and Security Matters Awards. This is the perfect way in which to gain deserved recognition for either yourself, your team, a colleague, your organisation, a particular product/service or a specific project.

Enter online NOW!

In 2026, the categories are as follows:

Security categories

*Security Manufacturer of the Year

*Security Guarding Company of the Year

*Security Installation Company of the Year

*Security/Risk Manager of the Year

*Security Team of the Year

*Security Project of the Year

*Security Industry Woman of the Year

*Security Innovation of the Year

*Security Consultancy of the Year

*Security Training Company of the Year (new for 2026!)

Fire categories

*Fire Safety Innovation of the Year

*Fire Safety Training Company of the Year (new for 2026!)

*Fire Safety Manufacturer of the Year

*Fire Safety Installation Company of the Year

*Fire Safety Project of the Year

*Fire Safety Manager of the Year

*Fire Safety Team of the Year

*Fire Industry Woman of the Year

*Fire Safety Consultancy of the Year

Joint Security and Fire categories

*ESG Company of the Year

*Distributor of the Year

*Commercial Person of the Year

*Customer Service Award

*Unsung Hero of the Year Award (new for 2026!)

*Rising Star of the Year Award (new for 2026!)

As always, there’s also going to be the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the recipient of which will be chosen by the members of the independent Judging Panel.

Deadline for entries

*The final deadline for entries is 20 March 2026 at 23.55 pm

**Click here to submit your entry/entries!

***Further information about the Fire and Security Matters Awards 2026 is available online

Sponsors in 2026

The Headline Sponsor is the BAFE Fire Safety Register.

Our sponsors also include Apollo Fire Detectors, the Association of Security Consultants, EMS, Hyfire, Suprema, The Fire Safety Event and The Security Event.

The winners of the Fire and Security Matters Awards 2026 will be revealed at a gala black-tie dinner and ceremony to be held at the CBS Arena in Coventry on the evening of 2 July.

Enter online NOW!