The new qualifications will consist of the following: 

*Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment 

*Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment 

*Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment

The qualifications are being introduced in stages and will provide opportunities for those developing their fire risk assessment knowledge as well as for experienced professionals already working at the appropriate level.

For practitioners developing their careers, the qualifications provide progression from Foundation through to Advanced level. However, experienced fire risk assessors will not necessarily need to start at Level 3 and work through each qualification. Subject to the relevant entry requirements, they will be able to enter at the level deemed appropriate in relation to their existing knowledge, skills and competence.

The first qualification to be made available is the FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment. This is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by FireQual. It has been developed with specific reference to BS 8674:2025 Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors and provides experienced professionals with a recognised way in which to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence.

Assessment-only route

The Level 4 qualification is currently available through an assessment-only route for experienced fire risk assessors who already harbour the underpinning knowledge and practical experience required to undertake Intermediate-level fire risk assessments.

There’s no classroom or taught FIA training included as part of the current route. Instead, candidates demonstrate their existing competence through a structured programme of online assessment. This means that experienced practitioners don’t need to wait for the complete suite of FIA training programmes to be made available before they’re able to gain a regulated qualification at the appropriate level.

The qualification is aimed at experienced professionals already undertaking fire risk assessments on buildings presenting a moderate level of fire risk. Candidates should already hold the relevant practical experience, be actively undertaking fire risk assessments, have access to suitable workplace evidence and be able to produce fire risk assessment reports on an independent basis.

Candidates will need to meet the relevant FireQual entry requirements before commencing the qualification.

Level 4 assessment in practice

In practice, candidates complete a series of online assessment activities and then submit evidence demonstrating the practical application of their existing fire safety knowledge and professional judgement.

Assessment activities include scenario-based Case Studies, written assessment activities, fire risk assessment reports, workplace evidence, explanations and then a reflection on professional decisions.

Each candidate is allocated an FIA assessor who will review their submissions, provide assessment feedback and support them throughout the assessment process. For experienced practitioners, this provides an opportunity to gain formal recognition of their existing knowledge and experience through a regulated qualification without repeating training in those areas where they’re already competent.

The flexible online format also allows candidates to work towards the qualification in parallel with attending to their existing professional commitments in the workplace.

Detail underpinning the assessment

The Level 4 qualification assesses a range of areas involved in undertaking Intermediate-level fire risk assessments. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to identify and evaluate fire hazards and apply relevant legislation, standards and guidance.

Assessment also covers areas including means of escape, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, structural fire protection and compartmentation, fire safety management arrangements, external wall construction, identifying when specialist advice is required and producing suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment reports with proportionate recommendations.

Importantly, the qualification isn’t simply a test of theoretical knowledge. Candidates need to demonstrate the application of their knowledge, skills, experience and professional judgement when undertaking fire risk assessments.

What’s coming next?

The Level 4 assessment route is the first part of the FIA’s new fire risk assessment qualification suite. The Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment offers a route for suitably experienced fire risk assessors working at Advanced level. This will follow in due course.

The Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment is expected to be introduced in early 2027. This will combine FIA training with assessment and is aimed at those developing their fire risk assessment knowledge, skills and experience. Further FIA training and assessment options at both the Intermediate and Advanced levels are also planned as the qualification range develops in time.

If you’re an experienced fire risk assessor already working at the Intermediate level, you don’t need to wait for the rest of the qualification suite to become available. The FireQual Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment is available now through the FIA’s online assessment route.

*Further information about the qualification, entry requirements, assessment activities and how to apply is available on the FIA’s website at www.fia.uk.com

The ONR led the UK’s contribution to TPR2, combining regulatory and licensee self-assessment to produce a National Assessment Report for European peer review and a UK National Action Plan in response to the findings.  

The review covered a representative sample of installations across the nuclear lifecycle, including EDF’s operating and de-fuelling reactors, the Hinkley Point C nuclear construction site in Somerset, Sellafield’s waste and decommissioning facilities, the Urenco nuclear fuel enrichment plant in Capenhurst, the Springfields nuclear fuel production installation in Lancashire and Dounreay’s Prototype Fast Reactor complex in Scotland.

Overall, UK installations were found to meet the required fire safety standards with no fundamental sector-wide shortfalls identified.  

The peer review did pinpoint three national areas for improvement, with recommendations for Springfields, Dounreay and Sellafield to better formalise, link and prioritise their nuclear fire safety arrangements.

These items were identified by licensees during the self-assessment phase. 

Improvements are already being made at Dounreay, while a new Fire Safety Strategy Programme is in place at Sellafield.

Recurring theme

One recurring theme in the National Assessment Report is the need for licensees to strengthen how they identify, assess and record combined and consequential hazards involving fire, which the ONR will continue to monitor using existing tools including regulatory issues, inspections and Safety Case reviews.  

The ONR also considered international good practices identified through TPR2, including learning from non-nuclear fire events, fire testing or substantiation of credited fire safety elements, dynamic control of transient fire loads and the use or consideration of thermographic techniques.

TPR2 has provided a valuable body of international knowledge in these areas, and the ONR will now share relevant learning with UK licensees.  

Following its exit from the European Union, the UK became an ‘observer’ of ENSREG and, while it;s no longer legally bound to do so, the Government has decided to participate in the TPR.

The ONR was requested to co-ordinate the UK’s involvement on behalf of the (then) Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Adequate arrangements

Jacob Plummer, the ONR’s principal inspector for nuclear safety and project lead for TPR2, commented: “This peer review, undertaken with significant support from UK licensees, confirms that nuclear fire safety across the UK’s nuclear sector remains robust, with adequate arrangements in place across the lifecycle from new-build to decommissioning.”

Plummer continued: “Where we’ve identified areas for improvement, particularly so around how licensees record and assess combined hazards involving fire, we’re already seeing meaningful progress.”  

In conclusion, Plummer stated: “We will continue to hold the industry to the highest standards, tracking these actions through our established regulatory tools to ensure the UK’s nuclear sites remain safe both now and into the future.”

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

Hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) on 8-9 September, the World Fire Congress will put UK Fire and Rescue Services at the heart of international discussions on some of the biggest challenges facing the sector and the communities it diligently serves on a daily basis.

This is the second World Fire Congress following the inaugural event in Washington DC back in 2024. Over three days (with the welcoming event held on 7 September), leaders and experts will share experience, evidence and learning on climate-related disasters and extreme weather, building and heritage safety, emerging hazards (including lithium-ion batteries), major incident preparedness and response and firefighter health and well-being.

The World Fire Congress will also hear directly from individuals and families affected by major incidents through its Voice of Communities session, ensuring that their experiences and perspectives inform discussions about how Fire and Rescue Services prepare for, respond to and learn from emergencies.

Tremendous privilege

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, commented: “It’s a tremendous privilege for the NFCC and UK Fire and Rescue Services to welcome colleagues from across the world to London for the World Fire Congress.”

Garrigan continued: “The challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services are growing in scale, complexity and pace. No single country has all the answers, which is why this World Fire Congress is so important. It provides a unique opportunity to share learning, exchange ideas and strengthen the partnerships that will help us better protect our communities in the years ahead.”

Further, Garrigan observed: “By joining forces, we can learn from one another’s experiences and build a safer and more resilient future for the people we serve.”

The opening programme on 7 September included a fireside discussion on Artificial Intelligence featuring Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt ahead of the main World Fire Congress discussions beginning on the following day.

Central role

UK Fire and Rescue Service leaders will play a central role throughout the World Fire Congress, contributing expertise and learning alongside international speakers. Delegates will hear first-hand experience from fire and emergency-focused leaders across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia, sharing learning from different risks, incidents and approaches adopted towards emergency response.

The World Fire Congress’ administration, preservation of institutional knowledge, host nation co-ordination and ongoing international engagement is facilitated through the Secretariat, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, a section of the National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The Secretariat provides continuity between editions of the World Fire Congress and supports sustained collaboration across the global fire and Emergency Services domains.

Ross Ashley, president and CEO of the National Fire Protection Association, stated: “We’re proud to support the World Fire Congress as a global platform that gives every nation a voice in shaping the future of fire and life safety. By bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives, the World Fire Congress can help to develop practical solutions to shared challenges and strengthen community resilience worldwide. That work is needed now more than ever.”

UL Research Institute’s Fire Safety Research Institute is supporting the World Fire Congress’ research, learning and insight work, including the development of the Communities of Practice to continue collaboration and knowledge-sharing between events.

Continuing momentum

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell, chief fire strategist and chair of the inaugural World Fire Congress in 2024, acknowledged: “It’s gratifying to see the momentum from 2024 continue here in London. I’m confident this collaboration will carry us into 2028. This is exactly why we’re inviting our colleagues to participate in the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice. Our year-round forum is purpose-designed to sustain progress and strengthen global readiness between World Fire Congress meetings.”

The World Fire Congress 2026 concludes with the reaffirmation and signing of the Statement of Founding Principles and the formal handover to the United Arab Emirates, which will host the next World Fire Congress in 2028.

Photograph © House of Lords/Photography by Roger Harris (CC BY 3.0, CC BY 4.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=145781729)

Judith Blake, Baroness Blake of Leeds, joined the opposition front bench in May 2021 as a Shadow Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government and an Opposition Whip. In December that year, she became Shadow Spokesperson for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and International Trade before being named Shadow Spokesperson for Energy and Net Zero and Shadow Spokesperson for Business and Trade two years later.

On 11 July 2024, Judith Blake (former leader of Leeds City Council from 2015 until 2021) became a Baroness-In-Waiting (Government Whip) in the House of Lords.

The Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience is directly responsible for building safety, regulations, the Building Safety Regulator and remediation, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry response, fire policy and operations, the Grenfell community, Grenfell Tower and the forthcoming Grenfell Memorial, ‘Net Zero’ and energy efficiency, resilience, recovery, and emergencies and planning casework as well being the Government’s spokesperson for equalities.

One of Baroness Blake’s key responsibilities is focused on co-ordinating the national response from Westminster in the face of the recent and widespread wildfires, including blazes that have destroyed residential properties in the West Midlands and prompted the Prime Minister to describe Great Britain as a “tinderbox”.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has reported that Fire and Rescue Services operating in England and Wales have responded to no fewer than 1,132 wildfires between 1 January and 16 August this year. That surpasses the 1,017 recorded wildfires for the entirety of 2025.

Brian Sims (BS): What’s the major development BAFE has announced, Justin?

Justin Maltby-Smith (JMS): We have reshaped the way in which the BAFE Group operates, creating a closer and more co-ordinated relationship between BAFE Holdings, the BAFE Fire Safety Register and FireQual.

This is an important organisational change, but the structure itself is only part of the story. Its real purpose is to give BAFE the capacity, expertise and agility to make a greater contribution at a time when the fire and life safety sectors are coming under increased scrutiny.

Expectations around competence and assurance are developing at a rapid pace. BAFE needs to be ready to support that progress and play a more active role in defining good practice.

BS: What does the new structure look like?

JMS: Responsibilities are now more clearly defined, with a Group-wide approach to several of the functions that support BAFE and FireQual. Alongside the organisational changes, we’re investing in technology and improving processes so that we can be much more responsive in our engagement with the people and organisations that rely on us on a daily basis.

David Barnes has been appointed technical manager for BAFE and will oversee the delivery, performance and continued development of all BAFE Schemes.

FireQual’s qualifications work will be led by Gillian Lees, our new qualifications development and assessment manager, who’ll be working alongside qualifications and assessment officer Maria Annakin.

Recruitment is also underway for a Group service delivery manager and a Group finance manager.

The intention is to create a more joined-up organisation in which knowledge, people and resources can be deployed wherever they add most value.

BS: Why was the restructure necessary?

JMS: BAFE has a well-established role in developing BAFE Schemes and maintaining the BAFE Fire Safety Register, but the environment around us is becoming more demanding and we have to respond. Regulation continues to evolve, competence is under greater examination and those responsible for appointing fire and life safety-focused solutions providers are being asked increasingly searching questions about their decisions.

We are a relatively small organisation, but to remain relevant, we cannot concentrate solely on administering what already exists. We need to identify changing requirements earlier, respond more quickly and devote more attention to the longer-term needs of registered organisations, buyers and the wider sector.

The previous structure didn’t always make the best use of the expertise available across the Group, but the new model removes those internal barriers and creates more scope for joint working.

BS: What does the restructure mean for BAFE?

JMS: In essence, the Group restructure allows us to be more ambitious. BAFE will remain firmly focused on the quality and integrity of its BAFE Schemes, of course, but we can contribute much more to the fire and life safety sectors than we currently do.

Going forward, we want to participate more consistently in discussions about standards, competence and assurance, while in tandem building deeper relationships with Government, regulators, industry bodies and the organisations commissioning fire and life safety-centred work.

BAFE has a unique role to play as it connects many different parts of the fire and life safety sectors, from technical standards and certification through to qualifications, service providers and procurement. We now have a structure that enables us to bring those perspectives together more effectively and use our influence to encourage positive change.

BS: What will the restructure mean for those organisations listed on the BAFE Fire Safety Register?

JMS: Achieving and maintaining BAFE registration demands a genuine commitment from certificated organisations. We want the service and support they receive – and the recognition that their registration carries – to reflect that commitment.

The changes we’ve made will allow us to spend more time developing and improving BAFE Schemes, developing and providing more qualifications, addressing emerging sector issues and helping registered organisations to understand and respond to developments affecting their work. The changes will also strengthen our ability to promote the value of registration among clients, specifiers and other decision-makers more effectively.

One major priority is to build wider recognition of independently verified competence on that basis that the more buyers understand what sits behind BAFE registration, the more effectively registered organisations can differentiate themselves from providers whose competence has not been assessed to the same standard.

BS: What will the new structure mean for buyers and specifiers?

JMS: Procuring fire and life safety services and solutions involves significant responsibility. For their part, buyers must be able to show that their decisions were informed, proportionate and based on credible evidence of competence rather than assurances taken at face value.

We want to make BAFE more useful to those people, which means explaining more clearly what our BAFE Schemes verify, making competent providers easier to identify and learning directly from those who specify and purchase services.

Better engagement with buyers will also help us to understand where existing assurance arrangements are working and where greater clarity or support is needed. Those insights can then feed into the development of BAFE Schemes to ensure they remain practical, robust and relevant to real procurement decisions.

BS: What could the Group restructure mean for the wider sector?

JMS: Fire and life safety bring together a broad range of professions and technical disciplines. While that diversity provides considerable expertise, it can also make it somewhat difficult for the sector to speak collectively or build momentum behind shared objectives.

BAFE can assist in connecting those different interests. We want to create more opportunities for constructive discussion between industry, certification and qualification providers, buyers, standards bodies, policymakers and regulators.

No single organisation can resolve the fire and life safety sectors’ challenges alone, but by combining evidence and experience, we can identify common priorities, develop more coherent responses and make a stronger case for competence and independent assurance to occupy a more prominent place in policy, regulation and procurement.

BS: What happens next?

JMS: The organisational work is now translating into practical activity with a number of BAFE Schemes already reviewed and nearly ready to be relaunched, while FireQual is in the closing stages of delivering a Level 7 (ie Master’s degree) qualification in Fire Risk Assessment. You’ll hear a lot more about these and other developments in the coming months.

We will also increase our engagement with registered organisations, buyers and industry partners, while continuing to modernise the systems that underpin our work. As we learn more about what different parts of the fire and life safety sectors need, we will consider where new BAFE Schemes, qualifications or development opportunities could make a meaningful difference.

The Group restructure has created the conditions for BAFE to do more. As such, the next phase is all about turning that additional capacity into stronger support, greater influence and demonstrable progress across fire and life safety.

The restructure is complete, but the change it makes possible is just beginning.

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

The new operating model brings BAFE Holdings, the BAFE Fire Safety Register and FireQual into a more integrated Group structure, with clearer responsibilities and a shared service delivery model. The changes are intended to make better use of available expertise across the Group, while in parallel creating greater capacity for engagement and collaboration with industry.

As part of the restructure, David Barnes has been appointed technical manager for BAFE with responsibility for the operation, monitoring and ongoing performance of BAFE Schemes.

At FireQual, Gillian Lees has been appointed qualifications development and assessment manager with a remit to lead the development and assessment of qualifications, supported by Maria Annakin (in the role of qualifications and assessment officer), who has direct responsibility for ongoing delivery and administration.

Further, the BAFE Group is now recruiting for a Group service delivery manager and a Group finance manager.

Series of changes

The restructure follows on from a series of changes to the leadership of the BAFE Group over recent years, all of which were reported at the time by Fire Safety Matters.

Last year, Lewis Ramsay joined the executive leadership team as chief operating officer, while Board oversight has recently been strengthened by the appointments of Jim Fitzpatrick (as chair of BAFE Holdings), Howard Passey as chair of BAFE Ltd and Douglas Barnett, chair of FireQual.

Commenting on this latest development, Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, Group CEO of BAFE Holdings, informed Fire Safety Matters: “We’ve been working towards this new operating model for some time now and its completion gives us the foundations we need to take the Group forward.”

Maltby-Smith continued: “The life safety sector is entering a period of significant change, with evolving regulatory requirements and growing expectations around competence and assurance. The new structure places BAFE and FireQual in a great position to anticipate those changes and work with our partners and the wider sector to influence how they develop, rather than simply responding as they happen.”

In addition, Maltby-Smith stated: “The new structure gives us an opportunity to build on these relationships, collaborate more closely with other industry bodies and play a greater role in championing competence, independent third party certification and assessment right across the UK.”

BAFE Schemes

The Group restructure comes as BAFE prepares to relaunch several of its BAFE Schemes following an extensive programme of review and refresh, while at the same time FireQual is developing new qualifications aligned with the latest British Standards.

Maltby-Smith concluded: “The work undertaken across the Group over the last few years has afforded us a strong foundation, but our ambitions go beyond the day-to-day operation of BAFE Schemes and qualifications. We want to use our expertise and influence to support higher standards across the life safety domain and help to make independently demonstrated competence an increasingly normal and expected part of how the sector operates.”

The BAFE Fire Safety Register is an independent organisation that develops and maintains third party certification schemes for fire safety services across the UK. Working with industry, certification bodies and Government stakeholders alike, BAFE defines the standards of competence that organisations must meet in order to deliver fire protection services safely and effectively.

Through its BAFE Schemes and the register of certified providers, the organisation supports higher standards, improved accountability and greater confidence across the fire and life safety sectors.

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

Over the last 12 weeks, the BSR made 340 Building Control decisions across all higher-risk building (HRB) categories, with an overall national approval rate of 84% (287 cases). That equates to 18,029 residential units.

For new HRBs and conversions, the approval rate (not including invalidations and withdrawals) has risen to 92% with a median approval time of 22 weeks for 9,362 units. In London, approvals stood at 90% with a 23-week median approval time for 4,477 units.

Existing building remediation approvals stood at 89%, significantly exceeding the BSR’s annual target of 65% and equating to 8,667 units. In London, approvals stood at 96% (3,936 units).

Approvals for National Health Service (NHS) applications reached 82% nationally, with 18 approvals from 22 decisions. London saw seven projects approved from nine determinations (78%).

The dedicated Innovation Unit details a current approval rate of 92% (rolling 12-week national average) and a current median determination time of 22 weeks for non-complex cases.

From 1 September, the BSR has eased approval steps for fibre optic cabling and rooftop mast installations, while keeping all core safety and compliance standards in force.

New-build, conversion and complex projects

The BSR’s Innovation Unit has accelerated the assessment of applications for new high-rise residential buildings and major conversions. Over the latest 12-week period, the BSR made 50 decisions on new-build projects, approving 92% of applications. These approved schemes represent 9,362 new residential units.

For comparison, in the 12 weeks to August 2025, the median approval time was 43 weeks and the approval rate stood at 39%.

Most new-build activity continues to take place in London, which accounted for 31 of the 50 national decisions.

The BSR approved 28 of these 31 projects in London, representing a regional approval rate of 90% and unlocking 4,477 residential units. The median determination time in London was 23 weeks for non-complex cases.

London currently represents 65% of all in-progress new-build applications and 61% of the total residential units under active assessment. Nationally, the BSR is managing 147 live new-build and conversion applications representing 32,691 individual units.

In order to manage resources efficiently, the BSR tracks highly complex designs separately. Nationally, there are 33 live complex cases under active management, with a median determination time of 33 weeks. London is managing 23 of these complex proposals, with a median determination time of 32 weeks.

The single remaining long-term legacy case has also been closed. This and other cases originally submitted under the previous regime faced significant technical challenges and have been managed as complex cases since February.

The number of new builds that have commenced work has grown to 126 projects. The BSR’s growing inspection programme has uncovered a small number of examples of where building work hasn’t conformed with agreed designs and required some remedial work. The BSR will monitor this closely and adopt a “robust position where appropriate” to help ensure that safe designs are translated into safe buildings.

Existing building remediation

Targeted operational measures under the BSR’s External Remediation Plan, introduced in April 2026, have driven improvements in existing building remediation.

The BSR determined 118 remediation applications over the 12-week rolling period, approving 105 projects (an 89% national approval rate) representing 8,667 residential units. In London, the regional remediation approval rate reached 96%.

The BSR has also reduced outstanding legacy applications in the system. The volume of remediation cases dating from 2024 has fallen from 42 at the start of the year to 12.

These older and more complex applications had an overall rolling 12-week median determination time of 33 weeks as teams worked to resolve historic design and safety issues.

Newer remediation applications submitted during 2026 are progressing through the system more quickly due to early design collaboration. The BSR is currently managing 327 active remediation cases nationally, representing a total of 28,274 residential units.

Healthcare facilities

Building Control applications for NHS healthcare facilities, including hospital maintenance, expansions and structural upgrades, are tracked as a distinct regulatory category to reflect their national importance.

Over the rolling 12-week period, the BSR made 22 determinations on NHS applications, approving 18 for an 82% national approval rate and a median determination time of 22 weeks. The BSR’s specialist healthcare teams work with NHS Trusts to resolve design complexities early on in the process.

For NHS applications submitted in 2026, the median determination time has fallen to 13 weeks, with some recent projects securing approval within the statutory eight-week timeline. London accounted for a significant share of healthcare upgrades, achieving a 78% NHS approval rate with seven projects approved from nine determinations. The median determination time in the capital was 33 weeks, reflecting the complexity of urban hospital sites.

Nationally, the BSR is managing 32 active NHS Building Control cases.

Early Gateway 3 indicators

Category A and B internal refurbishments accounted for 143 decisions over the last 12 weeks, representing 43% of all Gateway 2 decisions. These applications include all internal refurbishment works except for NHS projects.

The BSR achieved a 78% approval rate with a median determination time of 32 weeks. For refurbishment applications submitted in 2026, the median determination time has dropped by 50% to 16 weeks. The BSR is currently overseeing 1,082 active cases for internal refurbishment works.

While no new-build projects have yet transitioned to final occupation certificate assessments, a significant volume of internal refurbishments has entered the final regulatory stage. Of the 346 Gateway 3 applications received, 260 are internal refurbishments with most of the remainder being transitional cases (45) and NHS internal refurbishments (23).

Over the last 12 weeks, the BSR determined 16 Gateway 3 applications, achieving an 88% approval rate with a median determination time of 20 weeks. The quickest approval was completed in seven weeks.

Active in-progress cases at Gateway 3 currently stand at 105 for internal works, 15 for NHS works and eight for external remediation. There are currently no active Gateway 3 cases for new-build developments that have been through the Gateway 2 assessment.

In order to maintain regulatory oversight of legacy developments, the BSR is also managing 66 transitional Building Control cases at Gateway 2. These represent projects that reverted to the regulator after their original private Building Control providers ceased trading.

Live major change requests

To manage design modifications safely during construction, the BSR is processing 184 live major change requests made up of new HRBs and conversions (78 major change requests), external remediation (11), HRB internal works (67), NHS applications (25) and transitional cases (3).

These reviews ensure that post-approval modifications undergo thorough safety assessments. Over the last 12 weeks, the regulator closed 123 major change requests. For new-build developments, the median time to close a major change request is seven weeks (ie one week over the statutory target).

To support the sheer volume of building safety decisions, the BSR has expanded its workforce. The current regulatory resource profile comprises 177 internal BSR core staff members working alongside a network of 508 external technical specialists.

Of the 508 individuals sourced or seconded from external organisations, 64 are integrated into the BSR’s Innovation Unit or external remediation teams (36 registered building inspectors, eight Fire and Rescue Service professionals and 20 structural engineers) to accelerate decision times.

In order to meet projected demand, the BSR is also scaling its integrated technical capacity over the coming months.

New telecoms building work arrangements

From 1 September, new telecoms dispensations came into effect for certain building work associated with mobile masts and fibre optic cabling in higher-risk buildings. The changes mean that eligible telecoms work can be carried out without prior notification to – or approval from – the BSR before work starts.

For fibre optic cabling projects, duty holders will be required to submit a notification to the BSR after the work has been completed, while telecoms mast installations on rooftops will require a completion certificate application.

New guidance and application routes are forthcoming. Organisations undertaking relevant work should ensure they retain all required building and safety information to support any subsequent notification or application processes. More information about the consultation held earlier this year can be found at Improving proportionality and safety outcomes in building control: telecommunications work – GOV.UK

Driving momentum in building safety

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the BSR, said: “Our latest performance figures show that we are successfully driving momentum in Building Control assessments and approvals for more than 18,000 residential units.”

Pugsley continued: “Overall Gateway 2 approvals have reached 84% with new HRBs currently tracking at 92%, while remediation projects are moving through the system much faster, achieving an 89% national approval rate. This progress is a direct result of our expanded technical workforce and closer and earlier collaboration with applicants.”

Further, Pugsley noted: “While we are pleased to see determination times reducing, particularly so for new builds under our Innovation Unit, existing remediation projects and key NHS developments, we remain steadfast in our core mission. As buildings progress to Gateway 3, we continue to enhance and refine systems and processes to ensure that safe designs are translated into safe buildings.”

Pugsley concluded: “As we continue to streamline our processes and introduce proportionate Building Control updates, such as the recent telecommunications measures, the safety of residents and our communities remains at the heart of what we do. The strict duty holder, functional and competence requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Regulations remain fully in force to protect the public.”

The milestone builds on the LFB’s wider programme of reform following the Grenfell Tower tragedy that occurred in June 2017. In 2024, the LFB completed every recommendation directed to it in the Public Inquiry Panel’s Phase 1 Report, introducing wide-ranging improvements across operational policies, incident command, training, emergency call handling, communications and equipment.

The Phase 2 work strengthens those reforms by improving how the Brigade identifies and embeds lessons from operational incidents, enhancing firefighter communications and strengthening training to support safer and effective emergency responses.

A key element of this work has been centred on transforming the Brigade’s approach to organisational learning. Drawing on Best Practice from sectors including healthcare and aviation, the Brigade has introduced a more open and supportive learning culture, with new arrangements to ensure lessons from operational incidents, inquests and investigations are identified and put into practical improvements on a swifter basis.

Significant incidents are now prioritised so that risk-critical learning can be rapidly shared with operational staff, thereby helping crews adapt to emerging risks and improve future emergency responses.

Enhanced communications

Alongside improvements to organisational learning, the Brigade has enhanced firefighter communications, including work to improve the resilience of radio communications at incidents, particularly so in high-rise buildings, and strengthened training such that firefighters can recover from the loss of communications. Training has also been enhanced to improve firefighters’ understanding of water supply systems, hydrants and techniques for increasing water flow and pressure during major incidents.

Following Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Brigade made huge changes to policies, procedures and equipment, which have been accelerated thanks to investment from the Mayor of London. That investment has ensured that the LFB is now better prepared, organised and equipped to fight fires and keep all Londoners safe.

New life-saving equipment such as breathing apparatus with radios was introduced after the Phase 1 Report to allow crews to communicate faster in emergencies and boosted communications between London’s Emergency Services. The Brigade also has the tallest turntable ladders in Europe – standing at 64 metres high – and is now able to receive and store electronic building plans to support crews responding to critical incidents.

Profound moment

London’s Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a profound moment for the London Fire Brigade. We remember the 72 people who lost their lives, and our thoughts remain with the bereaved, survivors and everyone whose lives were changed forever by that night.”

Smith continued: “Completing all of the remaining recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry is an important milestone for the Brigade. The changes that we’ve implemented mean that we are now better prepared to respond to incidents. Londoners today are safer as a direct result of those changes. We will continue working with our partners across Government and the Fire and Rescue Service sector in order to ensure the lessons of Grenfell are learned and continue to shape everything we do.”

*Further information is available online at www.london-fire.gov.uk

Publishing a new TEC Policy Position Statement, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is calling for stronger regulation and oversight of home care technology services to help ensure the people who rely on them are kept safe.

An estimated two million people across the country rely on telecare to live independently in their own homes. Many of these people are among those most vulnerable to fire, including older people, people with disabilities and those living with long-term health conditions. The risks facing these groups are well established. Over the last decade, more than 30% of fire fatalities in England involved people aged over 65 living alone.

Fire chiefs suggest that action is needed given longstanding Fire and Rescue Service concerns about the role of TEC services in incidents where vulnerable people have died in fires. Coroners’ Prevention of Future Deaths Reports issued over the last two decades have also highlighted recurring failures, including fire risks not being identified, linked smoke detection not being installed, alarms not being connected to monitoring systems and critical information not being passed to emergency responders.

Demand for telecare services is expected to grow significantly as the population ages and more care is delivered at home. More than a quarter of the population is projected to be aged over 65 by 2065, while an estimated 9.1 million people are expected to be living with a major illness in England by 2040, increasing the number of people who may rely on support to live independently.

The NFCC is calling on the UK and devolved Governments to review and strengthen regulation of TEC services, noting that stronger standards, accreditation and quality assurance are needed to help prevent vulnerable people being put at unnecessary risk. The NFCC is also calling on TEC providers to follow the NFCC’s recommendations around Best Practice.

British Standards

Terry Pinto, TEC lead at the NFCC and prevention lead at the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Telecare can be life-saving, but only when a person’s needs and fire risks are properly assessed and equipment is installed, maintained and monitored in accordance with recognised British Standards.”

Pinto continued: “Having personally reviewed fatal fires in Norfolk and supported other Fire and Rescue Services with similar cases, I’ve seen the same concerns arise repeatedly. It’s deeply concerning that issues identified years ago are still occurring, particularly so when we know that making sure these systems are right can save lives.”

Further, Pinto observed: “We need stronger oversight, consistent standards and clear accountability right across the sector. People who rely on telecare solutions should be able to trust that these systems will provide the protection they expect when they need it most.”

The NFCC feels that improvements are needed across a sector where accreditation remains voluntary in many areas. Less than two-thirds of TEC Alarm Receiving Centres are currently certified through the TEC Services Association's Quality Standards Framework. Many Monitoring Centres, providers and suppliers continue to operate without formal oversight.

Quality assurance

As the demand for TEC services continues to grow, the TEC Services Association (TSA), itself the independent advisory and membership body for the TEC sector, has highlighted the importance of quality assurance and professional standards.

Alyson Scurfield OBE, CEO of the TSA, commented: “The NFCC’s position is a strong endorsement of the importance of standards, independent certification and quality assurance in the domain of technology-enabled care. We particularly welcome its call for TEC providers to be independently certified through a UKAS-accredited body.”

Scurfield went on to state: “The TSA has long supported higher and more consistent standards across the sector, and through TEC Quality and the Quality Standards Framework we are helping providers to demonstrate that they meet recognised standards and give commissioners and people who use TEC greater confidence in the services upon which they rely. We look forward to continuing our work with the NFCC to support safer and better quality TEC.”

The NFCC’s position statement calls for all TEC providers to hold third party accreditation, for Alarm Receiving Centre staff to receive accredited training and for providers to demonstrate compliance with relevant British Standards. It also calls for fire safety prevention and mitigation measures to form a key part of health-based risk assessments for vulnerable people, including linked and monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detection where residents may be unable to react appropriately or evacuate without assistance during a fire.

The position statement also calls for national Governments to provide continuous and adequate funding for local authorities to support TEC provision, as well as independent academic research into TEC patient safety and fire risk.

The NFCC also commented that the ongoing digital switchover provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen resilience, improve safety and raise standards across the sector as services continue to modernise.

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

Running from 2 September until 5 October, the campaign will showcase how the newly redeveloped CPD Hub makes it easier than ever for members to access high-quality learning resources designed to support their professional development at every stage of their career.

Throughout the campaign, the IFE will highlight the new features available within the redeveloped platform, including an improved search facility that enables users to quickly find content relevant to their role, interests and development goals.

Members will also benefit from estimated completion times, enhanced resource descriptions and learning outcomes, thereby helping them to select CPD activities that fit their schedules and professional objectives.

The redeveloped CPD Hub also introduces a new category of International Fire Professional (IFP) technical articles, providing members with access to a broader range of specialist knowledge and in-depth learning opportunities.

Alongside promoting the new platform, the campaign will explore why CPD is essential for fire professionals, addressing common misconceptions and demonstrating how CPD supports knowledge, professional registration and lifelong learning.

Learning opportunities

As a global professional membership body representing more than 15,000 members, the IFE is committed to providing accessible, relevant and high-quality learning opportunities that help fire safety professionals maintain their knowledge, develop new skills and respond to an evolving fire safety landscape.

The IFE will showcase the wide range of CPD opportunities available through its worldwide branches and groups, technical events, webinars and online learning resources, duly demonstrating how members can build meaningful professional development through engagement with a variety of activities.

By making learning easier to discover, plan and access for members, the IFE’s CPD Hub empowers fire professionals to adopt a proactive approach towards their development and help in shaping the future of fire safety worldwide.

*Follow the IFE on LinkedIn to view the #CPD campaign and learn more about how the IFE is driving greater knowledge development in the fire safety sector

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