FIRE SAFETY – Government launches consultation on competence and regulation of Fire Risk Assessors…

It covers the following areas:

• the future development of the fire risk assessor profession

• the powers needed to regulate the fire risk assessor profession, and

• implementation approaches for competency requirements in the fire risk assessor profession

Important work has been undertaken by the fire safety sector both prior to and following the Grenfell Tower tragedy to strengthen the profession, including the publication in 2025 of British Standard BS 8674 which sets out the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours that industry considers FRAs should possess.

The proposals presented in this consultation identify opportunities to go further in ensuring the best possible public safety outcomes. The vision proposed for the future of the FRA profession through this document is one where there are consistent standards of competency, excellent career opportunities, clear standards and effective regulation of the profession. These reforms will mean that those with duties under fire safety legislation, residents, leaseholders, building users and developers will have greater confidence in the quality and consistency of fire risk assessments, and therefore the safety of the buildings they use, live in and build.

MHCLG says: ‘Informed by the findings of this consultation, we will seek to legislate when parliamentary time allows.’