Fire Aware addresses UK housing leaders
Gavin Skelly, Chief Executive of Fire Aware, has urged a cultural shift in the fire sector to improve safety standards in the built environment.
According to Fire Aware, Skelly delivered his message at the Scotland Housing Leaders’ Summit, where he called for collaboration across the UK fire safety supply chain.
The organisation reported that Skelly stressed the importance of unity among national and local housing associations, local councils and developers in considering their moral responsibilities.
It explained that Fire Aware is introducing a moral code of conduct through a series of charters, designed to shape how member companies demonstrate their duty of care.
The group noted that these actions are aimed at influencing behaviour across the supply chain in addition to competence requirements.
Moral duty and unity in the fire sector
Skelly said: “Of course we understand the need for competence. But when dealing with an industry that the public relies on to keep them safe, there has to be more. There has to be a tangible recognisable commitment to safety.
“There must be unity in the message all duty holders send to the public if they are to relate to its meaning.
“As with a number of other sectors and professions, the fire sector has a wide array of duty holders, but they all share one common requirement, which is to understand they are there primarily to keep the public safe.
“We are appealing to the fire safety industry and those with responsibility for making decisions to think about their moral duty from the outset of any project.
“We know from the feedback we receive from our members that the industry is keen to make this work.
“We believe in going above and beyond legislation and minimum standards and test regimes.
“Members of the Fire Aware community are taking a stand. They have told us they care and want to commit to best practice.
“Working together, members can contribute to the wider cause of safety in the interests of those people using inhabiting the buildings and spaces we create.”
Charters and codes of conduct
According to Fire Aware, the organisation is developing charters that encourage members to align their practices with ethical standards.
It said these charters provide a framework for companies to embed moral duty into fire safety decisions.
The body explained that its code of conduct is intended to influence behaviours and expectations throughout the supply chain.
It added that this approach is designed to encourage accountability and responsibility beyond compliance requirements.
The organisation indicated that these initiatives are part of a wider effort to drive culture change in housing and construction projects.
Industry response and member feedback
Fire Aware reported that feedback from its membership has shown interest in adopting higher standards of practice.
It stated that members have expressed support for prioritising moral responsibility alongside competence and regulatory compliance.
The group added that its community members have emphasised their willingness to take a proactive stance in fire safety.
It noted that this feedback is shaping the organisation’s ongoing development of charters and guidance for industry professionals.
The body commented that the adoption of such practices is intended to strengthen public confidence in safety measures.
Housing sector and decision makers
According to Fire Aware, the call for reform was directed at stakeholders across the housing sector, including local and national housing bodies.
The organisation explained that decision makers such as developers and councils were asked to adopt the principles of moral duty early in project planning.
It stated that this approach aims to establish safety considerations at the foundation of all housing initiatives.
The body added that collaboration between housing leaders and the fire safety industry was identified as essential for achieving cultural change.
It advised that this message reflects Fire Aware’s strategy of linking fire safety standards to public trust in housing development.
Fire Aware as a membership body
Fire Aware confirmed that it is a recognised membership body working with companies in the built environment and related industries.
It explained that the organisation’s stated aim is to ensure its members operate to best practice standards for public safety.
The body reported that its membership represents businesses committed to working responsibly across all stages of project delivery.
It stated that its long-term goal is to establish ethical accountability as a defining characteristic of the fire sector.
The organisation added that it intends to continue expanding its initiatives to reach a wider group of industry participants.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Fire Aware’s message highlights the emphasis on moral duty in addition to technical competence in the fire sector.
Professionals working across the fire safety supply chain may be asked to consider how ethical standards influence their roles.
The initiative signals a shift toward integrating codes of conduct and charters into industry practice.
This development could influence housing and construction projects where fire safety professionals provide expertise and oversight.
Fire Aware CEO calls for cultural change in fire sector: Summary
Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, called for cultural change in the fire sector at the Scotland Housing Leaders’ Summit.
Fire Aware reported that Skelly urged unity across the supply chain, including housing associations, councils and developers.
The organisation said it is introducing charters and codes of conduct to encourage moral responsibility.
It explained that members have expressed support for adopting higher standards beyond compliance.
The body stated that its initiatives aim to influence behaviour in housing and construction projects.
It confirmed that Fire Aware is a membership organisation serving the built environment and related sectors.
The group reported that its goal is to encourage ethical accountability across the fire sector.
It added that its members commit to working responsibly to improve public safety.