FireQual modernises learner assessments with new Surpass Partnership

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsTraining

FireQual, the awarding organisation for the UK fire safety sector and part of the BAFE Group, has partnered with Surpass Assessment as its digital assessment provider to deliver its regulated qualifications. Following implementation in June 2026, FireQual is now delivering live examinations across the country through Surpass.

As part of BAFE Holdings, FireQual provides nationally recognised qualifications regulated by Ofqual and accredited by Qualifications Scotland, to support the professional development of individuals and organisations working across fire safety and compliance. Through its partnership with Surpass, FireQual has modernised its assessment delivery to enhance efficiency, flexibility and scalability for both learners and Approved Training Centres (ATCs).

“Confidence in the fire safety sector starts with competence, and recognised qualifications are the cornerstone of that competence,” said Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, CEO of BAFE Holdings. “We are delighted to partner with Surpass as the system gives us the flexibility and control we need to deliver high-quality, regulated qualifications across the fire sector, while enhancing the experience for our ATCs and learners.”

Surpass is currently being used to deliver both in-centre examinations and online assessments through its record-and-review functionality. The platform provides FireQual with a streamlined and robust way to assess practical skills while maintaining the rigor expected of regulated qualifications. Full integration with FireQual’s Salesforce CRM also helps ensure that information moves smoothly between systems, providing greater visibility throughout the assessment process.

Sonya Whitworth, Co-CEO at Surpass Assessment, added: “We’re proud to support FireQual as they modernise their assessment delivery. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our own, and we’re delighted to help enable a more efficient, scalable and future-ready assessment experience for their ATCs and candidates.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering secure, high-quality digital assessments and supporting continued growth across the fire sector.

Navy Shore Enterprise announces 2025 Fire and Emergency Services Award winners

by Aerial FirefightingAmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAssociations and OrganisationsAviationBreaking NewsPeoplePorts & Maritime

Commander, Navy Installations Command has announced the Calendar Year 2025 Navy Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Award winners, recognising fire and emergency personnel across the Navy Shore Enterprise for operational excellence and mission support.

The awards highlight teams and individuals responsible for emergency response across U.S. Navy installations worldwide, including structural fire suppression, aircraft rescue, hazardous materials containment and emergency medical response. According to the command, these capabilities are central to maintaining readiness across shore installations and supporting fleet operations.

By carrying out life-saving medical interventions and rapid emergency response operations, Navy F&ES teams help ensure that bases remain operational so that naval forces can train, deploy and conduct missions.

“Our personnel are the cornerstone of base resilience,” said CAPT Bill Lane, deputy director of CNIC operations. “Protecting our people and our tactical assets is essential for projecting power from the Shore Enterprise. These winners represent the best of the best in ensuring our mission remains uninterrupted.”

From this year’s recipients, three Navy representatives advanced to top honours in broader military competition at the Department of War (DoW) level: Naval Support Activity Annapolis; Katsuhiro Watanabe of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka; and Metro San Diego, a regional fire and emergency services organisation covering Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, and Naval Air Station North Island.

The awards span multiple categories recognising performance across different installation sizes and specialties.

Navy Shore Enterprise awards in full

In the Small Fire Department of the Year category, Naval Support Activity Annapolis received the DoW-level award, with Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay named runner-up. For Medium Fire Department of the Year, Naval Station Mayport was selected as winner, followed by Joint Region Marianas.

Metro San Diego FES earned the Large Fire Department of the Year award, with Navy Region Northwest as runner-up. Joint Region Marianas was also recognised for Fire Prevention Program of the Year, alongside Navy Region Mid-Atlantic District 3, Naval Air Station Oceana, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story as runners-up.

Individual awards highlighted firefighters, officers, instructors and emergency medical personnel across the fleet. ABH2(AW) Kiara Robin of Naval Station Rota was named Military Firefighter of the Year runner-up, while ABH2(AW/SW) Joshua Acuna of Metro San Diego was also recognised. Civilian Firefighter of the Year went to Katsuhiro Watanabe of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (DoW winner), with Ahmed Dakail of Naval Support Activity Bahrain named runner-up.

Other honours included ABH1(AW/SW) Leaundre Johnson of Naval Support Activity Naples as Military Fire Officer of the Year winner, and Eric Boggess of Naval Station Mayport as Civilian Fire Officer of the Year winner. Additional categories recognised training, inspection, EMS provision, and fire prevention leadership across multiple installations.

The Navy also recognised legacy contributors to the Fire and Emergency Services community through Hall of Fame inductions. Inductees included retired fire chiefs and senior leaders such as Ruben Perez, Edward Stillwell, David Inman, William Casey, Kenneth Snyder, and Jack Woodard (deceased), reflecting long-term service across multiple regions.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented to senior leaders including Rodolfo Gonzales, William Killen, Christopher Connelly, and Daniel Gaumont, acknowledging decades of service within Navy fire and emergency operations.

Commander, Navy Installations Command oversees global Navy shore installation management, including infrastructure development, sustainment and quality of life programmes. The organisation manages 10 Navy regions and more than 70 installations, employing over 48,600 personnel focused on readiness, training and support for fleet operations.

According to the command, Navy installations function as operational platforms essential to supporting global naval missions and maintaining overall fleet readiness.

Professional development has always been a priority, says IFE

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Professional development through IFE resources

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has published commentary outlining how professional development and accessible qualifications support the competency of fire safety professionals within the rapidly advancing sector.

The organisation stated that ongoing learning is necessary to ensure public safety and help individuals stay informed about regulatory changes and emerging technologies.

Membership progression offers a method for professionals to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence as their skills exceed the level at which they originally joined.

The IFE notes that upgrading membership provides greater recognition within the fire safety community.

Members who advance their grades may also access opportunities to volunteer on panels such as the Membership Application Assessment Panel.

This panel involves volunteers assessing new applications to maintain public confidence in the fire safety profession.

Digital exams and the IFE Elevate series

The organisation has introduced digital exams to create more accessible qualification routes for candidates located around the world.

A new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite was added to these digital offerings earlier this month.

These exams were developed alongside British Standard 8674 to support the framework for assessing Fire Risk Assessor competency.

The organisation also operates several Special Interest Groups that examine technical topics to produce resources for the wider membership.

Support for those entering the sector is provided through the Early Careers Networking Group which recently marked the anniversary of its webinar series.

Known as Elevate, the series provides free professional development aimed at addressing the skills gap in the fire safety industry.

Webinar topics include timber frame building design, ethics and fire safety within healthcare settings.

The series is intended to help organisations strengthen internal training programmes while giving employees the confidence to progress.

Automating fire-rated doors requires robust evidence says ADSA

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire Doors

Technical testing for fire-rated doors

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has established a cross-industry steering group to investigate the safety implications of automating existing fire-resisting timber doors.

This collaborative initiative aims to determine whether retrofitting hardware or routing cables for automation compromises the integrity of a fire-rated door system.

Industry leaders Record UK, dormakaba and GEZE UK are participating in the group alongside the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and the British Woodworking Federation.

A fire test house will conduct controlled testing to replicate common installation scenarios such as drilling for cabling and replacing manual closing devices.

Findings from the research will establish an evidence base for the industry regarding how typical modifications influence fire performance.

Darren Hyde, Technical and Training Manager at ADSA, said: “Many of the questions we receive now relate to automating existing fire doors.

“When you retrofit automation, you’re potentially changing the construction of the door.

“What we want to do as an industry is understand exactly how those modifications affect fire performance.”

Guidance for engineers and specifiers

Technical data from the programme will be used to create new guidance for building owners and fire safety professionals scheduled for release later this year.

The document will provide practical methods for cable routing and fire-stopping to help engineers maintain door integrity during automation projects.

ADSA noted that while new-build projects use fully tested door systems, the retrofit environment is often less predictable for installers.

Hyde added: “In new-build, manufacturers can provide clear test evidence for complete systems.

“In retrofit situations, that level of certainty doesn’t always exist.

“We want to close that gap in understanding.”

The project intends to balance the accessibility benefits of automated movement with the necessity of maintaining established fire safety standards.

ADSA expects the results to support more informed decision-making by demonstrating how existing doors can be adapted safely without requiring full replacement.

NFPA names Ross Ashley as new president and CEO

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

NFPA board confirms executive transition

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Ross Ashley as the organisation’s next president and chief executive officer following a unanimous vote.

Ashley will formally assume the leadership position on 1 July.

The appointment follows the retirement of Jim Pauley who has served as president and CEO since 2014.

David R. Paulison, chair of the NFPA Board, said: “For 130 years NFPA standards, research, public education and training have been the foundation of fire, life and electrical safety.

“Ross has the determination and skills to continue the growth of NFPA to further advance its critical mission.”

Professional background and strategic objectives for NFPA

The incoming executive brings three decades of experience in public safety, intelligence, emergency management and corporate leadership.

Ashley most recently served as Senior Director, Emergency Management at KPMG where he managed preparedness and mitigation programs for state and local clients.

His career includes a tenure as assistant administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) overseeing $10 billion in annual financial assistance.

He also served 20 years in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves and was the first Air National Guard member to receive a master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College.

Ashley said: “I am impressed with the trajectory of NFPA to reach new heights in order to meet the fire and life safety challenges of our times.

“The quest to better protect people and property from fire and other hazards should never be stagnant.

“I’m looking forward to building on the success that Jim and the team have built.”

Transition period and established growth pillars

Pauley will remain with the organisation through the end of July to work alongside his successor during the transition.

The outgoing CEO has held a 35-year affiliation with the body as a member, technical committee participant and standards council chair.

During his ten-year presidency the organisation adopted a strategy focused on becoming more digital, global, connected and diversified.

Pauley said: “I’m proud of our many advancements over the last 12 years.

“Today’s world requires not only change but faster change.

“Our information and knowledge today reaches more people, in more places, in more ways, which translates to greater safety against new and persistent threats.

“Ross Ashley is an excellent choice to continue the momentum at NFPA, and I am sure he will find it as fulfilling as I have.”

Siderise CEO Adam Turk reappointed as Chair of Construction Products Association

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsPeopleSafety

Adam Turk of Siderise to lead trade body for third year

Adam Turk, the CEO of Siderise, will remain as Chair of the Construction Products Association (CPA) for a third consecutive year to assist the sector during a period of intense regulatory transition.

The CPA confirmed the reappointment during its Spring Lunch on 23rd April.

As the primary organisation for UK construction product manufacturers and suppliers, the CPA works with government officials to develop evidence-based policies and safety solutions.

Turk has supported the association for nearly two decades and possesses extensive experience within the construction sector.

His leadership is intended to help the industry adapt to a more robust regulatory regime and a culture focused on integrity.

The CPA acknowledged his contribution by extending his tenure beyond the standard two-year limit.

Siderise CEO addresses regulatory reform and market challenges

Turk described the current environment as a triple challenge involving a difficult UK market, global uncertainty and a major reform agenda.

He commented on his reappointment: “As the umbrella organisation for the construction products sector, the CPA is highly respected for its contribution.

“It is an honour for me to have been asked to stay as Chair for another year, as the industry faces the triple challenge of a difficult UK market and uncertainty caused by global factors whilst being asked to undertake a significant reform agenda under the Construction Products Regulation and General Safety Requirements proposals.

“I will be doing all I can to ensure a smooth transition through the various obstacles in front of us.”

Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive of the CPA, added: “We are extremely grateful for Adam’s continuing support of our Association and the work we undertake to support this sector.

“His vast industry experience and considerable energy and enthusiasm are priceless as the challenges facing us seem to grow in complexity and severity.”

The association provides economic, technical and sustainability insights to support its members during these changes.

ASFP to launch new technical documents at Fire Safety Event

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassive

New ASFP technical guidance for fire safety professionals

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will launch several new and updated technical documents at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC from 28th to 30th April 2026.

These free documents will be available in hard copy format at Stand G120 with representatives on site to answer questions regarding the content of each Colour Book.

Distribution is limited to 100 copies per publication on a first come first serve basis with a limit of one copy per person.

The Green Book – Fire Door Systems: Guidance on specification, application and management – Volume 1 is a new publication scheduled for launch on 28th April at 11.00am.

This document brings together guidance on the specification and management of fire door systems for residential and mixed-use commercial buildings.

Technical author Hannah Mansell (ASFP Consultant / ADOORABILITY) and technical group chair Damian Ward (Checkmate Fire Solutions) will be the primary representatives on site for queries.

The ASFP Clear Book: Fire-Resistant Glazing covers the design and maintenance of glazed fire resisting systems including internal partitions and external curtain walling.

Inspecting passive fire protection and partition standards

The 2nd Edition of the Guide to Inspecting Passive Fire Protection (PFP) for Fire Risk Assessors contains updated text to assist with inspections under fire safety legislation.

Niall Rowan (ASFP) will launch this edition on 29th April at 11.00am to help assessors verify that PFP supporting means of escape is adequate.

The Purple Book – Fire Resisting Partitions: A guide to internally framed non-load-bearing partitions has been updated to its 3rd Edition.

This version includes references to the removal of BS 476 as a means for satisfying Approved Document B and other statutory guidance documents.

It provides guidance on partitions fitted with services that impose loads such as fire dampers and penetrating services.

Rowan will also lead the launch of this document on 29th April at 1.30pm.

Updated Grey Book volumes for fire and smoke dampers

The ASFP Grey Book Volume 1 focuses on fire dampers in accordance with BS EN 15650 and provides practical advice for manufacturers and installers.

This 3rd Edition is intended to ensure dampers function as intended by current regulations and will launch on 30th April at 12.00pm.

The Grey Book Volume 2 is a new publication covering smoke control dampers in accordance with BS EN 12101-8.

It serves as a guide for designers and inspectors to ensure the use of dampers that have been fire tested for specific applications.

Technical group chair Darren Webster (Fire Safe Duct Work) and technical group convenor Andrew Taylor (ASFP) will be available for technical queries regarding both Grey Book volumes.

The launch events take place next to the Passive Fire Conference stage during the three day exhibition.

Valtteri Tervala elected as new chairman of the CTIF youth commission

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPeople

Meet the new leader taking over the CTIF youth commission

Valtteri Tervala from Finland has been elected as the new chairman of the CTIF International Youth Leader Commission following a meeting held in Bern, Switzerland.

The organisation confirmed the appointment took place during the third weekend of April 2026.

Seventeen countries and 30 delegates participated in the meeting.

Seventeen of the attendees held voting rights during the proceedings.

Tervala will officially start his position as Chair of the International Youth Leader Commission (CTIF) on 1 September 2026.

Experience and leadership in youth inclusion

Tervala described his professional background as a digitally oriented community developer with a focus on service design.

The new chairman previously served as a member of the commission for eight years between 2010 and 2018.

He noted 15 years of experience working in the field of inclusion with children, young people and adults across various organisations.

Tervala said: “I am a digitally oriented community developer with a passion for dialogue and service design.

“I believe in young people and experimental culture.

“My strengths include dialogue, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as exceptional organizational and training abilities.

“I believe that with the combination my skills and experience, I am able to lead the commission in firm and determined way.

“I have extensive experience and expertise in leadership and management in producing and developing various services.

“In addition to that, I have diverse experience in project management, leadership in general, participation, and service design.

“I have been working in the field of inclusion with children, young people, and adults in various organizations for over 15 years.

“I have been a member of the CTIF Youth Leader Commission for over 8 years from 2010 to 2018 and I believe that in co-operation with all the commission members we can create a wide variety of opportunities for young people to grow as an active and safety aware members of society.”

A more thorough report from the meeting in Switzerland is expected to be released on the official website soon.

FireAngel warns of compliance gap in domestic installations

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionIndustry Comment

White Paper highlights institutional oversight while FireAngel identifies a compliance gap

The UK Government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper to address failings in the safety and compliance of products used in the built environment following the Grenfell tragedy.

FireAngel welcomed the publication as a milestone in addressing regulatory gaps and institutional oversight.

The manufacturer asserts that policy reform requires a shift in installation competence to ensure resident safety.

Kate Guy, Business Unit Director at FireAngel, stated that the strategy aims to tackle loopholes that allowed unsafe products to enter the market.

FireAngel identifies compliance gap in Grade D installations

Guy warned that current industry practices frequently overlook the specific complexities of BS 5839-6 which is the British Standard for fire detection in domestic premises.

“Our own knowledge and recent initiatives highlight a significant “compliance gap” in the domestic fire safety sector, specifically regarding the installation of Grade D fire alarm systems.

“While general electrical competence is often assessed, the specifics of BS 5839-6, the British Standard for fire detection and Grade D fire alarm systems in domestic premises, are frequently overlooked.

“This means that the issued electrical certificate of “compliance” may not guarantee the necessary competence required of the electrical contractor.”

Industry shift toward verified competence

FireAngel launched the Pro Installer Network to provide trade professionals with tools to ensure every installation is compliant.

The initiative provides access to CPD training and a third-party verified design service.

It also includes a compliance labelling solution to support the trade ecosystem.

Kate Guy added: “The White Paper’s focus on “raising the bar” for non-compliance and a testing sector that “can be trusted” aligns perfectly with our mission.

“We believe that true safety requires a shift from “tick-box” exercises to a culture of verified competence.

“We must continue to place stakeholder accountability and resident safety at the core of every building.

“We support the government’s commitment to reducing systemic weaknesses to ensure the delivery of high-quality homes.

“Now is the time for the entire industry to embrace transformational cultural shifts and industry-wide reforms so that compliance is never treated as an optional extra.”

The manufacturer remains involved in the conversation regarding building safety regulations to support the delivery of high-quality homes.

Siderise introduces dedicated fire protection for precast concrete facades

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassive

Siderise launches dedicated precast range

Siderise has launched the PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier range, described as the UK’s first commercially available passive fire protection package developed specifically for precast concrete cladding systems.

Siderise said it previously supported precast concrete façade applications with its CW-FS Firestop and reapproached the application in response to demand for these external wall systems.

The new range was developed as a dedicated solution for systems with tight tolerances and limited access.

It was also developed to address difficult interfaces and construction sequencing.

Product design and fire test details

The stone wool Lamella core provides built-in compression and uses a bracket-free fix for narrow voids.

Siderise said this contributes to faster installation times when compared with less compressible barriers.

PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier can also be fitted from above or below the slab.

The company said this supports projects where topside access is restricted or where sequencing requires a different installation route.

Both products are tested to EN 1366-4 and EN 13501-1 standards.

Siderise also cited supplementary fire test evidence for precast concrete panel bracket penetration and end of flexible wall configuration.

The supplementary evidence also covers firestop bracket securement to the underside of the slab edge.

Fire resistance and technical support

The firestopping products PC-FS60 and PC-FS120 offer third-party certified 1 hour and 2 hours of fire resistance respectively.

The cavity barrier PC-CB30 offers 30 minutes.

Siderise said the range is supported by technical services and specification resources.

These include a specification pack with technical information and guidance on joints and complex details such as blade column interfaces and other challenging geometries.