A £70 million funding package has been announced to address shortages in building safety professions and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Samantha Dixon MBE MP published the announcement on 26 March 2026.
The funding is set to increase the number of Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) by up to 700, including inspectors at Class 3H level who can inspect High-Risk Buildings.
It also includes funding to increase the number of fire engineers and expand the availability of Fire Engineering education.
The announcement states that shortages in building control and fire engineering are limiting housing supply and were highlighted as an area of concern in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
The three-year programme responds to recommendations from the House of Lords regulatory committee for the government to increase capacity in building control and fire engineering.
It also follows points raised by the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel and responses to the Building Control Independent Panel’s call for evidence on the need for suitably qualified and trained professionals.
How the funding will be allocated
The funding is split between Building Control, which will receive £55 million, and Fire Engineering, which will receive £15 million.
For Building Control, the funding will support local authorities’ building control teams in England to recruit new RBIs and train them to the required Class 2 standard.
It will also support local authorities’ building control teams in England to upskill existing RBIs, with many trained to the standard required to inspect High-Risk Buildings at Class 3H.
Further funding is intended for the training of new entrants in Registered Building Control Approvers and local authorities.
For Fire Engineering, the funding will support higher education provision through postgraduate bursaries as well as research and academic development.
Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “We’re boosting the building safety workforce to get more skilled building inspectors and fire engineers into the system quickly to keep people safe and unlock the new homes this country needs.
“This is a vital step in building 1.5 million safe homes and ensuring we continue to deliver on lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.”
The mechanisms for applying for the funds are under development and more information will be published in the coming months.
A new Fire Risk Assessment qualification suite will launch through The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) in its October 2026 exam session.
The IFE said the qualifications were developed in response to the UK government’s framework for the assessment of Fire Risk Assessor competency and align with BS 8674:2025.
The suite includes the Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment and the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment.
It also includes the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment for professionals working in complex environments.
Successful candidates on the Level 3 and Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment will gain access to the IFE’s Fire Risk Register.
Those candidates will also meet the academic requirements for the Technician (TIFireE) membership grade.
Fire Safety Event details and qualification pathway
The IFE will formally announce the qualifications at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC, Birmingham from 28 – 30 April.
Delegates can meet the IFE team on stand 4/A90 for more information about the qualifications.
Day 2 of the show will feature IFE Chief Executive Steve Hamm and IFE Member and Education Services Director Jo Tedd in the compliance theatre.
The session will cover professional standards and how the qualifications support the next phase of regulatory change.
Hamm said: “Our new fire risk assessment qualifications have been carefully developed by the IFE and our team of fire risk assessment and fire safety specialists from across the private and public sectors.
“These qualifications launch at a critical time and support the BS 8674 tiered framework – Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced – ensuring assessors demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to meet nationally recognised competency benchmarks.
“The qualifications form the latest addition to the IFE’s online exam suite which has been developed over the past two years.
“This forward-thinking approach ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them.
“By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient, equitable, and future-ready.”
October bookings open from June
According to David Escudier, Chair of the IFE’s Education Panel, the new exams provide a defined route for individual development and the wider profession.
Escudier added: “Clear, recognised qualifications are essential for maintaining trust and raising standards across the sector.
“The IFE’s new Fire Risk Assessment exams provide a much-needed pathway that supports both individual development and the wider profession.”
IFE exams use a self-study delivery model, allowing candidates to progress at their own pace alongside existing roles and responsibilities.
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is marking the first anniversary of its Elevate webinar series, which launched in April 2025 and has recorded more than 6,000 ticket bookings.
Hosted online by the IFE Early Careers Networking Group (ECNG), the free educational series features guest speakers from across the fire sector and runs in 60-minute sessions.
The IFE said the programme was introduced to support future fire safety professionals through fundamental continuing professional development on a range of topics.
Steve Hamm, CEO of the IFE, said: “It has been a real pleasure to see just how popular our webinar series has become.
“CPD is a crucial aspect of retaining and acquiring knowledge in fire engineering.
“Fire engineering is not a static vocation; it is a discipline that demands continuous learning, innovation and adaptability.
“This series is designed to empower and support the next generation of fire engineering talent, guiding you through the technical knowledge and practical applications that underpin effective fire safety.”
Next Elevate sessions open for booking
Dean Morris, chair of the IFE’s Early Careers Networking Group, added: “Fire safety is not a one-size-fits-all; it requires a complex skill set paired with constant growth, and this was the catalyst for the Elevate series.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved so far with the webinar series.
“It aims to bridge the skills gap within the fire sector and promote a culture of CPD.”
Tickets for the next quarter of sessions cover ethics in the industry, fire safety in schools and atrium design.
Bookings for the 2026 second quarter sessions from April to June are open, and the IFE said organisations can use the programme as part of their ongoing training.
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has outlined progress on its Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) work over the past year, including changes to communications, feedback processes, branch support and progression routes.
The IFE said inclusive language and accessibility checks are now part of its communications and policy sign-off processes.
The institution said teams now use a checklist to support consistent decisions in these areas.
Feedback routes are also being included where possible so members can say what is working and what needs improvement.
A more structured feedback system is being used to measure engagement and satisfaction.
The IFE said this is intended to give it a stronger evidence base for decision-making and to keep member views part of its priorities.
Branch leaders have also been given guidance, presentations and tools to help apply EEDI principles in local activity.
The institution said support for members returning to the profession has also been identified as an area for future work.
EEDI work on standards and progression
The IFE also said work is underway to reinforce a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour through stronger policies and clearer reporting routes, including anonymous reporting.
Guidance and educational content for employers has also been developed to explain what zero tolerance looks like in practice and how it can be applied within organisations.
Exam-based progression routes are being reviewed and modernised with sector partners.
The institution said this work is intended to align progression more closely with real roles and responsibilities across fire and rescue services.
The IFE is also using the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity and Inclusion Progression Framework internally to review progress, identify areas for improvement and benchmark its approach over time.
It said this will sit alongside periodic member feedback and regular updates through its communications.
The update sets out how the IFE plans to keep member feedback central as this work continues.
First graduates complete HVAC data centre training
The first cohort of technicians has graduated from the HVAC Data Center Apprentice JCI Academy following a training programme at Lincoln Tech’s Denver campus.
Johnson Controls (JCI) announced the completion of the inaugural class on 13 February 2026.
This workforce development initiative provides a six-week course focused on the technical requirements of cooling systems in data centre facilities.
Students participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training with chiller equipment similar to systems found in operational environments.
The curriculum includes electrical and HVAC fundamentals along with safety procedures and preventative maintenance.
Graduates enter the workforce with experience specifically aligned to JCI equipment and operational practices.
Addressing technical workforce shortages in digital infrastructure
JCI established the academy in 2023 to create a structured pathway into technical careers within its service network.
The company covers tuition costs and provides accommodation alongside relocation support for graduates.
Approximately 300 technicians will be onboarded each year through these academy programmes to meet rising demand.
Industry forecasts indicate the United States could face a shortage of 1.4 million skilled trades workers by 2030.
Alison Neuman, workforce development programme manager at JCI, said: “Today’s data centers require a new generation of technicians trained on advanced, energy-efficient systems.
“Through the Johnson Controls Academy, graduates gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge cooling technologies that are designed to reduce energy consumption, conserve water and operate more efficiently.
“That’s good for our customers, communities and our future.”
The company plans sustained investment in training that combines technical and safety instruction as digital infrastructure grows in complexity.
Additional cohorts are expected to enter the workforce as demand for skilled technicians continues to rise across the data centre sector.
Andrew Cowan, Senior Engineer at Jensen Hughes, explains what Qmax means in the context of BS EN 12845
In fire protection engineering, automatic sprinkler systems are fundamental to safeguarding both life and property. Their effectiveness stems from their ability to detect and control fires rapidly, containing fire growth until emergency responders arrive. To achieve this, two design factors are essential: water density and duration of discharge.
Water density is the volume of water applied to a given area, usually measured in millimetres per minute (mm/min) or litres per minute per square metre (l/min/m²) in the UK. It ensures sufficient water reaches the fire to absorb the heat, cool burning materials and prevent spread. If the density is too low, the water may evaporate before suppressing the fire, reducing the system’s effectiveness.
Equally important is the discharge duration – the length of time the system must maintain adequate flow. This ensures the fire remains under control until it is fully extinguished, either by the fire service or in a controlled burn-out. Insufficient duration risks re-ignition or uncontrolled spread after initial suppression.
Both density and duration are set out in BS EN 12845, the European standard for the design, installation and maintenance of fixed sprinkler systems. Within its hydraulic design requirements, one concept stands out: Qmax, the maximum water flow rate a system must deliver under the most favourable hydraulic conditions. Understanding Qmax is key to sizing an adequate stored water volume.
Methods of hydraulic calculation
To ensure reliable sprinkler performance, designers must conduct hydraulic calculations to confirm that the pipe network can deliver adequate flow and pressure to operating sprinklers. Under BS EN 12845, two calculation methods are permitted:
Pre-calculated Method: This method is a solution where the pipework diameters are sized as per tables within BS EN 12845 up until a defined point on the sprinkler array. This is known as a design point. The pipe diameters from the design point back to the Installation Control Valve (ICV) are calculated to ensure the total pressure loss does not exceed 0.5 bar, except where static pressure, between the height of the highest sprinkler on the system and the design point in question can be accounted for. The pressure and flow requirements to be provided to the ICV are prescribed in the standard for the specific risk.
Full Hydraulic Calculation Method: This method is required for high-hazard systems but also used where customised pipe sizing or water supplies are needed. The full calculation method requires designers to evaluate two operating scenarios:
Most hydraulically unfavourable area: Usually farthest from the water supply, where maintaining pressure and flow is most difficult.
Most hydraulically favourable area: Typically closest to the supply, where conditions are least demanding.
Factors considered
To establish pressure and flow requirements, the calculation must consider:
Pipe lengths/types and diameters
Elevation differences between sprinklers and the pump or tank
Friction losses in pipes, fittings and valves
Hazard classification density requirements
Application area
Minimum sprinkler operating pressure
Assumed Maximum Area of Operation (AMAO)
A critical element of hydraulic design is determining the Assumed Maximum Area of Operation (AMAO), which specifies the maximum number of sprinklers likely to operate during a fire. This value depends on the hazard classification and whether the system is wet or dry.
For instance, an Ordinary Hazard Group 3 wet system requires an operating area of 216 m², while the same occupancy with a dry valve necessitates a larger AMAO of 270 m². Designers should consult BS EN 12845 to confirm the correct AMAO for each scenario.
By defining the AMAO, designers ensure the system can handle the worst-case conditions for the specified hazard class. This area is used to model realistic fire scenarios and to correctly size pumps, pipework and water storage.
Tailored design based on actual fire compartment areas
Every fire protection project is unique and should be assessed according to its specific risk profile. While the AMAO provides a standard design reference, actual fire compartment sizes can be used if they are smaller and meet the required fire resistance for the hazard class.
This approach allows for a customised design, optimising sprinkler water demand, pump requirements and tank capacity. By basing calculations on the actual protected area rather than a generic maximum, designers can improve system efficiency without compromising compliance, provided the correct compartment fire resistance is maintained.
Fire pump curve and system demand
After identifying the most favourable and unfavourable demand points, the designer selects an appropriate fire pump that can satisfy both scenarios. This selection process involves analysing the pump curve, which graphically represents the relationship between pressure and flow for a specific pump.
An example of the pump curve and system demand points is illustrated below
The graph illustrates four key lines.
Black Line – 1: The system demand is derived from the pressure-flow relationship of the most favourable area of operation. It is drawn using a hydraulic quadratic formula. This equation helps draw a curve that simulates how the system responds when only the closest sprinklers operate. Since these require less pressure to achieve the required flow, this becomes a conservative estimate for maximum system capacity.
Orange Line – 2: The true pump performance curve. This line shows how the pump’s pressure output decreases as flow increases. Under BS EN 12845, the pump must provide at least 0.5 bar more pressure than what is needed at the most unfavourable point to accommodate design changes during installation.
Green Line – 3: This represents the pump curve plus static pressure. The static pressure comes from the height of water in the storage tank, which contributes additional force through gravity. It essentially reflects the total available pressure at the pump outlet, combining pump energy and gravitational pressure.
Blue Line – 4: This is the Qmax line.
Qmax
Once the system demand curve (Black Line – 1) intersects with the pump plus static pressure curve (Green Line – 3), the intersection point projects vertically to the x-axis. This vertical projection is known as Qmax – the maximum theoretical flow the system could deliver under the most favourable conditions.
In practical terms, Qmax represents the maximum flow demand the fire protection system must be able to supply. It reflects the worst-case scenario of flow in a sprinkler activation and forms the basis for water storage sizing.
Sizing the sprinkler tank
After Qmax is determined, the next step is to size the water storage tank. The volume of water required depends on both Qmax and the required duration of sprinkler operation, which again depends on the hazard class.
The designer would then coordinate with a sprinkler tank manufacturer to select a tank with an effective capacity that meets or exceeds this volume.
Conclusion
Understanding and calculating Qmax is a critical step in the hydraulic design of sprinkler systems governed by codes like BS EN 12845. By accurately determining Qmax, designers ensure that the system is capable of meeting the most demanding suppression scenarios.
Whether you’re a fire protection engineer, designer or building services consultant, understanding the principles behind Qmax gives you an understanding of how a sprinkler tank is sized.
At Jensen Hughes, our fire protection engineers apply these principles to various projects, supporting compliant and efficient sprinkler system designs tailored to each facility’s specific risk profile and operational requirements
FFE Ltd, a specialist manufacturer of fire detection solutions, has announced that Fireray One beam smoke detector and Fireray Hub Reflective have achieved FM Approval, supporting specification and use across the USA, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Australia and New Zealand.
Large-volume environments can present challenging detection conditions, where smoke may dilute, stratify or drift with airflows. FM Approval provides added confidence for stakeholders specifying fire detection solutions for applications where reliability, compliance and continuity of operation matter.
Fireray One is designed for beam smoke detection in large open areas, providing long-distance coverage suited to high-ceiling environments. Fireray Hub Reflective complements Fireray One by combining the same beam detection capability with a low-level controller, enabling a more system-based approach to installation and oversight, and supporting up to three detector heads from a single control point, helping simplify commissioning, verification and ongoing maintenance.
FM Approval an ‘important milestone’ for FFE
“FM Approval is an important milestone for Fireray One and Fireray Hub Reflective,” said Luke Brittany, Product Manager, Fireray Product Range, FFE Ltd. “It gives specifiers and project teams added confidence when selecting an approved beam detection solution for large, open areas, supporting reliable performance and clearer system oversight.”
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is taking part in National Careers Week from 2 to 7 March 2026.
The IFE said it is using the week to promote the range of roles available across the fire sector.
The campaign includes a series of interviews with members sharing career journeys, insights and guidance for people considering the profession.
The IFE has also produced job packs that set out career pathways across the fire sector, including fire response and compliance, design, systems, safety management and academia.
Resources and CEO comments
The IFE said the job packs are intended to provide practical information on the breadth of opportunities available in the profession.
Steve Hamm, IFE CEO, said: “Fire safety is far from a one-size-only career.
“We need to encourage future generations to pursue their goals and careers that they desire.
“The IFE supports and nurtures all future talent.
“Fire safety careers play a vital part in building safety and the creation of safe, sustainable places for people to work, live and go about their lives.”
The IFE said it provides learning, recognition and networking opportunities through its Elevate webinars and annual Graduate Lecture.
The organisation said it will share updates during the week on LinkedIn.
Pentre Awel is the first development of its scope and size in Wales and one of the highest-valued schemes Carmarthenshire County Council has undertaken. This £84 million project covers 83 acres and has created an estimated 1,800 jobs.
The scheme provides medical research and health care, encouraging individuals to lead active lifestyles. Pentre Awel also includes integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities and hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years.
As the chosen passive fire protection system manufacturer, Quelfire worked alongside the main contractor, Bouygues Construction Ltd and all the relevant parties to deliver this project.
The main objective was to incorporate an early engagement approach to design and build Pentre Awel around the tested details available, creating safe and compliant buildings.
Challenges of the project
As this was one of Bouygues UK’s first early engagement projects utilising a new approach and systems, the initial cooperation of relevant parties proved to be the main challenge.
This later led to the coordination of service spacings being problematic due to the large number of services used on the project, steel beams and restricted space available.
Solutions to the issue
Bouygues UK’s initiative to implement a new system called Morta ensured Bouygues completed work in line with the Building Safety Act and built the Golden Thread of Information to hand over to the building owner on completion of the project. It also guaranteed they met Building Regulation 38 requirements.
The Morta system ensured that all service penetrations were covered. If critical information was not provided, the schedule would go back to the responsible person to collate and send over.
The idea of a clear ‘Builder’s Work in Connection’ (BWIC) opening schedule is to make sure all parties work together, take responsibility, and understand what is required.
To provide the most relevant firestopping tested solutions from Quelfire’s extensive library, Quelfire required a detailed schedule with specific information about the project’s service penetration applications.
This included information about the wall or floor construction, the required fire rating, and the dimensions of structural openings.
Additionally, they needed to know if the application involved a head-of-wall scenario, whether any movement was required, and details about the services – such as their type, material, size, and any insulation requirements, including thickness.
However, receiving the information and getting everyone on the same page proved to be quite challenging as, for many, this was a brand-new approach to building construction. Luckily, Pentre Awel discussions began in 2022, leading to the first early engagement meeting in January 2023.
After this, Quelfire had regular project meetings and workshops to discuss the firestopping package, BWIC openings and any non-standard details. This ensured all parties were on the same page and could provide the correct information, minimising confusion.
Senior BIM Coordinator, Bouygues, Tom Marsh’s statement
Tom Marsh, Senior BIM Coordinator at Bouygues, stated: “Quelfire have been very proactive in supporting our Golden Thread initiative via our Information Management platforms.
They have also provided a lot of technical insight which we have used to improve on Pentre Awel processes, as well as other projects moving forward.”
Design Manager, Bouygues, Matthew John’s statement
Matthew John, Design Manager at Bouygues, said: “Quelfire’s Technical Manager, Alec, has supported the Pentre Awel design team throughout the detailed design stage, giving pragmatic guidance on tested passive fire stopping solutions.
“This support has been invaluable in assisting Bouygues in delivering our Golden Thread builders work approval process.”
Quelfire provide technical solutions to Wales health and research hub: Summary
Pentre Awel is the first development of its size in Wales and it hopes to boost the local economy by £467 million over the next 15 years. Quelfire worked alongside Bouygues Construction Ltd to complete the project.
Bouygues Design Manager said that the support and advice from Quelfire has been invaluable.
ServiceTrade data shows fire protection inspection work remains motivating while communication failures shape productivity and retention
Fire protection technicians describe a profession defined by skilled work, technical responsibility and operational systems that influence how inspections are planned, delivered and documented, according to the ServiceTrade 2026 Technician Insights Report, which surveyed 823 technicians, most working in fire protection and life safety.
Skilled work and life safety purpose shape technician identity
Pride in skilled work was cited by 55% of technicians as a primary source of job satisfaction.
Solving real problems was cited by 51% of respondents.
Working with their hands was also cited by 51% of technicians.
Helping customers was cited by 49% of fire protection technicians, reflecting the connection between inspection work and occupant safety.
These responses place technical competence and system reliability at the centre of technician experience.
Information flow and scheduling define inspection efficiency
Miscommunication with office teams was cited by 45% of technicians as a regular source of delay.
Scheduling disruption was cited by 44% of respondents.
Missing parts and incomplete work order information were identified as barriers to completing inspection work.
Access to system history was cited by 30% of technicians as a factor shaping daily efficiency.
Inspection work is therefore closely linked to the availability and accuracy of information before arriving on site.
Career visibility shapes retention decisions
Career advancement opportunities were cited by 49% of technicians as the strongest influence on long-term retention.
Recognition and appreciation were cited by 34% of respondents.
Fair pay and predictable raises were cited by 46% of technicians as necessary to support performance.
Respect and trust were cited by 43% of respondents.
Communication from office teams was cited by 34% of technicians as essential to carrying out work effectively.
These responses link retention directly to organisational structure and long-term career visibility.
Digital reporting systems are now embedded in inspection workflows
Using mobile apps and digital tools was cited by 55% of technicians as an increasingly important skill.
Learning new technology quickly was cited by 49% of respondents.
Documentation accuracy and reporting were cited by 36% of technicians.
Understanding system data and service history was cited by 32% of respondents.
Digital inspection reporting and asset data systems now form part of daily service work.
Artificial intelligence begins to appear in technician workflows
Seven percent of fire protection technicians reported using artificial intelligence regularly for work.
Twenty-five percent of respondents reported interest in using artificial intelligence in the future.
Technicians using artificial intelligence reported applications in documentation and troubleshooting.
Artificial intelligence appears in technician workflows primarily through reporting and information support.
Workforce entry linked to awareness and career structure
Twenty-four percent of technicians identified lack of promotion of trade careers in schools as the primary barrier to entry.
Higher starting pay was cited by 53% of respondents as the factor most likely to attract new technicians.
Clear career paths were cited by 36% of technicians.
These responses connect workforce entry directly to career visibility and long-term progression.
Inspection work shaped by organisational systems and technical responsibility
The report positions coordination, communication and career structure as the defining factors shaping technician experience.
The findings describe a workforce committed to technical work while navigating operational systems that shape how inspections are planned, delivered and documented.
CEO comments on technician productivity and technology
William Chaney, CEO of ServiceTrade, said: “Attracting and retaining skilled technicians remains a top challenge for contractors.
“Contractors can address the challenge by adopting technology that removes day-to-day friction and increases productivity for every member of the team.”
Chaney added: “Technicians are open to technology, including AI, as long as it makes their jobs easier.
“When technology adds work instead of removing it becomes part of the problem.”
