Fire Protection Association joins Certek Group to strengthen UK fire safety services

by Breaking NewsMergers & AcquisitionsTraining

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has joined Certek Group in a move the organisation says will support future investment in fire safety research, training and testing across the UK.

Certek, an international provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance services, will support the FPA as it develops its fire safety research, training and testing services for clients across the UK.

The FPA said the partnership will help secure the organisation’s future while preserving its independence, technical expertise and public benefit role.

FPA says Certek partnership will support growth

Announcing the development, Gavin Dunn, CEO of the Fire Protection Association, described the move as a “transformational moment” for the organisation.

He said: “Our partnership with Certek secures the organisation’s future while preserving everything that makes the FPA unique. It provides the investment and scale to accelerate innovation, expand our services, and strengthen our role as the UK’s leading fire safety organisation.

“Most importantly, it enables us to continue delivering independent expertise, research, and professional development that supports a safer built environment for generations to come.”

RISCAuthority research programme to continue

The FPA said Certek is committed to protecting the future of RISCAuthority, the annually funded research programme administered by the FPA on behalf of UK insurers.

RISCAuthority aims to raise resilience standards within the business community by providing research, guidance and best practice recommendations for managing fire and security risks.

The programme will continue to develop relationships with insurance partners while supporting the FPA’s wider work on risk management and resilience.

Collaboration with PartB to expand testing capabilities

Joining Certek Group will also enable the FPA to work more closely with other businesses in the group, including PartB, with which it already has a relationship through joint fire resistance testing activities.

The FPA and PartB said they will build on their existing work to create closer collaboration across the businesses, with the aim of developing a more comprehensive fire testing operation and strengthened laboratory capabilities.

Jamie Davis, Group Chief Technical Officer at PartB, said: “The FPA has spent decades leading the industry through research, testing, training, and publication of guidance, and together, our strengths complement one another perfectly.

“By working alongside the FPA, we can help drive higher standards, improve competence across the sector and ultimately have greater impact on public safety than either of us could on our own.

“We’re building something that has the potential to transform the fire safety landscape. We’ll do it carefully, thoughtfully and with a clear focus on maintaining the values, integrity and technical excellence that have made both organisations successful.”

Certek welcomes Fire Protection Association

David Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Certek, said the group was “delighted” to welcome the FPA.

He said: “For over 75 years, the FPA has been the trusted voice of fire safety in the UK, and its reputation for independence, technical excellence, and market-leading research is second to none.

“Our partnership with the FPA will deliver investment into new research and educational projects and also enhanced testing services to better serve client and assessor requirements, all whilst safeguarding the FPA’s vital research into fire safety and the independence, rigour, and commitment to the highest standards that have defined the organisation throughout its history.”

The FPA will continue to provide training and technical services for members and clients from its head office and Training and Education Centre in Oxfordshire, and its Fire Testing Laboratory in Gloucestershire.

Dunn added: “We have secured our future and protected everything that makes this organisation special by maintaining the independence, integrity, and public benefit role that has always defined the FPA.

“With the ability to create opportunities that simply were not available to us before, I genuinely believe today marks the beginning of a very exciting new chapter for the FPA.”

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.

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.

New eighteen-hour NEBOSH award targets workplace risk assessment skills

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetySafetyTraining

Updated syllabus for the NEBOSH award

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) has launched an updated version of its Health and Safety at Work Award to include mental health awareness.

This foundation-level qualification is designed to provide essential skills for identifying common hazards and conducting risk assessments across all industrial sectors.

The refreshed 2026 syllabus provides clearer expectations of learning outcomes and introduces a new section focused on mental ill-health in the workplace.

The course is structured as a bite-sized qualification that participants can complete within three days or eighteen hours of study time.

NEBOSH has aligned the refreshed award with its more advanced certifications to provide a clearer progression path for those pursuing higher-level professional study.

Janet Dawson, NEBOSH Product Development Senior Lead, said: “The NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award is the perfect entry point into the world of health and safety management.

“Learners gain important knowledge to make immediate improvements and reduce incidents.

“What’s more, the assessment is based on the learner’s own workplace so they can add instant value to their organisation during their studies.”

Global availability and professional progression

The qualification is currently available through a global network of learning partners with tuition provided in both English and Arabic.

Previous participants have given the course a 93% recommendation rating according to data released by the examination board.

Akram Ali Khan, an HSE Engineer in Saudi Arabia, used the award as a starting point before completing the NEBOSH General Certificate and Diploma.

Khan said: “I was keen to build a strong foundation in health and safety principles, and I felt this course would help me do that.

“Studying for the Award gave me a clear understanding of key areas such as risk assessment, hazard control and the importance of developing a strong safety culture.”

The assessment for the qualification requires learners to apply their knowledge directly to their own specific work environment.

The Last Word with Kelly Nock: How Xact Consultancy and Training is addressing fire safety skills gaps

by Breaking NewsTraining

Kelly Nock, Director of Xact, discusses how Xact Consultancy and Training is responding to growing competency demands in fire safety

Can you provide an overview of Xact Consultancy and Training?

Xact was founded in 2004 with a mission to provide quality fire safety training, qualifications and apprenticeships which support individuals and stakeholders to maximise their business potential by enhancing their workforce’s competence and skills.

Our offering includes a range of industry recognised and regulated qualifications from level 2 to level 5, targeting a range of fire safety professionals.

As well as bespoke learning opportunities in niche areas of the industry, including hospitals and sports grounds.

Our portfolio offering also includes apprenticeships at Level 3 and 4, providing employers an opportunity to tailor training pathways for their workforce.

How is Xact’s offering meeting the growing demand for competency in the industry?

Post Grenfell, the increased legislative and industry requirement for competency is reflected in the growing service offering Xact provide.

Qualifications and training pathways are now in unprecedented demand, fuelled by the continued shift beyond the traditional competency requirements of fire safety professionals and the need for upskilling across the built environment.

The launch of the Fire Risk Assessment suite of qualifications is just the beginning of Xact’s continued commitment to meeting these expanding training requirements within the industry.

What do Stakeholders tell you is their biggest barrier to learning and how are you addressing this?

Stakeholders report that their biggest barrier to learning is keeping pace with the speed of centrally produced updates.

While they welcome the improvements, many find it challenging to ensure that staff members are continually up to date with legislative updates.

This has highlighted the need for employers and learners to treat professional development as a planned and continuous element of business continuity rather than something reactive.

They also identify ongoing difficulties in recruiting and retaining competent individuals within the fire‑safety sector.

Employers increasingly recognise the importance of engaging potential professionals earlier and developing a sustainable talent pipeline.

To address these challenges, we are promoting apprenticeships as a practical and forward‑looking solution.

Apprenticeships allow employers to use available funding, provide structured learning beyond qualifications and grow talent from within.

This approach supports workforce stability while helping organisations keep pace with evolving standards.

What is the future for Xact Consultancy and Training?

Xact have recently joined the CERTANIA group, an international group working within the TICC environment.

As part of the newly launched UK Buildings and Infrastructure division of which Xact form an integral part of their overarching goal.

Training and development are not a nice to have, it’s fundamental to ensure the entire built environment can continue to expand, upskill and ultimately provide a dedication to the protection of everyday life.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

UL Research Institutes updates search and rescue training course

by Featured NewsSearch and RescueTraining

FRSI training course adds new tactical lessons

UL Research Institutes and its Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) have announced a new version of the free online training course Search and Rescue Tactics in Single-Family Single-Story Residential Structures on the Fire Safety Academy.

The updated training course reflects findings from full-scale burn experiments and adds three tactical considerations to the original Search & Rescue course.

One lesson covers simultaneous exterior and interior suppression operations when crews arrive to a fully developed fire with extension to the exterior and sufficient resources are available.

A second lesson covers local ventilation in compartments remote from the fire area, including pre suppression isolation of the compartment before ventilation.

A third lesson covers hydraulic ventilation immediately after suppression to increase the rate at which combustion gases exhaust from the structure.

New materials for officers and instructors

FSRI said the updated course also includes ready-to-use materials for training officers and instructors.

These include five scenario based drill sheets designed to reinforce decision making and coordination across search scenarios and victim removal.

The updated materials also include time-to-task sheets to track how long crews take to complete actions such as forcing entry, a single-room search and drag-and-carry.

Discussion guides have also been added to support post-drill or informal conversation intended to reinforce learning and improve retention.

Meghan Maloney, manager of education and training for the Fire Safety Research Institute, said: “The re-launch of this course builds on years of research and ongoing collaboration with the fire service to meet their training needs.

“On the fireground, every decision and every minute matters, and our free training helps firefighters at all levels be better prepared to make smarter, safer decisions that influence occupant survivability and firefighter safety.”

The course states that firefighters who complete it will learn how isolation and ventilation affect occupant survivability and firefighter safety, how the timing of suppression actions affects search and rescue operations, and how removal tactics and timing may influence survivability.

The Fire Safety Academy also provides free self-paced training on topics including fire dynamics, firefighting tactics, firefighter health, lithium-ion batteries and WUI fires.

The updated course adds new lessons and training materials to the existing search and rescue programme.

BESA’s new competence toolkit targets Building Safety Act compliance

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

Competence guidance under the Building Safety Act

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published a free guide setting out how employers can demonstrate competence under the Building Safety Act and show compliance to the Building Safety Regulator.

BESA said the document, titled Demonstrating Competence under the Building Safety Act, is the latest in its series of practical guides for the building services industry.

The guide is intended to help employers meet legislative competence requirements in professions where formal qualifications or full competence frameworks are still absent.

It explains how individuals and organisations can understand, evidence and apply the principles of Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours that define competence.

BESA sets out competence as part of a wider risk management process that is governed and reviewed through each stage of project delivery.

The guidance includes evidence of how work is allocated on the basis of demonstrable competence.

It also covers how competence is monitored and reviewed and how gaps should be addressed when they are identified.

The document outlines a proportionate competence management system based on the SKEB model developed by BESA.

Competence evidence and compliance pathway

BESA said the advice is aligned with work being carried out by the Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) and the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).

The guide states that construction-related professions are still expected to show the Building Safety Regulator that people carrying out safety-critical tasks are competent for those specific tasks.

That requirement applies even where sector frameworks are still incomplete.

BESA said the guidance was produced in response to requests across the sector for clearer information about what competence is, what good practice looks like and how it can be evidenced to regulators and clients.

The guidance is divided into ten sections.

These sections cover defining competence, using assessment and evidence to satisfy the Regulator, addressing competence in supply chains and linking to other tools and standards.

BESA’s director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson said: “Employers have always been liable for ensuring the right competence is in the right roles at the right time.

“However, the Regulator has now tightened the alignment between legislation and the Building Regulations to explicitly impose competence requirements on both individuals and organisations.

“This gives more clarity and oversight around how competence is defined, demonstrated and governed – and our new guide shows employers how to comply.”

Davidson added that competence should not be regarded as “a tick box exercise” and described it as a continuous management discipline combining technical rigour with behaviour to achieve compliance.

She said: “Many employers in this industry already have good systems in place and employ excellent people keen to do a good job.

“They don’t need to wait for the various industry committees to finish their work on formal competence frameworks.

“Our guide provides a method for establishing or verifying a system you can defend in the face of Regulator scrutiny now.”

The guide is available as a free download.

UAE rescue facility to deliver helicopter emergency simulation training

by Featured NewsMENA - Featured NewsSearch and RescueTraining

Rescue training centre planned for UAE operations

A new Security and Rescue Training Center (SRTC) is set to be built in the United Arab Emirates, with completion scheduled for the first half of 2028.

Sahra Group announced the project, which will be developed in partnership with AMST Group to deliver mission-based training for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, law enforcement and commercial operators.

The facility is intended to operate as a regional training hub, supporting helicopter emergency response, water rescue and disaster response scenarios using simulated environments.

It will combine helicopter hoist systems, rappelling towers, Helicopter Underwater Egress Trainers (HUET) and maritime vessel simulators within a single commercial training site.

The centre will also include helicopter simulators mounted on cranes, alongside water pools and vessel simulators designed to replicate real-world operational conditions.

Training environments will incorporate darkness, rotor downwash and high noise levels to reflect operational pressures faced during emergency response.

Simulation systems designed to replicate high risk rescue scenarios

Sahra Group stated that the facility will support 24 hour training across multiple disciplines, with capacity for up to 4,500 personnel annually from sectors including civil defence, fire services and military operations.

The project represents an investment of AED 180 million (USD 50 million) and is designed to reduce reliance on live helicopter training, which can cost up to USD 10,000 per hour.

Synthetic training is expected to allow trainees to gain up to ten times more experience compared to live helicopter operations under controlled conditions.

The simulation systems are also expected to reduce CO₂ emissions per hour by over 99% compared to real helicopter use.

Jamal Alkaf, CEO at Sahra Group, said: “This facility represents a significant investment in the future of mission-critical training and positions the UAE at the forefront of global capability development.

“As the first facility of its kind, it brings together advanced simulation, integrated environments, and full-spectrum training in a way that simply does not exist today.

“Beyond its immediate impact, the SRTC is designed as a scalable platform for growth – capable of expanding its training offerings, technologies, and international partnerships over time.

“Our vision is not only to set a new benchmark for operational readiness, but to establish a global center of excellence that will attract organizations from across the region and around the world seeking the highest standards in safety, sustainability, performance, and efficiency.”

Wolfgang Lindlbauer, Senior Business Development Manager at AMST Group, added: “In every rescue, operation or critical response, the margin for error is measured in seconds – and in lives.

“This new facility will eliminate uncertainty by recreating the most demanding real-world conditions in a controlled, repeatable environment.

“Here, teams will master intense and hazardous scenarios, from complex helicopter hoist operations to high-risk water rescues and rapid deployment techniques.

“It will enable key personnel to build instinct, precision, and confidence to take forward into the field.

“The training starts with the basics and ends with the trainee completing mission simulation, very similar to reality.

“By combining advanced simulation with mission-based training, we are making world-class preparation safer, more accessible, and more cost-effective, ensuring that every crew member, responder, and operator is equipped to perform when it matters most.”

The centre is also expected to support helicopter-assisted industrial operations, including maintenance work on infrastructure such as power lines, wind turbines and offshore installations.

New Fire Risk Assessment qualifications announced by IFE

by EventsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Fire risk assessment qualifications announced

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.

Bookings for the October 2026 session open on 1 June 2026.

LearnPro Group acquires RiVR training products and specialist team

by Featured NewsMergers & AcquisitionsTraining

LearnPro Group adds RiVR products and staff

LearnPro Group has acquired immersive training products and technologies from RiVR, adding new virtual reality and video-based learning tools across emergency services, healthcare, defence, industrial and other safety critical sectors.

LearnPro Group announced that the deal includes RiVR Link, described as a Classroom in a Box video-based training solution, alongside RiVR Fire Investigate and RiVR Crime Scene Investigate.

A team of nine specialists responsible for developing and operating the products has joined LearnPro Group as part of the acquisition.

The team is led by Bradley Woodward and will continue to work from its existing site in Southam, Warwickshire, within LearnPro Group’s global business operations.

LearnPro Group expands immersive training range

The acquisition adds the RiVR platform to LearnPro Group’s XVR simulation suite and broadens the group’s scenario-based learning offer.

RiVR’s technologies are used across the UK, North America, Asia and Australasia.

The products combine video with virtual reality and augmented reality environments built from real world burns, crime scenes and high risk scenarios.

The material states that these environments allow learners to practise decision making, evidence gathering and operational procedures in controlled settings.

RiVR Link is described as a tool that allows users to build video-based learning in an agile way.

Leaders outline the deal

LearnPro Group CEO Costi Karayannis said: “RiVR has earned a reputation for producing exciting immersive training tools and content to support a range of use cases across emergency, health, public and other high-risk settings.

“By bringing these innovations into LearnPro Group, we’re accelerating our mission to provide the most advanced, flexible, and impactful learning ecosystem available today.”

RiVR’s Bradley Friend Woodward added: “Joining LearnPro Group allows us to take the technologies we’ve built to the next level.

“This partnership gives our team the resources, reach, and strategic alignment we need to accelerate innovation and deliver even greater value to customers.

“It’s an exciting next step.”

The deal was supported by Elucid Partners’ Paul Turner and James Barraclough, who acted as sell-side corporate finance advisers to RiVR.