Posts tagged: ASFP

Scottish and London events examine building safety and competence frameworks

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has reported that two recent seminars held in Scotland and London brought together experts from across the built environment to examine fire safety regulation, passive fire protection competence, and legal responsibilities.

The ASFP Scotland Seminar, held on 29 May 2025, focused on policy developments in Scotland following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The ASFP London Seminar, held the same day, addressed legal duties, product reform and national regulatory updates.

Competence and collaboration central to ASFP Scotland Seminar

The ASFP reported that the Scotland Seminar opened with a call for shared responsibility from Sharon McClure, who encouraged collective efforts to improve standards.

Tom Parker of Arup examined structural and systemic weaknesses highlighted by Grenfell, urging coordinated reform across the construction lifecycle.

ASFP’s Head of Technical, Dr Andrew Taylor, presented a lifecycle model aimed at improving passive fire protection competence through design, procurement, installation, and inspection.

BB7’s Dominic Way focused on the need for risk-based design, qualified installers, and suitable systems in the context of evolving construction methods.

Ysella Jago of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition introduced the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, promoting early dispute management in the construction sector.

Dr Stephen Garvin and Scott Young from the Scottish Government outlined Scotland’s legislative response to Grenfell, which they said centres on compliance, accountability and stronger enforcement.

Scotland’s fire safety strategy and enforcement approach

The ASFP stated that Dr Andrew Taylor returned to explain the relationship between Construction Product Regulations and Building Regulations.

He clarified the implications of CE/UKCA marking and evolving requirements, particularly on the supply of passive fire protection products.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Gregg McKearney closed the seminar with a presentation on practical enforcement challenges.

He discussed cladding, evacuation planning, compartmentation and the Golden Thread, urging consistent standards and inter-agency cooperation.

ASFP London Seminar reviews dutyholder roles and reform initiatives

ASFP reported that Neil Hope-Collins opened the London Seminar with an update on the Building Safety Regulator, one year into its role.

He discussed the review of over 2,000 applications for higher-risk buildings and raised concerns about documentation quality and team coordination.

John Heaney from ECD Architects reviewed the responsibilities of Building Regulations Principal Designers, calling for training and clearer role definitions.

Will Pitt of Laing O’Rourke explored barriers at Gateway 2, especially where passive fire protection is introduced too late in the design process.

The company said this delay hinders compliance and prevents early collaboration across teams.

Tim Hillier of Trowers & Hamlins examined legal risks for dutyholders, offering examples of regulatory failures and contractual obligations under the Building Safety Act.

Product safety and conflict avoidance discussions in London

Louise Barr from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities presented the UK government’s Construction Products Reform Green Paper.

She explained that every Grenfell Inquiry recommendation is to be implemented, with implications for manufacturers, specifiers and regulators.

Martin Burns of RICS closed the seminar with a review of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods and their relevance to construction conflicts.

He advocated for wider use of adjudication, mediation and the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, stating that unresolved disputes lead to delays, cost increases and reputational harm.

ASFP Scotland and London seminars address fire safety, regulation and product standards: Summary

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) hosted two seminars on 29 May 2025.

The ASFP Scotland Seminar addressed Scottish Government reforms following the Grenfell Inquiry.

The event included sessions on competence, enforcement, product standards and risk management.

Speakers included Tom Parker of Arup, Dr Andrew Taylor of ASFP, and Gregg McKearney of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The ASFP London Seminar focused on legal duties, regulatory reform and product oversight.

Neil Hope-Collins discussed the work of the Building Safety Regulator.

John Heaney of ECD Architects reviewed the Principal Designer role under SI 2023/911.

Will Pitt, Tim Hillier and Louise Barr addressed Gateway 2, legal responsibilities and product regulation.

Martin Burns of RICS promoted conflict avoidance through ADR.

ASFP said the seminars support cross-sector learning on fire safety.

ASFP receives awards for leadership and partnership in UK fire protection

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has received two honours at the 2025 Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards, as reported by ASFP.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward received the Outstanding Contribution Award, and the Association, along with Milford & Marah, was awarded Best Association / Supplier Partnership.

Mike Ward receives Outstanding Contribution Award

The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the Association’s development.

ASFP stated that the award acknowledged Mike Ward’s role in establishing the Association’s first dedicated office and in building relationships across the fire safety and construction sectors.

It also recognised his support for the Passive Fire Knowledge Group and his efforts to increase member engagement.

Nadine Saxon, ASFP Operations Director, said: “I am thrilled that Mike’s vision, dedication and enthusiasm has been recognised. Mike’s strong and collaborative leadership style, commitment to improving the safety of the built environment and dedication to his team and the ASFP is clear to see.”

ASFP and Milford & Marah awarded for competence development partnership

ASFP and Milford & Marah received the Best Association / Supplier Partnership Award for their work in developing and managing competence benchmarks in passive fire protection.

ASFP reported that the partnership has resulted in the creation of frameworks for competence in design, specification, sales, distribution and installation.

The Association stated that it has also contributed to broader competence efforts across the industry through engagement with the Industry Competence Steering Group and other regulatory bodies.

ASFP added that Milford & Marah has supported its internal understanding of competence and aligned initiatives with its long-term strategy.

Continued impact on UK fire protection standards

According to ASFP, the Association’s work with Milford & Marah has influenced the development of wider industry structures, contributing to competence frameworks beyond its own initiatives.

ASFP stated that the partnership has helped establish the organisation as a reference point for other sector bodies, professional groups and regulators in the built environment.

Nadine Saxon said: “Milford & Marah has played a pivotal role in raising the Association’s profile in this area and developing it into a key player in the development and management of competence.”

Focus on competency benchmarks in passive fire protection

ASFP noted that a major element of its strategy has been the development of clearly defined competency benchmarks within the passive fire protection sector.

The Association stated that work is ongoing to expand these frameworks to additional areas and to provide mechanisms for engagement with the industry.

Saxon said: “We are delighted to have won these two prestigious awards, which clearly recognise the ASFP’s commitment to improving services and increasing our value to our members, while raising competency levels across the construction and passive fire protection sectors.”

ASFP wins two TAF Awards 2025 for leadership and competence development: Summary

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) won two awards at the 2025 Trade Association Forum Awards.

Managing Director Mike Ward received the Outstanding Contribution Award.

This recognised his leadership, growth of the organisation and work to improve engagement and stakeholder collaboration.

The ASFP and Milford & Marah received the Best Association / Supplier Partnership Award.

They were recognised for their work in developing competence benchmarks for roles in passive fire protection.

This includes design, specification, sales, distribution and installation.

The partnership has also contributed to the Industry Competence Steering Group and other national efforts.

ASFP stated that Milford & Marah supported internal competence strategy alignment.

The awards were confirmed and announced by ASFP.

All quotes were provided by ASFP Operations Director Nadine Saxon.

ASFP: A new membership category for component and material producers

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has launched a new membership category aimed at organisations producing components and materials used in the manufacture of passive fire protection products.

According to ASFP, this initiative is designed to engage with producers of key materials and components, providing a platform for collaboration and improvement across the industry.

This category will include producers of chemicals for intumescent and cementitious coatings, fire-resistant compounds, woven fabrics, and fire door components such as smoke seals.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to engage with a significant part of the industry that supplies to ASFP product and system manufacturing members.”

A focus on collaboration and innovation

The ASFP has outlined that this new membership group will encourage collaboration between producers and existing ASFP members.

By participating in ASFP technical groups, events, and meetings, these new members will have the opportunity to contribute to raising standards in passive fire protection.

The feedback from ASFP members, as well as the wider design and construction sectors, is expected to help these producers refine and enhance their offerings.

Mike Ward said: “Together, we can further enhance the quality and performance of passive fire products and systems.”

Exploring sustainability in passive fire protection

The ASFP is also addressing the environmental impact of passive fire materials and products, including their disposal and re-use at the end of their lifecycle.

Ward added: “We are looking at ways to reduce landfill waste during decommissioning and to improve the re-use of passive fire materials – an undeniably complex challenge given the critical performance these materials are designed to achieve.”

This initiative highlights the ASFP’s recognition of the importance of sustainability within the industry while maintaining the high performance required of fire protection materials.

Opportunities for new members to shape the industry

Producers joining this membership category will be encouraged to actively participate in discussions shaping the future of passive fire protection.

This includes contributing to technical research, innovation, and strategies for overcoming sustainability challenges.

The ASFP hopes that these members will leverage their expertise to benefit both the industry and stakeholders.

For more details, visit the ASFP website.

ASFP launches membership category for passive fire protection material producers: Summary

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has introduced a new membership category for producers of components and materials used in passive fire protection products.

This group will include manufacturers of chemicals, fire-resistant compounds, and components such as smoke seals for fire doors.

Members will participate in ASFP technical groups and events, contributing to raising industry standards.

ASFP is also exploring ways to make passive fire products more sustainable, focusing on reducing waste and improving material reuse.

Managing Director Mike Ward emphasised the potential for collaboration between this new group and existing members to enhance product quality and performance.