Zoe Cutts joins Workman team amid rising Building Safety Act client demand

by Featured NewsPeopleSafety

Building safety team appointment

Workman has appointed Zoe Cutts as Senior CDM and Building Safety Consultant as it responds to increasing client demand for construction design and management expertise.

The firm announced that Cutts has joined its Building Safety team, which it said has grown to six specialists in the past year following growth in portfolio instructions with major clients.

The team has secured CDM Principal Designer and client advisory instructions, along with Building Safety Act advisory work and Building Safety Case Report instructions.

Cutts has a professional background in health and safety and design risk management.

She has experience acting as CDM Principal Designer and CDM Advisor across commercial and residential projects.

Workman said her knowledge of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 will support clients in fulfilling legal duties while reducing hazards and Health and Safety Executive intervention.

Scope of CDM work

Cutts will lead as CDM Principal Designer, co-ordinating design risk management and supporting designers and contractors to eliminate, reduce and control risks through project lifecycles.

Her work will cover the design phase through to construction, managing design risks and high-risk activities to lower residual risks on projects.

Amy Farr, Workman’s Head of Building Safety and Construction Compliance, said: “We’re seeing sustained demand from clients, particularly those managing large portfolios, who need clear, practical guidance on their obligations under CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act.

“We’ve won major instructions from institutional clients who need support providing assets that are safe and allow their tenants to feel secure.

“Zoe strengthens our ability to deliver that assurance across increasingly complex projects.

“Her focus on eliminating risks early in the design process helps clients avoid delays, and creates safer outcomes for everyone involved.”

Building Safety Act work and regulator engagement

The appointment follows the introduction of the Building Safety Act, Workman said.

The firm said it has achieved one Building Assessment Certificate and one Gateway 2 approval with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), alongside dialogue with BSR representatives on applications.

Workman said team members have also taken part in panel discussions and podcasts with organisations including the BSR and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Built environment competence hub officially launches for industry professionals

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured News

Built environment professionals gain access to a new competence hub

The Built Environment Competence Hub officially launched on 19th January to provide industry professionals with immediate access to competence frameworks and standards.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) confirmed the British Standards Institution (BSI) is managing the resource in collaboration with the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).

The ICSG operates as a formal working group of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC).

The ICC is a statutory committee under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

This committee delivers competence-related functions specified within the Building Safety Act 2022.

The steering group was established to enable culture change across the built environment in relation to competency.

Resources and sector accessibility

The FPA stated that practical resources and insights from the BSI and the ICSG are now provided through the platform.

The platform aims to simplify the competence sector by making information accessible in a centralised space.

Knowledge and resources are tailored to specific industry roles and sectors following the live launch.

The system provides a cross-industry view of how roles and duty holders connect.

Eligible participants include those in design, construction and the manufacture of construction products.

Building management, trade bodies, education providers and regulators are also invited to join.

Registered users have access to newsletters, webinars, events and case studies.

The hub allows for direct engagement with industry voices within an active community – with newsletters, webinars, events and case studies – to support professional development.

Professionals can now access the full suite of resources and registration options through the official BSI website at https://competence.bsigroup.com/

BESA research flags SME barriers in building safety regime compliance

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

Building safety regime compliance concerns raised at London Build Expo

Speakers at a panel session at London Build Expo at Olympia in London called for clearer communications and more consistent enforcement to support compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) set out the panel’s headline points in a comment article informed by its new research.

BESA director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson told the event that 88% of industry professionals were aware of the Act.

Davidson said: “This is critical because those companies are the lifeblood of the industry,”

“There are also a lot of people who still think the legislation only applies to HRBs (higher risk buildings).”

The association’s second annual survey also reported that many clients were continuing with “business as usual” and still prioritising cost and speed over safety.

Davidson said: “A lot of this comes back to leadership and culture,”

“78% of companies tell us that this is important to them but fewer than half report having taken enough action.”

Communication, training and reaching smaller firms

The comment article also highlighted discussion about how to reach SMEs and micro-businesses, which it described as making up 99% of the construction sector and related professions.

Fellow panellist Hannah Carpenter from the Building Safety Wiki said: “We need to be innovative about how we communicate and appeal to personal values because that is going to be more effective than continually talking about regulation,”

“But getting 2.6 million people to pull in the same direction is a huge challenge.

“We need to ask people why we are doing this [which is] to keep people safe and make sure the Grenfell tragedy cannot happen again.

“That means talking about ‘purpose’…people should want to make a difference.

“This can’t just be about ticking boxes.”

Carpenter called for greater use of “non-traditional communication routes” and partnering with organisations like HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which she said already had strong connections to individuals and small construction businesses.

The discussion also referenced a claim that the industry has an average reading age of 11.

Enforcement expectations and regulator process

BESA’s comment article reported that Davidson said building engineering contractors were increasingly calling for clear and consistent enforcement, linking this to client behaviour.

Davidson said: “unless there are consequences, clients will continue to think compliance is optional”.

Davidson added: “what good looks like”

“It is also important to reassure people that they don’t need to know or understand everything about the Act – they should focus on the parts they can control and their specific roles and responsibilities.”

Hertfordshire Building Control CEO Gary Cass said the team running the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) had made progress reducing the backlog at Gateway Two for HRBs, with average submission time stated as 17 weeks compared with 38 earlier in the year.

Cass said the BSR had been “very honest” about its failings and was moving in a more positive direction, with success depending on closer collaboration with industry.

“However, the industry needs more education about the Building Regulations,” he said.

“People need to be looking at compliance and focus on what is required in the regulations not guidance.

“Building Control Officers (BCOs) are regulators first and foremost but the industry used to rely on them to guide them through the process…and now it needs to be educated [about how the new process works].”

Cass also said enforcement could be done “in a positive way” and referenced a reduction in the number of BCOs and a shortage of experienced inspectors.

Complii names Rick Anderson Divisional Sales Director for fire division

by Featured NewsPeople

Fire division appointment at Complii

Complii has appointed Rick Anderson as Divisional Sales Director for its fire division.

The company announced the appointment in a press release.

Role scope and responsibilities

Anderson will lead the fire division’s sales strategy, with a focus on national accounts and strategic expansion.

Complii said he has over 20 years’ experience driving multimillion-pound growth and experience in building teams and delivering sales initiatives across FM, public and private sector environments.

McKay said: “We are thrilled to have Rick join the Fire Division as Sales Director.

“He brings a unique blend of technical expertise and proven commercial leadership.

“His track record of building high-performing teams and his commitment to transparency make him the ideal leader to drive our sales initiatives and strengthen our key client relationships.”

Background and stated priorities

Anderson is originally from Lincoln and joined the Royal Corps of Signals at 16, serving in Kosovo, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

After leaving the Armed Forces, he began as a Fire Extinguisher Service Technician and moved into management roles.

Most recently, as Commercial Sales Director, he held responsibility for Sales and Account Management, consistently outperforming growth targets over a nine-year period.

Anderson said: “My vision for the division is built on the foundation of transparency – with our clients, our colleagues, and our teams.

“I am motivated by building trust and delivering meaningful collaboration.

“By focusing on innovative fire safety solutions and clear communication, we will ensure sustained growth and technical excellence.”

Complii describes itself as a provider of building safety and regulatory compliance services across water, air, fire and electrical compliance sectors.

NFCC calls for building regs overhaul to modernise England’s safety system

by Featured NewsSafety

NFCC calls for modernised building regs framework in England

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for modernisation of England’s building regulations and guidance, stronger accountability and more inclusive building design in a new Building Regulations and Guidance Position Statement issued on Wednesday 10 December 2025.

NFCC states that the Building Regulations 2010 and their Approved Documents no longer reflect modern construction methods, changing patterns of building use or the needs of a diverse and ageing population.

The organisation points out that much of the guidance is still based on post-war building studies.

It notes that this material has not kept pace with new risks or subsequent legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

According to NFCC, the current system leaves residents and building owners facing uncertainty over compliance and safety outcomes.

NFCC highlights that following the Approved Documents does not automatically secure compliance with the Building Regulations, while non-compliance does not always incur liability, which it says creates ambiguity that needs clearer standards, stronger competence and better oversight.

The Position Statement adds that some areas, including guidance on access and facilities for fire and rescue services, have gone more than a decade without detailed review.

NFCC also stresses that building design should enable all residents to evacuate without external assistance where possible.

It notes that government guidance still does not require evacuation lifts even in new residential buildings, despite the fact that many occupants cannot safely use stairs in an emergency.

Human factors, Grenfell lessons and evacuation expectations

NFCC links its call for reform directly to the experience of residents in real incidents.

The organisation states that design must consider human factors that can affect people’s ability to leave a building safely.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said: “Buildings should be designed with the safety of the occupier in mind.

“Safety should never be compromised or considered secondary to the building design and the design should be inclusive and accessible from the outset.

“The Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the need to consider the human factors that can affect a person’s ability to leave a building safely – this must be built into planning and design from the very beginning.

“Our position statement is clear – the building regulation guidance is outdated, hasn’t kept pace with modern methods of construction, is too often misunderstood, and too slow to change.

“Residents have the right to expect that, should they need to, they can evacuate, or be supported to evacuate, their homes safely, including those with mobility impairments or other vulnerabilities.

“And those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must adhere to clear and consistent standards.

“The Government’s commitment to further consultation and regular review of Approved Document B is welcome, but it must translate into meaningful, timely action.

“We need a modern, inclusive, and accountable system that reflects how people live today and ensures tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire can never be repeated.”

NFCC underlines that residents should be able to expect safe evacuation or supported evacuation if needed.

The council states that those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must work to clear and consistent standards that reflect this expectation.

Culture change, consultations and current practices under scrutiny

NFCC sets its Position Statement in the context of Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

That review called for a cultural shift towards prioritising safety and for consideration of how buildings will be used and managed once complete.

NFCC reports that fire and rescue services provided advice on more than 45,000 building regulation consultations last year.

The council notes that this advice is not always acted upon.

It warns that failure to follow that advice can result in costly measures such as prohibition notices and waking watches.

NFCC also draws attention to current interpretations of guidance that allow developers to rely on non-worsening provisions.

According to the Position Statement, these interpretations can be used to avoid installing life-safety systems such as sprinklers and firefighting lifts during refurbishment, even where such systems could be added at relatively low cost.

NFCC warns that, without regulatory action to prevent this type of practice, the culture change set out in the Independent Review will not be achieved.

The council states that firefighters must be able to rely on buildings to provide safety for crews and adequate facilities to perform their role.

It lists clear standards for vehicle access, water supply, well-designed firefighting shafts and effective corridor and basement ventilation as core requirements to support life-saving operations.

NFCC’s three core recommendations to government

NFCC’s Position Statement sets out three main recommendations for government.

On updating guidance, NFCC wants comprehensive reviews of Approved Documents at least every five years.

It calls for clearer definitions of common building situations and for mandatory evacuation lifts in all new residential buildings.

The council also advocates for retrofitted sprinklers in single-stair high-rise buildings.

It wants improved provisions for firefighter access and water supply.

NFCC adds that guidance should explicitly address long-term building management responsibilities.

On competence, NFCC’s statement refers to examination of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

It highlights potential measures including licensing principal contractors on higher-risk buildings and mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors.

The organisation supports the development of a government-led Construction Skills Strategy to address workforce gaps across the system.

On oversight and accountability, NFCC recommends protecting building control bodies from commercial pressures.

It wants fire and rescue service advice to have statutory weight in the process.

The council calls for a review of non-worsening provisions to prevent avoidance of safety upgrades.

It also backs consistent enforcement of Operational Standards Rules to secure more reliable outcomes across projects.

Building safety duties overwhelm SMEs as BESA calls for clearer enforcement

by ConstructionFeatured NewsFire EngineeringResearchSafety

BESA survey flags pressures from building safety regime

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported that many small construction firms feel overwhelmed by the Building Safety Act, based on new research presented at London Build Expo in London on 26 November 2025.

The association said its second annual survey of the sector showed that, although 88% of industry professionals are aware of the legislation, most small and micro-businesses view it as “overwhelming and daunting” and feel “left behind”.

BESA added that these businesses make up 99% of the construction sector and related professions, which it described as the “lifeblood” of the industry.

There was also evidence that many clients are still operating on a “business as usual” basis, with cost and speed often taking precedence over safety.

The survey findings were discussed during a panel session at the London Build Expo, which focused on enforcement, communication and training needs linked to the new regime.

Rachel Davidson, director of specialist knowledge at BESA, said: “This is critical because those companies are the lifeblood of the industry.

“There are also a lot of people who still think the legislation only applies to HRBs (higher risk buildings).”

Davidson said: “A lot of this comes back to leadership and culture.

“78% of companies tell us that this is important to them but fewer than half report having taken enough action.”

Calls for clearer enforcement and targeted building safety guidance

Davidson noted that building engineering contractors increasingly want consistent enforcement of the Building Safety Act.

She stated that many contractors believe some clients will continue to treat compliance as optional unless there are visible consequences for non-compliance.

BESA is expanding its guidance to show firms “what good looks like” within their particular part of the sector, Davidson explained.

The association is advising companies that they do not need to master every detail of the Act, but instead concentrate on the clauses that relate directly to their role and responsibilities.

Davidson said this approach is intended to help smaller firms identify where they have direct duties and where they need to coordinate with other dutyholders.

BESA has set up a Building Safety Hub to host this material, including a new guide aimed at Principal Contractors.

Communication challenges across a 2.6 million-strong workforce

Fellow panellist Hannah Carpenter, from the Building Safety Wiki, highlighted the scale of the communication task given that the sector employs around 2.6 million people.

She said that messages about the Building Regulations and building safety standards need to move beyond compliance alone and address behaviour and pride in work.

Hannah Carpenter, from the Building Safety Wiki, said: “We need to be innovative about how we communicate and appeal to personal values because that is going to be more effective than continually talking about regulation.

“But getting 2.6 million people to pull in the same direction is a huge challenge.

“We need to ask people why we are doing this [which is] to keep people safe and make sure the Grenfell tragedy cannot happen again.

“That means talking about ‘purpose’…people should want to make a difference.

“This can’t just be about ticking boxes.”

Carpenter argued that more use should be made of non-traditional communication channels, including partnerships with organisations such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

She said these bodies already have strong links to individuals and small construction businesses, which could help reach audiences that traditional industry channels do not.

The panel also heard that the industry’s average reading age is around 11, according to Hertfordshire Building Control Chief Executive Officer Gary Cass.

Cass said this creates additional barriers to spreading information about regulatory duties and good practice through text-heavy material.

Regulator progress and pressure on Building Control resources

Cass noted that there are signs of progress at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) on planning approvals for higher risk buildings.

He said the new leadership team at the BSR has cut the average processing time at Gateway Two to 17 weeks, down from as high as 38 weeks earlier in 2025.

Cass added that the regulator has been “very honest” about its earlier backlogs and is now moving in what he described as a more positive direction.

However, he said the longer-term success of the new regime will depend on closer collaboration between industry and the regulator.

Gary Cass, Chief Executive Officer at Hertfordshire Building Control, said: “However, the industry needs more education about the Building Regulations.

“People need to be looking at compliance and focus on what is required in the regulations not guidance.

“Building Control Officers are regulators first and foremost but the industry used to rely on them to guide them through the process…and now it needs to be educated [about how the new process works].”

Cass said enforcement can be applied in a constructive way and does not always have to lead directly to legal action.

He also warned of a decline in the number of Building Control Officers (BCOs), which he said is creating a resource issue and reducing access to experienced inspectors.

How building safety pressures affect technical disciplines

The panel discussion concluded that more sector-specific training is needed so that different parts of the supply chain understand their duties under the Building Safety Act.

Speakers said that many of the firms that feel most overwhelmed are also those that deliver core technical services such as building engineering, installation and maintenance.

They added that these companies often sit at critical points in projects where design decisions, product choices and installation quality interact with regulatory requirements.

BESA said its Building Safety Hub is intended to give these businesses practical guidance, examples of good practice and role-based breakdowns of responsibilities.

Why building safety compliance burdens matter for practitioners

The survey findings and panel comments are directly relevant to building services engineers, fire engineering consultants and system installers who are working under the Building Safety Act.

These groups operate in a sector where small and micro-businesses account for 99% of organisations, and many report that the legislation feels “overwhelming and daunting”.

For building engineering contractors and Principal Contractors, the focus on clear enforcement, role-specific duties and practical examples of “what good looks like” may shape how they organise projects and allocate responsibilities.

Building Control Officers, and those who work with them, face pressure from reduced staff numbers and the need to move from an advisory role to one centred on regulation and education.

Facility managers and clients commissioning work will encounter an environment where cost and speed are more likely to be challenged by contractors who are conscious of compliance obligations and enforcement risks.

House of Lords examines Building Safety Regulator delays and housing targets

by ConstructionFeatured News

Lords committee to report on Building Safety Regulator

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee will publish its report on the Building Safety Regulator on Thursday 11 December, setting out findings and recommendations on building safety regulation in England and Wales.

The report follows an inquiry into how the regime created by the Building Safety Act 2022 is operating, with a particular focus on the performance of the Building Safety Regulator.

According to the committee, the report is expected to warn the Government that delays in the regulator’s approval processes are leaving residents waiting longer for remediation of dangerous cladding in unsafe buildings.

The committee also expects to highlight that those delays are increasing costs for leaseholders who are already facing charges linked to fire-safety defects and remedial work.

Peers are further expected to caution that current bottlenecks in approvals could put at risk the Government’s target to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

The report will sit alongside draft secondary legislation and broader Government activity on building safety, including changes to the structure and role of the regulator.

Draft regulations to establish new Building Safety Regulator body

In parallel with the committee’s inquiry, draft regulations made under the Levelling up and Regeneration Act 2023 set out plans to establish the Building Safety Regulator as a new body corporate, separate from the Health and Safety Executive.

The draft Building Safety Regulator (Establishment of New Body and Transfer of Functions etc.) Regulations 2026 provide that the new body will come into force on 27 January 2026.

Under the draft regulations, the Building Safety Regulator will have a chair appointed by the Secretary of State, between three and eight other appointed members, and a chief executive selected by the members with the Secretary of State’s approval.

The new organisation will be able to appoint its own staff, pay remuneration and pensions, and receive grants or loans from the Secretary of State, subject to conditions.

It will have power to charge for giving advice, conducting research or providing other services, and may also borrow for short term financial management or from the Secretary of State.

The regulations transfer building safety functions under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Act 1984 from the Health and Safety Executive to the new body, and update a range of primary and secondary legislation to reflect the change.

Transitional provisions state that anything done by or in relation to the Health and Safety Executive in connection with transferred functions will be treated as done by or in relation to the Building Safety Regulator once the transfer takes effect.

The draft regulations also allow the regulator, until the end of 2026, to delegate functions to Health and Safety Executive staff or to staff seconded from government departments.

An explanatory note to the draft instrument states that no regulatory impact assessment has been prepared because no, or no substantial, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is expected.

Podcast commentary on Building Safety Regulator performance and independence

Episode 51 of The Construction Briefing podcast from Practical Law Construction examined the Building Safety Regulator’s performance and the implications of its move to independence.

In the episode, presenters Michelle Rousell and Yassir Mahmood discuss the collapse of Assent Building Compliance and related firms, which had been involved in tens of thousands of projects and employed dozens of registered building control approvers.

They note that some transitional high risk building projects which had benefitted from earlier provisions will now fall under the Building Safety Regulator’s control, adding to its workload.

Mahmood said: “Because first, it puts more work the way of the BSR, and we know they know they’re already struggling.

“And secondly, it puts more work on the plates of the limited number of registered building control approvers, who are already in short supply.

“So even if we assume that the ones that were working for Assent (and its subsidiaries) will find employment somewhere else, that won’t be immediate so there’ll be a problem there.”

The podcast records wider industry frustration about delays, with Mahmood highlighting a previous description of the regulator as “The regulatory fatberg in the sclerotic property pipeline which needs a good old flush”.

Rousell notes that the Building Safety Regulator is already working through a backlog of gateway 2 applications under the new regime, and that the collapse of major building control providers is unlikely to help that position. I5ad1905eca2111f0a5f6fa0d299e95…

Mahmood added that the Government has laid draft regulations before Parliament to move the Building Safety Regulator out of the Health and Safety Executive and establish it as an independent body corporate from 27 January 2026, with the ability to delegate functions back to Health and Safety Executive staff until the end of that year.

He said: “It does remain to be seen how that transition goes.

“Hopefully that’s enough and with that proviso, the change will go smoothly.

“We’ll have to wait and see.”

Concerns over charges, timing and further change

The Construction Briefing episode also highlights a Government consultation on what the Building Safety Regulator and local authority building control can charge for their building regulations functions. I5ad1905eca2111f0a5f6fa0d299e95…

Mahmood noted that, while he had not yet read the consultation in detail, it is likely to result in higher costs for applicants using the regulator and local authority building control services.

Rousell comments that increased fees could be seen as a way to fund a better resourced building control process, but might be difficult for developers already paying for a service that is perceived as underperforming.

Mahmood said: “I think it’s always difficult in any business to start charging people more when you’re underperforming and you don’t have satisfied customers, even if you do have a kind of captive market like the BSR does.”

He added that the changes could be presented as part of a wider plan to improve the system, with applicants asked to accept higher costs in the short term. 5…

Rousell also raises the question of timing, asking whether the industry needs further structural change at a point when it is still adjusting to the post Grenfell regime and the new high risk building procedures.

Mahmood replied that frequent change creates disruption in itself and that, after early difficulties with the regime, there is uncertainty over whether the next phase will deliver an improved outcome.

Next steps for oversight, remediation and housing delivery

The Lords report on the Building Safety Regulator is due to be published shortly before the draft establishment regulations come into force, providing Parliamentary scrutiny of both performance and structure.

Its findings on delays to approvals for remediation of dangerous cladding are likely to be read alongside the regulator’s own work to clear existing backlogs in high risk building applications.

The report’s comments on the impact of approval delays on the 1.5 million homes by 2029 target will also be of interest to housing developers, local authorities and Government departments overseeing delivery.

The move to an independent Building Safety Regulator body, with powers and duties set out in secondary legislation, will change how building safety functions are organised and governed in England and Wales.

Transitional arrangements, including the ability to delegate to Health and Safety Executive staff until the end of 2026, are designed to maintain continuity while the new body is established.

The combination of structural change, a forthcoming Lords report and ongoing consultations on building control charges means stakeholders will have several related developments to track over the coming year.

Practical implications for building control and safety work

Developers, building owners and leaseholder representatives will be directly affected by any findings that Building Safety Regulator approval delays are slowing cladding remediation or new housing projects.

Fire engineering consultants, architects and building services engineers working on high risk residential buildings will need to plan for the regulator’s current workload and any procedural changes arising from the Lords report and new regulations.

System installers, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors may see project timetables adjusted if approval processes remain slow during the transition to an independent Building Safety Regulator body.

Local authority building control teams and private registered building control approvers will need to consider how the regulator’s structural change, additional workload and any new charging arrangements will interact with their own capacity.

Government departments and housing delivery agencies will have to align housing targets, remediation schemes and funding programmes with any revised expectations on approval timescales and regulatory resource.

FIRE Conference 2025 examines future-proofing of built environment

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured News

IFE blog highlights FIRE Conference 2025 discussions

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has reported in a blog that FIRE Conference 2025 brought together sector leaders at the QEII Conference Centre and online to examine how to future-proof the built environment.

According to the IFE, the conference was sponsored by PartB and structured around plenary sessions, panel discussions and technical breakouts.

The organisation said the event opened with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chief Executive Officer Susannah Hancock welcoming delegates and introducing a programme focused on the future of fire safety.

In the blog, the IFE described FIRE Conference 2025 as a key date in its calendar, with more than 500 delegates attending.

Plenary sessions cover leadership, resilience and standards

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan OBE used the morning plenary to reflect on the previous eighteen months and the lessons drawn from that period.

He called for transformation across the sector, with a focus on efficiency and resilience in a changing operating environment.

Fire Sector Confederation Chair Steve McGuirk then examined leadership trends and the outlook for fire safety professionals.

IFE Chief Executive Officer Steve Hamm followed with a session on the need for greater standardisation in fire safety practice.

Hamm’s contribution focused on achieving more consistent approaches and on raising competency standards across the profession.

Global wildfire panel looks at rural–urban interfaces

The first panel session addressed rural and urban interfaces, wildfires and early detection.

Speakers included Rob Gazzard from the Forestry Commission, Chief Anthony Marrone from Los Angeles County Fire Department and former US Fire Administrator Dr Lori Moore-Merrell.

The panel shared international perspectives on wildfire management and the challenges of protecting communities where built environments meet high-risk vegetation, the discussion highlighted the role of technology in wildfire detection and monitoring.

Panel members also discussed the value of cross-border collaboration when preparing for large-scale wildfire activity.

Building safety and engineering workforce in focus

After a networking break, attention turned to building safety and regulatory experience.

Building Safety Regulator Chief Executive Officer Charlie Pugsley gave a review of 2025 activity and set out priorities for the coming year.

His session covered the regulator’s view of progress to date and areas where further work is still required.

A panel on attracting and retaining engineering talent, featuring contributions from Lynsey Seal and Michael Spearpoint.

Panellists highlighted the need for more diverse recruitment routes into fire engineering roles and for innovation in how employers support career development.

Technical breakouts and Moss Landing battery fire case study

The IFE blog noted that afternoon breakout sessions allowed delegates to choose between specialist topics.

Sessions examined construction product testing, competency in fire risk assessment, emergency standards and lithium-ion battery safety.

Speakers shared technical experience and practical approaches, and delegates were able to ask questions throughout.

A case study on the Moss Landing battery fire, presented by San Diego Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Robert Rezende and colleague Justin Marquez, was described as a standout element of the programme.

The case study illustrated the complexity of incidents involving energy storage systems and the level of preparedness needed to manage them.

Conference role in IFE programme and next steps

In its blog, the IFE characterised FIRE Conference 2025 as a core event in its annual schedule.

The organisation stated that more than 500 delegates attended and that networking continued into the evening with a drinks reception sponsored by Belimo.

The blog commented on the value of using the conference to maintain relationships across the sector and to sustain discussion on raising standards.

The IFE thanked sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for their role in shaping the event content.

IFE members will be able to read a full FIRE Conference event report in the November issue of the IFP journal.

Recordings from the day are due to be made available on the IFE CPD Hub in the new year.

Implications of FIRE Conference 2025 themes

Sessions on leadership, standardisation and competency are relevant to fire and rescue chiefs, building safety regulators and senior fire safety officers who are reviewing organisational strategies.

The focus on rural–urban interfaces and global wildfire experience provides practical context for emergency and disaster response managers, wildfire specialists and public sector risk planners who deal with cross-jurisdictional risks.

Discussion of engineering careers and recruitment has direct implications for fire engineering consultants, mechanical and electrical engineers and training officers responsible for building and retaining technical teams.

Breakout content on construction product testing, fire risk assessment and lithium-ion battery safety is of practical use to risk assessors, system installers, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors working on complex buildings and energy storage projects.

Forthcoming IFP journal coverage and CPD Hub recordings will give those groups structured material for in-house training, competency development and review of recent practice examples.

Building safety discussions bridge design and firefighter experience

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Bridging design and real-world building safety discussed at Sertus event

More than 100 professionals attended Sertus Live 2: Smoke Control in Action at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy in Aintree.

The event, organised by UK smoke ventilation manufacturer Sertus, focused on the ongoing challenge of aligning design intent with real-world firefighter experience.

Attendees included specialists in fire safety, mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering, architecture and building services.

Live smoke control demonstrations, continuing professional development (CPD) sessions and panel discussions explored how system performance translates into firefighter safety.

The highlight of the day was a keynote address from Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng, who led the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Her address, titled “Building Safety: Changing Thinking and Culture,” called for an industry-wide shift towards competence, accountability and collaboration across the entire building lifecycle.

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng said: “Real change doesn’t come from legislation alone – it comes from mindset.

“Every part of the supply chain has a responsibility to design, specify, and deliver with safety at its heart.

“Events like Sertus Live 2 help turn that principle into practice.”

The demonstrations showed how theoretical compliance can fall short if systems are not integrated, particularly in how smoke control impacts firefighter safety during incidents.

An environment built for realism and learning

Sertus Live 2 took place at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy, a national centre supporting the National Resilience Assurance Team (NRAT), the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UKISAR) and secondary Fire Control.

The facility allows firefighters to train for complex high-rise and urban scenarios under realistic fire and smoke conditions.

Sertus supplied smoke ventilation systems used in the academy’s construction to simulate authentic airflow and smoke movement in controlled environments.

Phil Byrne, Area Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “What’s designed on paper doesn’t always work in the heat of an incident.

“Sertus Live 2 gave people a unique chance to see that reality, to talk openly, and to start closing the gap between design and operational effectiveness.

“That dialogue is essential if we’re serious about safer buildings.”

Building competence through connection

The event featured CPD sessions led by Sertus on “The Future of Smoke Control Shafts” and by Quelfire on “Passive Fire Protection for Service Penetrations.”

Presentations highlighted the interdependence of active and passive fire systems in protecting life and property.

A closing fireside panel encouraged participants to discuss how design, manufacturing, regulation and operational firefighting could align more closely.

Shane White, Managing Director at Sertus, said: “Our mission is simple – to safeguard lives and property through unequivocally compliant, expertly engineered smoke control products.

“Sertus Live brings that mission to life.

“By connecting manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and firefighters, we’re not just talking about compliance – we’re building competence and changing culture.”

Fraser Ruthven, Marketing Manager at Sertus, added: “Hearing the firefighter perspective first-hand was eye-opening for many attendees.

“It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about recognising where systems fail in real-world use and working together to fix it.

“That honesty and collaboration are what Sertus Live is all about.”

Driving collaboration and raising standards

Now in its second edition, Sertus Live has become a recognised forum for industry-wide knowledge sharing and practical engagement.

Sertus confirmed that further events in the series are already planned to continue fostering open dialogue and shared learning between technical and operational disciplines.

The company said its goal remains to strengthen building safety through integrated design, effective specification and continuous professional development.

Building safety insight for design and operations professionals

The Sertus Live 2 event provided a rare live opportunity for professionals in fire safety design, mechanical and electrical engineering, and building services to see smoke control systems tested under realistic fire conditions.

For fire and rescue professionals, the demonstrations offered insight into how system performance affects operational safety during incidents.

Architects, engineers and consultants gained practical context for how smoke control design decisions influence firefighting strategy and occupant protection.

The inclusion of CPD sessions and direct dialogue with firefighters emphasised the value of aligning design competence with frontline experience.

Future events in the Sertus Live series are expected to continue supporting this integrated learning approach within the UK building safety framework.

What happens when fire curtain maintenance is left too late

by Featured NewsPassiveSafety

Fire curtain maintenance and compliance focus of A1S Group blog

In a blog post, A1S Group highlighted the importance of maintaining and testing fire and smoke curtain systems in line with UK regulations.

The company said maintenance is not optional, describing it as both a legal and moral responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

According to A1S Group, fire and smoke curtains must be serviced at least every six months to meet the requirements of BS 8524 and BS EN 12101.

The company stated that failure to maintain systems correctly could result in prosecution, fines, invalidated insurance or loss of life.

A1S Group said its maintenance contracts are designed to ensure ongoing compliance, with each visit including certified testing, inspection and documentation.

Legal framework and responsibilities

The company explained that the Responsible Person – such as a facilities manager, employer or building owner – carries the duty to ensure that fire safety systems are properly maintained.

According to A1S Group, this duty cannot be left to chance and must be fulfilled by competent professionals.

It added that partnering with the original manufacturer allows the Responsible Person to meet all legal, insurance and compliance requirements confidently.

A1S Group said its engineers are certified to carry out maintenance using genuine fire-rated components and provide full reporting for traceability.

The cost of neglecting maintenance

A1S Group warned that neglecting routine servicing can result in unplanned failures that disrupt operations or compromise evacuation routes.

It added that reactive repairs are typically more expensive and expose building owners to greater regulatory and reputational risks.

The company said preventative maintenance helps identify potential faults early, reducing the likelihood of downtime and maintaining performance standards.

Technical expertise and nationwide service

According to A1S Group, its engineers have over 37 years of experience in manufacturing, installing and maintaining fire curtain systems across the UK.

The company said its service team is trained to handle complex systems and to work safely within occupied buildings.

It added that maintenance visits are carried out with minimal disruption and in accordance with relevant British Standards.

A1S Group said customers receive detailed reports, certification and continued support to help ensure their systems remain operational and compliant.

Readers can view the full blog on A1S Group’s website.

Maintaining fire curtain systems for legal and operational assurance

For facilities managers, building owners and employers, the A1S Group blog outlines the regulatory framework governing fire and smoke curtain maintenance in the UK.

It explains that fire curtains are classed as life safety systems under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be serviced every six months in line with BS 8524 and BS EN 12101.

This means that compliance requires ongoing professional inspection, testing and documentation by certified engineers.

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to legal consequences, invalid insurance and reduced building safety.

Preventative maintenance, as described by A1S Group, helps maintain operational readiness and reduces the likelihood of costly reactive repairs.

The information is directly relevant to those responsible for building safety compliance, including facilities managers, fire safety officers and contractors overseeing life safety systems.