Strengthening competence: How BSI Competence Hub supports Building Safety Act compliance

by Breaking NewsConstructionHealth and SafetySafety

Ian Richardson, Sector Lead at BSI, introduces the BSI Built Environment Competence Hub

Competence has quite rightly become a defining issue for the built environment sector following the Building Safety Act 2022 and tightening regulatory expectations.

Professionals across fire safety, construction, building control and facilities management are now required to demonstrate clearer accountability, stronger oversight and more consistent decision-making.

However, competence guidance has often remained fragmented, making it difficult to interpret requirements and apply them in practice.

In response to these challenges, BSI has launched the Built Environment Competence Hub, a national digital platform designed to bring together standards, competence frameworks, regulatory guidance and industry insight.

Developed in collaboration with the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), the Hub aims to support clearer understanding, practical implementation and ongoing professional development across the building lifecycle.

Why competence needed a central focus

The renewed emphasis on competence stems directly from the regulatory reforms that followed the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

The Building Safety Act 2022 and the establishment of the BSR placed statutory weight behind competence requirements for duty holder roles and those responsible for managing safety throughout a building’s lifecycle.

These reforms have been underpinned by a suite of new and emerging standards, including the BS 8670 series and PAS 8671, PAS 8672, PAS 8673 and BS 8674.

Together, these documents define core competence criteria and role-specific expectations for principal designers, principal contractors and those managing residential building safety.

While these developments have strengthened the regulatory framework, they have also created a complex and fast-moving landscape.

Competence materials have been distributed across multiple organisations, websites and professional bodies.

The worry is that for many professionals and organisations, identifying which standards apply to which roles, and how to evidence compliance, is an increasingly burdensome task.

Industry has also been moving towards more consistent, cross-disciplinary competence criteria.

The adoption of Competence frameworks for building safety – Core criteria.

Code of practice (BS 8670-1), which sets out core competence criteria based on skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB), alongside role-specific documents, has highlighted the need for alignment across disciplines.

This shift reinforces the value for a single, authoritative reference point.

Introducing the Built Environment Competence Hub

The Built Environment Competence Hub has been created to meet that need.

Quite simply, it is designed to be a national digital repository and central point of reference for competence-related information.

It consolidates standards, competence frameworks, regulatory guidance, webinar recordings, articles and discussion forums within one accessible platform.

The Hub is free to professionals, organisations and stakeholders across the sector, including designers, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, building owners and managers, those undertaking duty holder roles, professional bodies, training providers and regulators.

Addressing fragmentation and inconsistency

BSI decided to develop the hub following frequent reports from professionals that competence information was fragmented and difficult to navigate.

They were finding guidance and frameworks inconsistent across roles and disciplines, with resources spread across numerous platforms.

This created uncertainty and, in some cases, inconsistent interpretation of legal duties.

This is not just inefficient, but ultimately risks undermining the good work being done to support building safety in the last near-decade.

For organisations, the challenge extended beyond understanding requirements.

Demonstrating competence through documented processes, training plans and audit trails requires significant time and effort to gather and interpret information from multiple sources.

The Hub addresses these issues by consolidating key resources and signposting authoritative documents within five thematic areas.

It aligns standards, ICSG-led frameworks and regulatory information according to role, duty holder expectation and lifecycle stage.

By doing so, it reduces duplication, minimises conflicting interpretations and establishes a common reference point for project teams and organisations.

Promoting consistency across the building lifecycle

A defining feature of the Hub is its lifecycle perspective.

By organising resources by role, lifecycle stage and topic, and by signposting both core and role-specific competence criteria, it aims to promote a shared vocabulary and threshold expectations from concept and design through construction, commissioning, handover and in-use management, and ultimately to refurbishment or deconstruction.

This cross-referencing is also designed to reduce divergence between teams and support continuity of competence at interfaces and regulatory gateways.

In a sector where safety depends on coordinated action across disciplines, such alignment is critical.

Supporting day-to-day professional practice

The Hub is designed to support day-to-day work.

Organisations can use it to identify applicable role and function requirements, such as PAS 8671 for Principal Designers, PAS 8672 for Principal Contractors and PAS 8673 for those managing residential building safety.

Through clear signposting, our hope is that it will help organisations align policies, role profiles and training plans with national standards.

It is intended to support the operationalisation of competence by linking duties to SKEB criteria and encouraging structured evidence capture.

This strengthens due diligence processes, supports audit readiness and reinforces accountable appointments and oversight.

The platform also provides updates on regulatory developments and emerging good practice.

This will help inform decisions at key gateways, during design changes, procurement stages and in-occupation risk management.

Beyond its repository function, the hope is for the Hub to serve as a collaborative space, where members can engage with peers, share lessons learned from real projects, discuss areas of uncertainty and contribute to informed debate.

This community element reflects the fact that competence development is not static, but an ongoing, shared responsibility.

A living resource for a changing landscape

The regulatory and standards landscape will continue to evolve.

New documents will be developed, existing standards will be revised and expectations will mature as further lessons are learned.

The Built Environment Competence Hub has therefore been designed as a “living resource”.

Users are encouraged to register, contribute content and participate in events.

Feedback from industry will inform future updates, ensuring the platform remains aligned with BSR expectations and emerging standards.

Ultimately, this reflects a broader shift: from reactive compliance towards proactive competence management and continuous improvement.

Raising confidence and improving safety outcomes

As the built environment sector adapts to a new regulatory era, clarity and consistency around competence are essential.

Through the Hub, BSI, working alongside ICSG and the Building Safety Regulator, aims to provide the infrastructure to support that change.

Success will be measured by this work’s impact on professional confidence and, ultimately, in the safety of buildings.

By replacing fragmented sources with a single, trusted reference point, the aim is to reduce uncertainty and variability in interpretation, and to support more consistent competence management across organisations and supply chains, strengthening the quality of appointments, supervision and assurance.

In doing so, it will contribute to the wider objectives of the Building Safety Act 2022: improving accountability, restoring trust and delivering safer buildings.

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

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.

FDIS becomes first UK scheme with UKAS fire door inspector accreditation

by Featured NewsFire Doors

FDIS gains UKAS accreditation

FDIS has become the first organisation in the UK to receive UKAS accreditation for certifying fire door inspectors under BS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012.

FDIS, owner of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme, confirmed the accreditation relates to certification of individuals and is intended to demonstrate that inspectors meet the scope and rules defined in the FDIS Competence Person Certification Scheme standard.

The accreditation focuses on individual competence and requires periodic reassessment to maintain certification.

It comes as the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) place greater emphasis on demonstrable competence across the built environment.

Under the BSR framework, individuals must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role.

Organisations must also evidence capability through management systems, resources and supervision.

Louise Halton, FDIS Scheme Manager, said: “The Building Safety Act and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are clear that individuals must be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role.

“Fire doors are a critical life-saving component of a building, so the competence of the professionals responsible for inspecting them should not be assumed – it should be evidenced through recognised training, assessment and third-party accreditation.

“In essence, ISO/IEC 17024 ensures a person is qualified to perform a job, while ISO/IEC 17065 ensures a product, process, or service meets specific standards.

“Both standards aim to build confidence and trust through impartial, competent, and consistent third-party assessment.”

FDIS-approved inspectors are assessed through the FDIS Certificated Inspector Workbook and online activities.

The process also includes a portfolio of evidence, a practical on-site assessment in a live environment and a written examination.

Inspectors must complete annual checks including continued professional development and are reassessed every three years.

FDIS data shows remediation demand

Inspection data from 2025 shows that 72% of fire doors inspected did not meet the required standard to pass inspection.

Common issues included excessive gaps and problems with smoke sealing.

Issues relating to care and maintenance were also recorded.

FDIS reported that 70% of non-compliant fire doors required only minor remedial works.

Poor maintenance and incorrect installation were listed among the main safety concerns.

Fire doors being wedged or propped open was also identified during inspections.

Among the doors that failed inspection, hospitals, local authority and housing association buildings, and hotels and residential healthcare homes required the most remediation work.

These environments often experience high footfall and are used by more vulnerable occupants, which can increase wear on fire door assemblies and the need for regular inspection.

Changes in sector practice have also been observed since the introduction of the Golden Thread of information in building safety.

Nearly a third of FDIS-approved inspectors reported an increase in Responsible Persons carrying out due diligence when appointing a fire door inspector.

A further 59% reported rising demand for professional inspections, and 15% reported improved documentation.

Halton said: “It’s encouraging to see a growing awareness and focus on competence and documentation across the sector.

“However, to ensure fire doors continue to meet the required standard once installed, it’s vital that competent fire door inspectors, such as those approved by the FDIS, carry out fire door inspections.

“For building owners, managers and Responsible Persons this means recognising the level of competency required, proactively verifying inspector competence, keeping accurate maintenance records and quickly addressing maintenance needs.”

The accreditation places the FDIS certification scheme within the ISO/IEC 17024 framework while inspection data continues to show widespread fire door defects across inspected buildings.

Networking and awards: ASFP’s Intersec Dubai highlights

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - EventsPassive

ASFP commentary on Intersec Dubai

A blog post by Mike Ward sets out how Intersec Dubai featured ASFP member networking and technical sessions.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) published the reflection from managing director Mike Ward following the three-day event.

Ward described Intersec Dubai as an opportunity for the association and its members to explain what the ASFP does and why it aims to influence professional practice in passive fire protection across design and construction.

He also highlighted presenting an award at the Intersec awards and attending the UK Trade & Industry reception at the British Embassy to represent ASFP members.

Member engagement and the ASFP pavilion

The blog post described the event as a chance for ASFP members to engage with each other, procure products and services and grow their professional network.

Ward wrote that year-on-year growth has increased the size of the ASFP’s membership and increased demand for member networking opportunities.

He said designers, engineers and authorities described the ASFP pavilion as a space for deeper discussions about topics such as future project designs, without what he described as sales pressure at other stands.

Presentations and panels in the Intersec fire theatre

The ASFP commentary described a full day of presentations and panel sessions led by ASFP representatives in the Intersec fire theatre.

Paul McSoley, ASFP Consultant, presented a systematic approach to passive fire design and described how legal duty holders can work collaboratively to manage building risk conditions and arrive at compliant system designs through structured and transparent decision-making.

Andrew Taylor, ASFP’s Head of Technical, examined the relationship between Construction Product Regulations and UK Building Regulations and described how CE and UKCA marking show product performance and compliance within the wider building safety and regulatory context.

The post also described a panel chaired by Taylor and McSoley on improved passive fire protection and building safety, with contributions from Celine Abadie of Jotun, Jamie Rogers of CLM Fireproofing, David Campbell of Emirates Safety Laboratory and Will Cotterill of Fire Compliance Plus.

Further sessions described in the post included a presentation by Hannah Mansell, ASFP Consultant and Fire Door Specialist, on specification, installation and compliance for stakeholders involved in fire door safety management, and a presentation by Kate Milford, ASFP Competence Specialist, on training, third-party certification and competence across design, installation, inspection and maintenance.

The programme also included a panel moderated by Mansell and Milford titled From Laboratory to Lifetime Service: Passive Fire Protection – Competence, Innovation, and Global Accountability, with contributions from Elliott Brown of Fire Door Inspector Inspectors, Campbell and Taylor.

Ward’s post also urged ASFP members to collaborate with the association through exhibitor space or workshops at next year’s show.

Competence Hub launched to fix fragmented competence information

by Featured NewsSafety

Competence Hub brings competence resources into one place

BSI has launched a national digital resource called the Built Environment Competence Hub.

The Hub is intended to bring together standards, competence frameworks, guidance and industry insight in one central place.

BSI describes it as a central point of reference for competence-related information across the built environment lifecycle.

How the Built Environment Competence Hub is intended to be used

The Hub is managed by BSI and was developed in collaboration with the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

BSI said the Hub responds to concerns that competence information is fragmented, difficult to access and inconsistent across roles and disciplines.

The Hub is intended to provide a shared space for industry to engage on competence, exchange best practice and access resources intended to support clarity and consistency.

What BSI says the Hub is for

Anthony Burd, Director of Built Environment, BSI Knowledge Solutions, BSI, said: “Competence is fundamental to a built environment sector that is safe, trusted and capable of meeting society’s needs.

“The Built Environment Competence Hub has been designed as a living resource, shaped by ongoing industry input and able to evolve as competence requirements, standards and best practice continue to develop.

“By improving access to authoritative information and supporting a more consistent understanding of competence, the Hub also aims to play a vital role in helping the sector respond to regulatory reform following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022.”

The Hub is open to professionals, organisations and stakeholders, with users encouraged to register to access resources and engage with content.

Rethinking fire door safety: Why Fire Door Maintenance says competence still needs work

by Breaking NewsFire Doors

Nicola John, Managing Director at Fire Door Maintenance, explores how consistent training supports duty holders, maintenance teams, and contractors in meeting regulatory expectations for fire door safety assurance

Fire door performance in the UK now sits within clearer competence expectations.

BS 8670 offers a common structure for roles and skills, while a consultation on specialist timber fire door installers is refining pathways.

Focus has moved to lifecycle tasks, from installation through maintenance, with digital record systems strengthening audit trails and scheduling.

In this conversation, Nicola John, Managing Director at Fire Door Maintenance, sets out insights from recent sector discussions, focusing on accredited training that lifts installation quality, adoption of BS 8670 to clarify responsibilities, use of digital records for oversight and closer links to third-party verification so procurement, inspection and maintenance align.

What are you seeing day-to-day in terms of how fire door regulations are being followed on the ground?

We’ve seen a real shift in awareness since Grenfell, and many responsible persons are working hard to meet their legal obligations.

But understandably, some are still navigating the complexity of evolving regulations.

It’s not always easy to keep up, particularly for overstretched teams or those without dedicated fire safety support.

We’re also seeing positive intent – but sometimes a lack of technical knowledge – on the ground.

For instance, we still come across fire doors that have been installed by operatives without specific training, or buildings where maintenance checks have lapsed.

That’s where the risk lies.

With the right knowledge and support, these are issues we can absolutely tackle.

Where do you think the biggest misunderstandings about fire door compliance lie?

There’s still a perception in some areas that once a fire door is installed, the job’s done.

But they’re active safety systems that need ongoing care.

We’re doing a lot of work to help duty holders understand that responsibility doesn’t stop at installation – it extends across the full lifecycle.

The good news is, we’re seeing more clients ask the right questions.

That shows the message is starting to land.

How would you assess current levels of competence across those responsible for specifying, fitting or maintaining fire doors?

There’s a growing commitment to getting this right – and many fantastic professionals out there doing high-quality work.

But there are still gaps in consistency.

In particular, general contractors are sometimes asked to take on fire door work without having had the right training.

That’s why developments like BS 8670 are so important.

By providing a common framework for competence across the built environment, it gives the sector a shared language and standard to work towards.

We’re already seeing competency groups and employers start to embed this, which is a really encouraging step.

What are some of the most common failings when it comes to fire door maintenance or installation?

Installation is still a sticking point.

We see things like incorrect gaps, or the wrong components used.

These mistakes often stem from a lack of awareness rather than intent – and they’re avoidable with better training.

On the maintenance side, the most common issue is neglect over time: closers that no longer work, seals that have deteriorated, or doors that haven’t been inspected for years.

But again, these are challenges we can absolutely solve with the right systems, support and upskilling.

Why do you think poor practices still persist, even with clear guidance available?

In many cases, it’s not due to disregard – it’s down to capacity, confidence, or simply not knowing where to start.

Fire safety has traditionally been treated as a box-ticking exercise, but that’s changing.

One thing we’re keen to promote is the need for practical, hands-on training.

You can’t build real competence through guidance documents alone – especially for roles that are hands-on by nature.

That’s why we believe in investing in meaningful, accredited training that builds confidence and capability on site.

What are some simple changes that companies could make today to improve safety?

Prioritise training.

It’s one of the most effective ways to raise standards quickly.

When staff are trained through accredited centres like FDM, they’re not just ticking a box – they’re building the knowledge and confidence to do the job properly.

It also helps create a culture where people feel empowered to speak up, question things, and take responsibility for safety.

That culture shift is where real improvement starts.

How can better record-keeping or digital tools help raise standards in this area?

Digital tools are a huge opportunity.

They give responsible persons visibility over what’s been done, what’s due, and what needs fixing – without having to rely on paperwork alone.

That audit trail is important not just for compliance, but for peace of mind.

We’re seeing more companies explore these tools as part of a wider commitment to accountability and improvement, which is a great sign.

What’s missing from the current enforcement or oversight of fire door regulations?

There’s definitely a need for more proactive enforcement.

Fire and rescue services do brilliant work, but they’re stretched.

We welcome the progress being made through the development of competency frameworks using guidance like BS8670, which help define what good looks like.

The next step is for employers to really engage with that – by investing in staff development and understanding what ‘competence’ means in practice.

That’s how we move from minimum compliance to real assurance.

Do you expect further updates to legislation in this area and what would you like to see included?

Yes, and that’s a positive.

We’re seeing a stronger focus on competence across the board, and legislation that supports that shift is welcome.

But regulation on its own isn’t enough.

We need joined-up thinking between designers, contractors and building managers – and a clear link between training and third-party schemes that verify work on site.

That consistency builds trust, and helps raise standards across the industry.

We’ve recently seen a consultation on the competency framework for specialist timber fire door installers, which is a positive step in the right direction.

But the industry still needs clearer guidance across the board.

Operatives working with a wide range of products and site types need a consistent framework that supports quality, regardless of the door type being installed.

What will it take to create lasting change across the industry – cultural, legal or operational?

It’s a mix of all three.

Legally, we need clarity and enforcement.

Operationally, we need better procurement and practical training.

But the cultural piece is just as important: we need to shift from seeing fire doors as assets to maintain, to seeing them as life-saving systems.

The direction of travel is encouraging.

We’re having the right conversations, and now it’s about turning that into action.

We’ve always believed that lasting change comes from a holistic approach – supporting everyone involved in the fire door chain, not just in theory but in day-to-day practice.

That’s been recognised by Dame Judith Hackitt, who highlighted our work as an example of the kind of thinking needed to drive real industry progress.

For us, it’s about working with industry to embed the right mindset, skills and systems at every level.

This was originally published in the December 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Apollo Fire outlines how CPD and UKAS rules reshape fire safety responsibilities

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire DetectionSafetyTraining

As CPD becomes central to competence under BS 5839-1:2025, Apollo Fire explores how new FRA rules and UKAS certification reshape professional responsibility

Competence in fire safety has always been central to protecting lives and ensuring compliance.

What is shifting now is the way competence is defined, assessed and legally recognised.

Recent updates to BS 5839-1:2025 and changes to Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) legislation from the Home Office and MHCLG are placing greater emphasis on demonstrable qualifications, continuous learning and independent certification.

The revised standard now acknowledges Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of what it means to remain competent, while new rules require FRAs to be delivered by UKAS-certified providers.

These developments set a new baseline for those designing, maintaining or assessing fire detection and alarm systems, with consequences for how businesses manage compliance.

As an accredited Apollo Partner and BAFE SP205-certified body, Veritas brings practical insight into what these changes mean in practice and how organisations can prepare to meet them.

Competence and CPD

BS 5839-1:2025 now links competence to ongoing learning.

The standard describes a competent person as: “a person, suitably trained and qualified by knowledge and practical experience, and provided with the necessary instructions, to enable the required task(s) to be carried out correctly.” It adds: “Maintenance of competence is likely to require continuing professional development.”

This shift moves CPD from desirable to expected.

It sits alongside the long-standing requirement that system design and related tasks must be undertaken by a competent person who accepts responsibility for the work.

Apollo’s pocket guide reinforces that designs should be signed off by a competent person and based on an FRA carried out by someone demonstrably qualified.

Why CPD matters

The reason is straightforward: fire safety evolves with new technology, standards and risks.

BS 5839-1:2025 makes clear that competence is not a one-off achievement but an ongoing obligation.

Apollo has called this a milestone because it embeds CPD into everyday practice rather than leaving it as an optional extra.

For practitioners, it means structured learning routes that keep pace with the standard and evidence that training has taken place.

From design to cause-and-effect programming, competence must be demonstrable and current.

The pocket guide’s emphasis on accurate documentation at handover underlines the case for refreshing knowledge through CPD across a system’s lifecycle.

New FRA rules

Under new Home Office and MHCLG rules, FRAs must now be carried out by a UKAS-certified body.

At present, this requires compliance with the BAFE SP205 scheme.

SP205 mandates that works are audited, and authors undergo peer review to confirm CPD, DBS checks and Professional Indemnity insurance.

These requirements build on the framework of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order, in force since 2006.

The Order places duties on those in control of premises to assess and reduce risks, plan for containment and ensure safe escape.

Fire alarm designs must be risk-based, assessments kept under review, and findings properly recorded.

Risks of non-certification

FRAs carried out outside third-party certification lose statutory legal defence.

If a report is later judged inadequate by an enforcing authority, the responsible person cannot rely on the provider.

The rules also warn against credentials below UKAS level.

Non-UKAS trade body memberships may now be deemed insufficient to meet the threshold of competence, a position recognised by magistrates and coroners.

The clear message is that only UKAS-backed certification provides legal assurance.

BAFE SP205 explained

SP205 provides assurance at both company and individual level.

Organisations offering FRA services are independently audited, while assessors are peer-reviewed to prove CPD, probity and insurance cover.

This mirrors BS 5839-1:2025’s approach to competence: knowledge must be current and backed by governance.

Because SP205 is tied to UKAS certification, using a certified provider directly meets the Home Office and MHCLG requirement.

Dutyholders can therefore show their process is not just robust in practice but defensible in law.

CPD support

Apollo supports the sector’s learning needs through fortnightly CPD sessions and on-demand webinars covering technical subjects and practical application.

The updated BS 5839-1:2025 pocket guide also provides a concise reference for site-level decisions.

It addresses categories of protection, detector selection and spacing, call point placement, audibility, visual alarms, cabling and documentation.

For those with design or maintenance duties, it ensures alignment with the standard in day-to-day practice.

What businesses should do now

Organisations should first review how competence is evidenced.

Roles linked to system design should align with BS 5839-1:2025’s requirement that a competent person signs the design certificate.

Competence must be maintained through CPD, with records kept alongside drawings, certificates and log books.

Next, review your approach to Fire Risk Assessments.

Future FRAs must be commissioned from UKAS-certified providers, currently achieved through SP205.

Confirm that assessors are named, peer-reviewed and insured.

If you use providers with only non-UKAS memberships, change course quickly.

Finally, use Apollo’s CPD programme and pocket guide to brief teams on technical points of BS 5839-1:2025.

Whether dealing with audibility in sleeping accommodation, detector spacing in corridors, or fire-resistant cabling, these resources anchor compliance in practical detail.

The wider framework remains unchanged.

The Fire Safety Order has long required competent assessment, training and accurate records.

What has shifted is the clarity around how competence is proven.

With BS 5839-1:2025 tying it to CPD, and UKAS certification setting the benchmark for FRAs, the route to defensible compliance is now far clearer.

This was originally published in the November 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

The key questions behind HSE’s competence consultation

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyResearchSafety

Industry Competence Committee opens consultation on competence management expectations

Consultation launched on guidance for competence management

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) has opened a consultation on its new guidance document Setting Expectations for Competence Management.

The consultation opened on Thursday 25 September 2025 and will close at 23:59 on Thursday 6 November 2025.

The ICC was formed under the Building Safety Act 2022 to advise the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and industry on improving competence across the built environment.

The new guidance outlines what organisations should do to meet competence management requirements set out in Part 2A of the Building Regulations 2010 and The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc.) (England) Regulations 2023.

It aims to clarify what good competence management looks like for both individuals and organisations involved in design, construction and building management.

Guidance applies to a wide range of organisations

According to the ICC, the document applies to organisations carrying out design or building work in all types of buildings, as well as those managing buildings, particularly higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

The guidance builds on feedback from a previous industry consultation held in May 2025.

It sets out broad expectations for how competence should be managed and identifies common elements and principles relevant to all organisations.

Feedback sought on clarity and usefulness of principles

The ICC said it is seeking feedback from industry on whether the principles outlined will help in developing competence management processes and whether they are understandable.

Following publication, the ICC plans to build on the guidance by developing practical case studies and examples to assist organisations.

The consultation also invites views on how these case studies and examples could best support implementation within the sector.

How to respond to the consultation

Responses can be submitted via an online survey, by email or by post to the HSE’s offices at Redgrave Court in Bootle, Merseyside.

The ICC stated that all responses must be received before the deadline of 23:59 on 6 November 2025.

The HSE confirmed that once the consultation closes, it will review all feedback and may refine the guidance document further before publication.

It also plans to develop additional practical resources for industry use.

Confidentiality and data protection considerations

The HSE said information provided in response to the consultation may be subject to publication or disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

Respondents are asked to make any confidentiality requests explicit within their submissions.

The HSE stated that all personal data will be processed in accordance with GDPR, with disclosures made only in line with the regulations.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This consultation will be relevant for fire engineers, building control professionals, facilities managers and contractors responsible for design, construction and management of higher-risk buildings.

The ICC guidance directly links to legal obligations under the Building Regulations 2010 and the Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc.) (England) Regulations 2023.

Fire safety officers and consultants involved in compliance or safety case preparation for high-rise residential buildings may find the document particularly important for understanding regulatory expectations.

Organisations involved in competence assessment, training or certification within the fire and safety sector could also use the consultation period to shape how competence management standards evolve under the Building Safety Act framework.

Industry Competence Committee opens consultation on competence management expectations: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on the Industry Competence Committee’s (ICC) guidance document Setting Expectations for Competence Management, which runs from 25 September to 6 November 2025.

The ICC, formed under the Building Safety Act 2022, advises the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and industry on competence improvement in the built environment.

The guidance applies to organisations involved in design, construction or building management, particularly those managing higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

It sets out expectations for competence management under Part 2A of the Building Regulations 2010 and The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc.) (England) Regulations 2023.

Feedback is being sought on whether the principles outlined are clear and useful for developing competence management processes.

Responses can be submitted online, by email or by post before 23:59 on 6 November 2025.

This article contains information from the following source: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

How BESA is reshaping ductwork competence in the UK

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

BESA publishes new ductwork competence toolkit

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has released its second practical guide to support competence in the UK building services industry.

According to BESA, the toolkit provides support for professionals in industrial and commercial ventilation hygiene, following an earlier guide for industrial and commercial ductwork.

The association explained that the resources are designed to help firms and individuals meet obligations under the Building Safety Act and existing standards.

It added that the guides are free to download and show how to evidence Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) in practice.

BESA said the new guide offers a template of “what good looks like” at both individual and organisational levels, with advice on applying experience and knowledge as evidence.

Context of competence frameworks after Grenfell Tower fire

BESA reported that the failure of collective competence was identified as a contributing factor in the Grenfell Tower fire.

The organisation noted that national skills frameworks are being developed in response to the Hackitt Review recommendation.

It added that the new guides are intended to offer immediate support while broader frameworks are finalised.

The association said that clients increasingly need to see evidence of competence and compliance, making the guides directly relevant to current practice.

BESA indicated that the resources provide immediate help for engineers and contractors working in high-risk building environments.

Alignment with wider industry and regulatory bodies

According to BESA, the toolkit content aligns with work led by the Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority and Sector Group 10 of the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).

It said that future guides in the series will also align with the ICSG’s work across all building engineering sectors.

BESA added that the approach is part of sector-wide collaboration to improve competence and compliance.

The association noted that this will support the goal of a consistent national competence framework for the industry.

Development with industry partners

BESA reported that the new ventilation hygiene guide was developed with ADCAS and Milford & Marah.

It explained that the guide provides specific support for industrial and commercial ventilation hygiene operatives, including air and grease hygiene technicians.

The association said that the guide covers cleaning requirements in critical healthcare environments and outlines safety considerations for high-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act.

It added that the toolkit reflects collaborative work between trade and consultancy organisations to strengthen competence across the sector.

Toolkit content and guidance for professionals

According to BESA, the guide sets out principles such as accurate record keeping, third-party validation, and regular compliance reviews.

It said that the toolkit also explains the role of training, qualifications, and on-site records in providing evidence of competence.

The association noted that supervision under the Building Regulations is included, alongside organisational processes for managing competence.

It added that ventilation hygiene operatives are given examples of qualifications and assessments needed for different tasks.

BESA explained that the toolkit provides clear pathways for evidencing competence and professional behaviour.

Industry response to the new guides

BESA’s director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson said: “The guides in this series are all designed to help individuals and companies simplify the process of measuring and assessing competence in a practical and easy to understand way.

“They form the first step towards creating a much-needed competence and compliance culture and are designed to support the more in-depth work being carried out by the ICSG to produce a national competence framework for the whole industry.”

Jon Vanstone, chair of the Industry Competence Committee, added: “These toolkits are a clear and practical example of what good looks like when sector-led initiatives meet the ambitions of national policy.

“This work provides an essential foundation for ensuring individual competence can be properly demonstrated and supported — both now and in the future.”

Davidson added: “There is still a lot of work to be done to help our industry develop a true competence and compliance culture.

“However, these ‘starter guides’ provide an important first step.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The guides are linked directly to competence and compliance requirements under the Building Safety Act.

They provide practical examples of how engineers and contractors can meet safety obligations when working on ductwork and ventilation systems.

The resources also give context for understanding how competence frameworks apply in high-risk buildings, including healthcare facilities.

Fire and safety professionals can use these guides to support training, demonstrate compliance, and prepare for future regulatory requirements.

BESA publishes new ductwork competence toolkit: Summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published a second competence toolkit.

The toolkit is for the UK industrial and commercial ventilation hygiene sector.

The first toolkit in the series was for industrial and commercial ductwork.

The new guide provides examples of competence requirements under the Building Safety Act.

It includes guidance on training, qualifications, supervision, and record keeping.

The content aligns with frameworks developed by the Industry Competence Steering Group.

The guide was produced in collaboration with ADCAS and Milford & Marah.

Rachel Davidson of BESA said the guides simplify measuring and assessing competence.

Jon Vanstone of the Industry Competence Committee welcomed the toolkits.

The ventilation hygiene SKEB toolkit is available free on the BESA website.