Key findings highlight competency and capacity of fire risk assessors
The Home Office has published findings from the survey Fire Risk Assessors in England: A Survey of Competency, Capacity, and Experience.
Conducted between 6 July 2023 and 4 September 2023, the study aimed to address knowledge gaps surrounding fire risk assessors (FRAs) in England.
The survey received 1,404 responses, with 1,272 from assessors operating in England.
It examined the functional characteristics, competency, and capacity of FRAs.
Results indicated that 87% of respondents were male, and 65% were aged 50 years or older.
Approximately 46% of FRAs were certificated or registered by schemes, while 40% belonged to professional bodies but were uncertificated.
A key barrier to certification cited by respondents was cost (47%).
Competency levels and training practices among FRAs
The survey explored FRAs’ self-reported competency, experience, and training.
Findings showed that 63% had over five years of experience, and 84% had undertaken training specifically related to fire risk assessment under the Fire Safety Order.
However, 50% of respondents reported not participating in formal refresher training, relying instead on industry updates to remain current.
Certification was linked to higher self-assessed competency, with 58% of certificated FRAs rating themselves at an “advanced” level compared to 17% of non-members.
Respondents from fee-earning roles were more likely to report undertaking annual refresher training (22%) compared to in-house FRAs (13%).
Workload and assessment capacity of FRAs
The study assessed FRAs’ workload to gauge capacity within the sector.
Results varied significantly, with 53% of respondents conducting fewer than 50 assessments per year.
Conversely, 10% reported completing more than 250 assessments annually.
Fee-earning FRAs were shown to conduct more assessments, including for higher and more complex buildings, compared to their in-house counterparts.
While 88% of respondents assessed buildings under 11 metres, fewer surveyed FRAs assessed buildings over 18 metres (34%).
Differences between certificated, professional body members, and non-members
The findings revealed disparities in competency and capacity based on FRA certification and professional body membership.
Certificated FRAs reported higher competency levels and greater capacity to conduct fire risk assessments.
Specifically, 26% of certificated FRAs undertook annual refresher training, compared to 13% of professional body members and 9% of non-members.
Additionally, certificated FRAs were more likely to assess complex buildings and conduct over 100 assessments annually.
Fire risk assessors in England: a survey of competency, capacity, and experience: Summary
The Fire Risk Assessors in England: A Survey of Competency, Capacity, and Experience highlights key insights into the role, competency, and workload of fire risk assessors in England.
The survey indicates that most respondents are experienced, with 63% having over five years in the role.
However, gaps remain, particularly in refresher training, as 50% reported not undertaking formal updates.
Certification was linked to higher self-assessed competency, with certificated FRAs more likely to assess complex buildings and complete a higher volume of assessments.
The report underscores variations between in-house and fee-earning FRAs, as well as certificated, professional body members, and non-members.
It provides evidence to support future considerations for improving competency verification and capacity within the fire risk assessment sector in England.