Confederation backs BSI Fire Safety Conference 2026 at IET London

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured NewsSafety

Fire Sector Confederation sponsorship announced for London conference

The Fire Sector Confederation has announced it will sponsor the BSI Fire Safety Conference 2026 on Thursday 29 January 2026 at IET London: Savoy Place, London, UK.

The organisation said the sponsorship aligns with its work on fire safety standards, industry collaboration and professional development for practitioners.

Confederation sets out sponsorship aims

The Fire Sector Confederation said it is supporting the conference to help advance fire safety knowledge and promote best practice across the built environment.

It added that the sponsorship is intended to support continuous improvement across the sector.

Topics include compliance, competency and data

The Confederation said the BSI Fire Safety Conference 2026 will bring together regulators, standards leaders and frontline practitioners.

It said the programme will cover building and residential safety.

It said sessions will also address product compliance and testing.

It added that competency frameworks are expected to be part of the agenda.

The organisation said the event will also examine the digital “golden thread” of fire safety information.

Updates expected from regulators and standards bodies

The Fire Sector Confederation said the conference will include updates from the Building Safety Regulator.

It said the programme will also cover developments in British Standards including BS 9994 and BS 9996.

The organisation added that the conference will feature insights from the National Fire Chiefs Council, among other organisations.

Executive Director comments on conference value

Steve McGuirk, Executive Director at the Fire Sector Confederation, said: “The BSI Fire Safety Conference provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration across our sector.

“As we navigate evolving regulations and standards, events like this are essential for ensuring that fire safety professionals have the tools, insights, and connections they need to protect lives and property.”

The Fire Sector Confederation said further information and registration details are available via BSI.

New group aims to improve fire safety at UK sports grounds

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsSafety

Stakeholders from across UK sports venues form new fire safety group

The Fire Sector Confederation (FSC) has reported that a new working group focused on improving fire safety at sports grounds has been launched.

The Sports Ground Special Interest (Fire Safety) Network held its first meeting recently, bringing together nearly 40 participants from a range of UK venues and organisations.

The group is chaired by Paul Brunt, Fire Safety Manager at Manchester United Football Club, and includes representation from fire officers, suppliers, fire safety professionals, stadium operators and local authorities.

Initiative developed through months of planning by industry leaders

According to the FSC, the initiative was the result of planning by its Executive Director, Steve McGuirk, in collaboration with Paul Brunt and Tim Burgin of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).

The network is designed to support the sharing of expertise and knowledge across different types of sports grounds.

McGuirk said: “We are delighted that this special interest network is now up and running, providing a unique platform for professionals with an interest in sports ground safety to come together to focus on developing guidance, influencing standards and improving communication to prevent fires in sports venues.”

He added that the work of the group would contribute to wider industry forums including the National Fire Safety Strategy Board and Fire Congress.

Platform to develop guidance and address safety challenges

Brunt stated that he was pleased with the level of engagement from clubs across multiple sports.

Paul Brunt said: “This is an important milestone in our drive to improving fire safety across all sports grounds in the UK and I am honoured to be the inaugural chair.

“The initial response has been incredibly positive with enthusiastic participation from football, rugby and cricket clubs across the country.

“It is a unique platform to share best practice and tackle challenges collaboratively so that we ultimately inform the best possible safety standards.”

Group to support review of sports ground fire safety post-Grenfell

Tim Burgin of the SGSA explained that the network would play a part in broader fire safety reviews underway following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Tim Burgin said: “The formation of this group of stakeholders will play a significant role in the review of fire safety in sports grounds prompted by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

“It brings together experts from across the country whose collaboration will be potentially significant in shaping the new Green Guide.”

According to the FSC, participants currently include representatives from Premier League and EFL clubs, rugby union and rugby league, horseracing, cricket, and government fire safety advisors.

Meetings will continue regularly and the group is open to new participants.

New group aims to improve fire safety at UK sports grounds: Summary

The Fire Sector Confederation has launched a new group to improve fire safety at sports venues in the UK.

The group is called the Sports Ground Special Interest (Fire Safety) Network.

Its inaugural meeting included nearly 40 stakeholders.

Paul Brunt, Fire Safety Manager at Manchester United Football Club, chairs the group.

Steve McGuirk of the FSC helped establish the initiative with Paul Brunt and Tim Burgin of the SGSA.

The group includes fire safety officers, equipment providers, stadium operators and public authorities.

It will support policy development through the National Fire Safety Strategy Board and Fire Congress.

The SGSA said the group’s input will support the review of fire safety guidance following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Experts from football, rugby, cricket, horseracing and government are currently involved.

The FSC invites additional stakeholders to contact the group via email.

Fire Sector Federation gains UK charity status, rebrands as Fire Sector Confederation

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News

Fire Sector Federation transitions to Fire Sector Confederation

The Fire Sector Federation has been registered as a UK charity and will now operate as the Fire Sector Confederation.

According to the organisation, this change is part of its strategic plan to establish itself as a public interest enterprise.

The transition is intended to ensure impartiality and prevent dominance by any single stakeholder or interest group.

Steve McGuirk, Executive Director of the Fire Sector Confederation, said: “We are delighted to have achieved this milestone in our strategy.

“Charitable status supports the Confederation’s role as a neutral force to create a safer environment.”

New identity reflects strategic vision

The organisation stated that the name change was required as part of the charity application process.

However, it also aligns with its strategic vision to enhance collaboration across the fire sector.

McGuirk said: “The name change better reflects our focus to deliver a strategic vision for collaboration that connects key stakeholders across the fire ecosystem to overcome the barriers to change and deliver meaningful and effective solutions to enhance fire safety in our society.”

In the coming weeks, the Confederation will update its corporate branding and website to reflect the rebrand.

This will include a new digital collaboration hub for members.

Fire Chain model guides sector-wide collaboration

The Fire Sector Confederation has recently published its strategic action plan, which outlines a framework for fire safety improvements.

A key component is the ‘Fire Chain’ model, which seeks to clarify roles across industries and improve knowledge sharing.

The model promotes transparency, technology adoption and professional networking to strengthen fire safety efforts.

Supporting government consultation responses

The organisation will continue to coordinate industry responses to government consultations and create spaces for stakeholders to collaborate.

It states that its goal is to provide a structured platform where industry professionals can work together to develop best practices and address emerging fire safety challenges.

Fire Sector Federation becomes UK charity, rebrands as Fire Sector Confederation: Summary

The Fire Sector Federation has been registered as a UK charity and rebranded as the Fire Sector Confederation.

This change aligns with its strategic plan to operate as a public interest enterprise, ensuring impartiality and preventing dominance by any single interest group.

Executive Director Steve McGuirk said the transition supports the Confederation’s role as a neutral organisation focused on creating a safer environment.

The rebrand includes updates to corporate branding and the launch of a digital collaboration hub for members.

The Confederation recently introduced its ‘Fire Chain’ model to clarify roles across industries and strengthen knowledge sharing.

It will also continue coordinating industry responses to government consultations and facilitating collaborative efforts to enhance fire safety.