New UK Fire Consultation Forum launched by Fire Sector Federation

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Fire Sector Federation introduces the Fire Consultation Forum

The Fire Sector Federation (FSF) has announced the launch of the Fire Consultation Forum, a new initiative aimed at improving collaboration and communication across the UK fire safety sector.

According to the FSF, the Forum is designed to enhance knowledge-sharing and create a more coordinated approach to responding to fire-related consultations.

Its two primary objectives are to act as a communication hub for sharing intelligence and to enable organisations to provide well-informed responses to consultations.

By centralising discussions, the Forum aims to highlight areas of agreement and divergence among stakeholders, offering policymakers clearer and more comprehensive feedback on fire safety policies.

Streamlining responses to fire safety consultations

Consultations in the fire safety sector often originate from diverse organisations, including government departments, the British Standards Institute (BSI), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

The Fire Consultation Forum seeks to ensure that no consultation is overlooked by creating a structured and centralised system.

These consultations range from formal, extended processes to urgent, informal discussions.

FSF stated that the Forum would provide a consultation log to track responses and help organisations monitor the development of fire policies.

This log aims to demonstrate the inclusion of stakeholder feedback in policy enactment.

Virtual meetings and flexible scheduling

The FSF will facilitate the Forum, conducting virtual meetings every 6-8 weeks depending on consultation volume.

Meeting durations will range from 30 minutes to two hours, and attendees can document key takeaways.

The FSF Technical Adviser will circulate relevant updates, and email communication between meetings will ensure continued dialogue.

The Federation will also maintain a consultation log as an audit trail of stakeholder contributions.

Membership is open to Federation members and stakeholders from sectors such as construction and insurance.

Government departments may participate occasionally when relevant to discussions.

Periodic reviews to ensure relevance

The terms of reference for the Forum will be reviewed six months after launch and subsequently on an annual basis.

These reviews will ensure the platform remains effective in meeting the sector’s needs.

The FSF has positioned the Fire Consultation Forum as an informal but structured platform to address the complexities of fire safety regulation.

Stakeholders interested in joining can contact the Federation via executive@firesectorfederation.co.uk.

Fire Consultation Forum aims to enhance UK fire safety collaboration: summary

The Fire Sector Federation has introduced the Fire Consultation Forum to improve collaboration across the UK fire safety sector.

This platform will facilitate knowledge-sharing, centralise consultation responses, and provide policymakers with cohesive feedback.

Meetings will occur virtually every 6-8 weeks, with flexible durations and updates shared by the FSF.

Membership is open to FSF members and other key stakeholders, while government departments may join discussions selectively.

The Forum’s terms of reference will undergo regular reviews to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

Stakeholders can contact the FSF for membership details.

Fire Sector Federation newsletter reveals industry progress and upcoming challenges

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

The latest Fire Sector Federation (FSF) Newsletter has reported a record attendance at the annual FIRE Conference, with 527 delegates participating both in person and online.

This figure marks a nearly 10% increase from the previous year.

At the conference’s opening, Federation Chair, John Spencer, dedicated a tribute to the late Jonathan O’Neill.

The newsletter detailed the work on the competency of Fire Risk Assessors following the Building Safety Act, with contributions from directors Steve Hamm and Dennis Davis.

Steve McGuirk, Executive Director, highlighted efforts in developing a national strategy for fire safety and the concept of the Fire Chain. Plans for the next London event are already in progress.

Fire Sector Federation plans for sustainability

The FSF’s Forum in London focused on developing a sustainable business model. The Board proposed a business case to the Fire Research and Training Trust for a two-year funding arrangement.

The meeting also discussed governance restructuring and confirmed the Federation’s commitment to public service.

Member updates and Forum notes are available through Basecamp, alongside sector enforcement and competency updates from NFCC’s Gavin Tomlinson and Dennis Davis.

Support across the sector for the Fire Chain concept

The FIRE Chain, as developed by Steve McGuirk, received sector-wide endorsement.

FIRE Magazine praised the initiative for comprehensively representing the sector’s breadth and challenges.

The endorsement and the full supporting article can be found on Basecamp for FSF members.

The Scottish Government’s steps to tackle unsafe cladding through the new Housing (Cladding Remediation) Bill were also highlighted.

The bill allows intervention in buildings with unsafe cladding and establishes a Cladding Assurance register.

Details of the Bill and the prospective Responsible Developers Scheme are available on the Scottish Government website.

The Department of Business and Trade’s call for evidence in its Smarter regulation programme seeks opinions on UK regulatory effectiveness.

This programme is part of an effort to ensure future-ready regulations and a balanced regulatory burden. Feedback is open until January 7th.

Education on building safety regulations through BSR webinars

The Building Safety Regulator is hosting webinars to educate those involved in building safety post the Building Safety Act.

The sessions cover a range of topics essential for the built environment’s stakeholders.

More information is provided on the HSE website.

The FSF will hold its next Members Forum on January 18th, with further details to follow.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities released guidance on defining high-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022.

For further details about the Fire Sector Federation, contact them via email at executive@firesectorfederation.co.uk.

IFSJ Comment

The FSF’s report on the conference and subsequent meetings is a testament to the ongoing dedication within the fire safety community to enhance standards and practices.

The noted increase in attendance signifies growing interest and investment in fire safety discourse.

Highlighting advancements in fire risk assessor competency and the development of the Fire Chain, the FSF is setting a precedent for the integration of fire safety into national strategic planning.

The information provided on regulatory changes and webinars indicates a proactive approach to education and compliance, ensuring that the fire safety profession remains informed and prepared for the evolving landscape.

About the Fire Sector Federation

The Fire Sector Federation is a UK-based organization that works collaboratively to influence fire safety policy and strategy, bringing together stakeholders from across the fire sector.

With a focus on safety, competence, and effectiveness, the FSF serves as a collective voice to address the challenges faced by those responsible for fire safety.

The Federation’s work includes promoting fire prevention and protection strategies, shaping legislation, and ensuring the highest standards of fire safety are upheld for the benefit of the public and professionals within the sector.

The Fire Chain

by Breaking NewsSafety

Steve McGuirk, Executive Director of the Fire Sector Federation, looks at driving a national strategic approach to fire safety

The Fire Sector Federation has been making steady progress in leading efforts to develop a national strategic approach to fire safety in the UK.

The Federation’s Strategy Board, now chaired by Tom Roche after the tragic passing of Jonathan O’Neill earlier this year, has strong representation across the sector.

But it has also widened its membership to include the broadest possible range of interests and views from construction, product compliance, insurance, building control and fire and rescue services.

The Federation has been clear that it is not asking for government to come up with a single strategy document, rather it is more seeking collective collaboration around a shared direction of travel.

It is understood that, to a large degree, it is for the fire and construction industries themselves to drive the initiative forward, working with government and other agencies or organisations along the way.

This may sound easy in principle, but the sectors are incredibly complex, often mirrored by the singular responsibilities of government departments who all have different priorities for fire safety.

The first stages will continue to be about developing of conversations across boundaries, and building a consensus about how to better connect the sectors and this is where the Federation has been concentrating its efforts in the last few months.

Members of the strategy group have attended the Industry’s Safety Steering Group, the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group, as well as briefing officials at the new Building Safety Regulator, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities and the Home Office.

Pleasingly, there has so far been strong support for a strategic view of fire safety to be taken but work goes on to establish more working partnerships.

The Federation is uniquely placed to lead and facilitate collaboration, given its inherent knowledge and breadth of engagement across the organisations that, together, comprise the fire community.

Working groups are now established to address the four key priorities outlined in the Federation’s white paper: Competency, Volumetric buildings, Mass Timber buildings and Innovative construction.

But equally, the delivery of strategy – and of the hundreds of recommendations associated with the Grenfell Inquiry (and associated reviews) will require multiple partners to collaborate and coordinate their activity from across the breadth of the fire safety landscape.

Understanding and mapping out this landscape, therefore, is a further important step in strategic thinking which the Federation has been taking time to address this.

In doing so, it has considered the layers of fire safety in buildings; the multiple stakeholders and organisations, and the guidance, legislation and regulation that exists and drives the behaviours of stakeholders as well as defining their agenda of action.

Provisionally known as the ‘Fire Chain’, this work will help the Federation identify who has the imperative to act, who can influence, who might collaborate with whom.

This will ultimately drive forward and maintain a national fire safety strategic approach in which everyone understands the part they play, and its relationship to the role and significance of other partners and stakeholders in order to integrate and develop thinking – where possible ‘one voice’ – in a more systematic and strategic way.

The Federation has committed to leading and facilitating the continued development of national strategy by bringing those with the necessary knowledge and competence together to deliver the vision.

From the work that has been undertaken to date there is a real will to make this happen along with an understanding that it will take time to do it right.

About the Fire Sector Federation

The Fire Sector Federation gives voice to and influences the shaping of future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector. The Federation is a not-for-profit non-government organisation established to act as a forum for the benefit of its membership and to evolve as an informed source relating to fire.

www.firesectorfederation.co.uk

This exclusive article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fire Sector Federation appoints John Spencer as Chair

by Featured NewsPeople

The Fire Sector Federation has announced that John Spencer is its new Chair, taking over from Michael Harper. Spencer, who has been Vice Chair since joining the Board in May this year, assumes responsibility as part of a planned succession process with Michael Harper, who will remain on the Board until the Federation’s next AGM in May 2023.

Commenting on his appointment, John Spencer said: “I am delighted and honoured to be Chair of the Fire Sector Federation and look forward to working with the Board and all our members as we drive forward fire safety and continue to shape future policy and strategy for UK Fire.

“While we are now seeing significant new legislation and policy change appearing in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, there is no room for complacency and much work remains to be done to address the policy and practice gaps that remain across fragmented sectors.  Our focus continues on bringing together and improving the knowledge, skills and experience available within the sector.”

Spencer has considerable experience in senior leadership roles spanning the fire and property sectors. He served Managing Director of Chubb Fire and Security for 11years and served as CEO with a several major property companies including MWB, Regus UK, Landmark and BizSpace.

Michael Harper, Chair of the Federation for the last four years, commented: “I have much appreciated the contribution and support of members to aid the development of the Federation, which has now become established as a strong and influential voice for the fire sector. I am very grateful to the Board for their support and particularly to Dennis Davis and his small team for their tireless work on our behalf. My very best wishes go to John, the Executive Board and all our members as the Federation continues to press ahead and face the challenges ahead.”

UK assistance on course to aid Ukranian firefighters

by Breaking NewsPeople

The biggest UK fire service convoy – made up of 22 vehicles and more than 5,000 items of kit and equipment donated by UK fire and rescue services – has been deployed to support firefighters in Ukraine.

The convoy, which left for Poland last weekend, also comprised of more than 60 volunteers from FIRE AID and fire and rescue services. The aid is providing vitally needed equipment to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers, battling together on the frontline.

Vehicles underwent final checks and the convoy departed Kent on March 19. The estimated journey time to Poland was three days, after which the equipment was transferred to Ukraine. The equipment is expected to support emergency services which are dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people, and property.

Coordinated by UK charity, FIRE AID and International Development (FIRE AID), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the fire industry through the Fire Industry Association, the 22-strong vehicle convoy includes 15 fire engines, an incident response unit, a hydraulic rescue platform, mechanical support for the journey, and two lorries containing equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, generators, lighting, hoses, and thousands of sets of PPE. 

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the UK Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.

The wider fire sector – including the MSA Safety, Fire Sector Federation (FSF), the Fire and Rescue Suppliers [FIRESA] Council and the Fire Industry Association (FIA) – are also key partners in supporting and making the deployment.

Claire Hoyland, Project Manager, FIRE AID said: “We’re calling this a mega convoy as it is not only mega in size, but it has been truly a monumental effort from all involved. Within two weeks we have put together the biggest ever donation of aid from UK Fire and Rescue services. I am so proud of everyone involved and so grateful for the support of our project partners, including EASST, NFCC, and the Home Office, along with many others who have contributed time, money, and assistance.

“FIRE AID members have been working in Ukraine for more than a decade. We have a number of friends and colleagues within the Ukrainian fire service battling fires and responding to emergencies on the front line. We know that this donation is much needed and we are proud to be able to help in whatever way we can.”

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “To see the convoy of fire vehicles – packed with thousands of pieces of firefighting equipment, start its journey was incredibly humbling; every firefighter and volunteer involved should be immensely proud of how their amazing work is making this a reality. This firefighting kit will soon be with Ukrainian emergency services, helping our firefighter colleagues to save lives and protect their local communities – often whilst under devastating attacks.”

Evacuation: Fire Sector Federation releases checklist

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

The Fire Sector Federation has published a checklist aimed at Fire Risk Assessors to help them evaluate the safe escape of individuals from a building fire.

The ‘Personal Emergency Evacuation Residential Premises’ guide recognises that evacuation procedures with associated provision of safe routes of escape to a place of safety must be inherent in every building safety strategy.

Following a series of prompts, the questions posed in the checklist are designed to be interpreted by the fire risk assessor and used in discussion with their clients to help decide what actions are appropriate for the building. The checklist relates specifically to general residential buildings, which are usually unstaffed and operate a ‘stay put’ two- phase evacuation strategy.

The guide offers a lead where currently none exists and was developed by the Fire Sector Federation in conjunction with members who work as fire risk assessors in the sector.

Dennis Davis, executive officer, Fire Sector Federation said: “Assessment of evacuation procedures from a personal level to ensure the safe escape of every individual from a fire is a critical component of any fire risk assessment. We have worked closely with colleagues in the fire sector to develop the overview and checklist to support fire risk assessors in their audit and review of buildings. Some of the information may also help the Responsible Person, who have very specific duties for fire safety, meet their own responsibilities. 

“The guide has no formal status but having a simple general checklist we believe assists, when linked into a recordable process, discussion and assessment of evacuation during any audit and review to the benefit of building owners and residents.”

The publication is available as a free download on the Fire Sector Federation website at: https://www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ The Fire Sector Federation seeks to give voice to and exert influence in shaping future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector. The federation is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation established to act as a forum for the benefit of its membership and to evolve as a central source of information on all aspects relating to fire.