NAHFO publishes 2026 annual conference programme for University of Liverpool

by EventsFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

NAHFO annual conference programme now live

The programme for the NAHFO Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026 has been published for 8 to 10 June 2026 at the University of Liverpool.

NAHFO describes the three-day event as bringing together healthcare fire safety, estates and risk professionals.

Day one opens with welcome remarks from Stewart Crowe, Assistant Director at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Paul Fitzpatrick, Director of Estates & Facilities at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is listed to speak on responsible person and fire safety duties.

Cheryl Couling, Principal Consultant at Fire Safety Partnership, is scheduled to present an overview of the authorising engineer (fire) role within healthcare estates.

Louise Mansfield, Legal Director at Bevan Brittan, is scheduled to lead a session titled The Building Safety Act in Practice: What’s New, What Still Applies, What to Do Now.

The day one agenda also includes a TECL case study on passive fire protection and digital tools and a session on lithium-ion battery fire risk led by Emily Bond, PhD Researcher at Queen’s University Belfast.

Sessions listed across the three days of the NAHFO programme

Day two includes a session on hospital evacuation strategies led by Aoife Hunt, Professor of Crowd Safety and Security Science at the University of Greenwich, and Steve Gwynne, Professor of Evacuation and Pedestrian Dynamics at the University of Greenwich.

Graham Gray, Fire Safety Manager at the University of Sussex, is scheduled to present a case study on managing fire alarm incidents in a live campus environment.

Mansfield is scheduled to lead Fire Safety on Trial: Decisions, Consequences and Accountability, described as a courtroom-based session with audience participation.

Rik Hutchins, CEO at Soterweb, is listed to present an industry session on digital platforms for fire risk and building safety.

Mitch Dean, National Sales Manager at SDS, is scheduled to present on designing, testing and maintaining fire doors for complex healthcare environments.

The programme also lists a session on 3D building mapping with intelligent AI asset recognition led by Derek Lawrence and Lee Searle of Safelincs.

Aoife Hunt is scheduled to present a session titled Martyn’s Law Connected. Protected. Prepared?

A session on solar panels and photovoltaic systems is listed, focused on safety, risk and best practice.

Sponsors and day three CPD sessions

The published programme lists Honeywell as gold sponsor and BORIS Software Ltd/TECL_UK and SOTERweb as silver sponsors.

Day three is presented as a professional development day with four CPD-accredited sessions operating via a colour-coded rotation system.

The day three CPD sessions listed are titled Digital Workforce and Fire Safety Compliance and are attributed to Boris Software.

The programme also lists a closing reflections session titled Connected. Protected. Prepared – Reflections, Leadership and What Comes Next, including an announcement of the NAHFO Annual Conference 2027 in London.

The programme includes an AGM for members on day one and an awards dinner on day two.

NAHFO 2024 Conference: A key event for healthcare fire safety professionals

by EventsFeatured News

Introduction to NAHFO and its Role in Healthcare Fire Safety

The National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers (NAHFO) is a pivotal organisation in the realm of healthcare fire safety.

For over three decades, NAHFO has served as the national voice for individuals associated with healthcare fire safety, collaborating closely with various organisations.

This collaboration aims to uphold the highest fire safety standards in healthcare environments.

NAHFO’s significant impact over the years includes influencing the guidance and legislation currently in use within the healthcare sector.

Details of the NAHFO 2024 Annual Conference

The NAHFO Annual Conference, scheduled for June 3 to June 5, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle Upon Tyne, is an eagerly anticipated event in the industry.

This conference is not just an ordinary gathering; it is a hub for fire professionals to network, share ideas, and discuss best practices.

The event promises to feature leading industry speakers who will delve into current topics that are both interesting and engaging for the attendees.

Furthermore, the conference will provide an opportunity to explore a wide range of exhibiting companies.

These exhibitors will showcase the latest in equipment, services, and supplies, keeping professionals updated with the newest advancements in the field.

More information about the conference and NAHFO can be found at nahfo.org.

The Importance of the Conference in the Industry

The NAHFO 2024 Annual Conference is not just another event in the calendar.

It stands as a crucial convergence point for professionals deeply invested in healthcare fire safety.

The conference’s educational and informative nature makes it a significant event for fire safety professionals who are keen to stay at the forefront of the industry.

The exchange of ideas and best practices among attendees plays a vital role in shaping the future of fire safety standards in healthcare.

IFSJ Comment

The upcoming NAHFO 2024 Annual Conference is a testament to the ongoing commitment and dedication of fire safety professionals in the healthcare sector.

This event symbolises more than just an annual gathering; it represents the collective effort of individuals and organisations striving to enhance fire safety standards in healthcare environments.

The conference’s focus on networking, knowledge exchange, and showcasing the latest advancements underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the fire safety field.

As the healthcare sector continues to grow and face new challenges, the role of such conferences in fostering collaboration and innovation becomes increasingly significant.

The NAHFO 2024 Conference, therefore, is not only a platform for learning and networking but also a beacon guiding the future direction of healthcare fire safety.

About NAHFO

The National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers is a leading organisation in the field of healthcare fire safety.

Established over 30 years ago, NAHFO has been instrumental in shaping the standards and guidelines that govern fire safety in healthcare settings.

By acting as a collective voice for professionals involved in this critical aspect of healthcare, NAHFO plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare providers.

Through its conferences, publications, and collaborations, NAHFO continues to be at the forefront of promoting and implementing the highest standards of fire safety in the healthcare industry.