Fire Protection Association revises membership scheme to enhance industry support

FPA updates membership categories and benefits

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has introduced changes to its membership scheme, aimed at providing enhanced support for fire safety and construction professionals.

According to the FPA, the revised scheme introduces three membership categories: Individual, Small Business, and Corporate. These categories are designed to differentiate between company sizes and ensure appropriate access to the organisation’s technical guidance and resources. Existing members will transition to their corresponding category upon renewal, while new members will automatically join under the updated structure.

FPA CEO Dr Gavin Dunn said: “Our membership offering supports fire safety and construction professionals with the challenges they face on a daily basis through the provision of technical expertise and guidance. This is more important now than ever following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and as the nature of risk continues to evolve.”

New benefits introduced for members

The updated scheme includes several new benefits, such as the ability for members to contribute to FPA guidance, research projects, and consultation responses. Members will also have access to an expanded programme of CPD-approved webinars in 2025.

These webinars will cover topics including modern methods of construction, fire risk assessor competence frameworks, and updates to the LPC Sprinkler Rules. Quarterly Q&A sessions with FPA technical consultants will continue, providing members with opportunities to discuss key topics such as the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report.

The FPA has also made its suite of e-courses available to members, covering fire safety topics such as hot works, fire warden roles, and fire door inspections.

Digital and technical resources for members

The FPA is working to enhance its digital Fire & Risk Management Journal, which will be available in an interactive format from spring 2025. This will include audio and video content as well as improved search functionality.

Members will also have access to updated technical mini guides, which summarise key industry guidance. Additional training information packs and downloadable business templates will be available to support organisations in implementing fire safety best practices.

James Stone from the FPA said: “Our research and guidance are at the core of our membership scheme, especially when it comes to ensuring our members have access to what they need, when they need it, to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities.”

New Code of Professional Conduct introduced

A new Code of Professional Conduct has been introduced as part of the updated membership scheme. The FPA states that while membership does not accredit or endorse products or services, all new and renewing members must now commit to this code, which sets expectations for integrity, professional behaviour, and competency.

The FPA said the code aims to ensure that members maintain professional standards and that customers can expect a consistent level of service.

Fire Protection Association revises membership scheme to enhance industry support: Summary

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has updated its membership scheme, introducing three categories: Individual, Small Business, and Corporate. Existing members will be transitioned upon renewal, and new members will join under the revised structure.

New benefits include the ability for members to contribute to FPA guidance and research, access to an expanded CPD webinar programme, and availability of e-courses covering fire safety topics.

The digital Fire & Risk Management Journal will be enhanced with an interactive format in 2025. Additional technical resources such as updated mini guides, training packs, and downloadable templates will also be available.

A new Code of Professional Conduct has been introduced, requiring members to commit to professional standards in integrity, behaviour, and competency.

Berlin Fire Department to develop Hybrid Electric Firefighting and Rescue Vehicle

Berlin Fire Department’s “eLHF” project, an abbreviation of “electric firefighting and rescue vehicle” in German, is a scheme backed by the Berlin Program for Sustainable Development (BENE). The main aim of this program, which is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, is to procure and pilot-test an innovative firefighting and rescue vehicle equipped with an electric drive to get it from A to B and run its extinguishing technology.

Austrian specialist Rosenbauer, the world’s manufacturer of systems for firefighting and disaster protection, is playing a vital role in the “eLHF” project. The Concept Fire Truck (CFT) study devised and produced by Rosenbauer already features technical solutions that may well resolve the issues firefighters will face in the future.

Ergonomically and ecologically optimised vehicle

According to Rosenbauer, the electric CFT is an ergonomically and ecologically optimised vehicle that adapts to a wide range of requirements and is intuitive to operate. Connectivity, globalisation and knowledge cultures – key trends incorporated into the CFT technology – are said to reflect the importance of communication and digitalisation in the society.

The growing significance of networking between humans and machines is also expected to be crucial in ensuring firefighting missions are successful. “Our innovation partnership with Berlin Fire Department represents an important milestone as we work toward the series production of our Concept Fire Truck,” says Dr. Dieter Siegel, CEO of Rosenbauer International.