SFJ Awards opens consultation on fire safety training suite

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

Fire safety training qualifications consultation opens

A stakeholder consultation has launched to support a review of the fire safety suite of qualifications that form the basis of fire safety training for fire safety regulators.

SFJ Awards said the consultation follows an initial review phase led by SFJ Awards in collaboration with the Home Office, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the London Fire Brigade and others.

The suite includes a Level 3 Certificate, a Level 4 Certificate and a Level 4 Diploma.

The initial phase updated the qualifications’ content.

What the review covers and why input is being sought

The consultation aims to capture views from a wider pool of experts and practitioners as the review process is finalised.

Adreena Parkin-Coates of the NFCC was part of the expert working group that carried out the initial phase of the review.

Parkin-Coates said: “Fire safety roles are central to minimising and mitigating the risk of harm to people, property and the environment from fire.

“Ensuring the workforce is fully prepared for the rigours and challenges of the role requires a robust set of qualifications suitable for all different learners.

“The suite was reviewed in its entirety to promote consistent regulation and fire safety standards across fire and rescue services and reduce content duplication for learners.

“Following this initial evaluation, we now invite input from a wider group of stakeholders as we finalise the review process.”

David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, said: “The fire safety suite of qualifications offers a structured development pathway for fire safety regulators, providing a platform for developing the dedicated workforce to keep people, property and the environment safe from fire.

“The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Safety have each been reviewed by the expert working group to ensure alignment with current best practices and now the consultation stage seeks the views of stakeholders to ensure that practical considerations are fully accounted for.

“Following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster in 2017, it is widely recognised that qualifications which support the training and development of fire safety personnel must be fit for purpose and I encourage stakeholders to submit their valued representations.”

The consultation covering the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety, the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety is now live.

What SFJ Awards changed in fire risk assessment

by Featured NewsTraining

New UK qualifications announced by SFJ Awards

SFJ Awards has launched two new UK fire risk assessment qualifications aligned to the BS 8674 standard, which was updated by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in August last year.

SFJ Awards said the new routes are an Ofqual-regulated Level 4 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment and a Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment.

The organisation said the updated standard is intended to improve consistency, quality and accountability in how fire risk assessments are carried out.

What the standards update aims to change

SFJ Awards said the BS 8674 standard was updated following Grenfell Tower and subsequent fire safety reforms.

The organisation said the standard aims to improve consistency, quality and accountability in fire risk assessment work.

SFJ Awards said fire risk assessments are a legal requirement in the UK.

The organisation said anyone responsible for a building, e.g., an employer, owner or occupier of premises that is not a single private dwelling, must ensure a suitably competent person completes a fire risk assessment.

How the qualifications were developed

SFJ Awards said it worked with fire and rescue services, the Ministry of Defence and other contributors to develop the new qualification routes.

The organisation said the qualification structure was designed to provide greater flexibility for learners.

SFJ Awards said the qualifications support the application of legislation and risk-based methods across a range of premises.

The organisation said the routes are intended to enable learners to produce clear findings and recommendations as part of the fire risk assessment process.

David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, commented: “Delivering improved standards in fire risk assessments relies upon having the learning architecture in place to support learners to acquire the requisite knowledge and apply it practically in the field.

“Bringing these new qualifications to market is a key step forward in supporting this aim and enabling alignment with BS 8674:2025.

“The introduction of the Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma offers two qualification routes to provide flexibility for learners and support greater coverage across the sector – as is needed – to drive up safety standards overall.”

Availability and progression routes in the UK

SFJ Awards said the Level 4 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment are now available for delivery at training centres across the UK.

The organisation said the routes support progression through supervised practice, workplace experience and ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).

Chris Wilson, Managing Director at The Fire Safety Academy, said: “BS 8674:2025 is an important step forward for assessing and mitigating fire risk in residential complexes, tall buildings, and business and mixed-use premises across the UK.

“The qualifications therefore provide a vital bridge between the new safety standards and learners and practitioners responsible for conducting fire risk assessments.”

SFJ Awards said Level 5 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment qualifications are also in development.

The organisation said these are intended to support progression to the advanced Fire Risk Assessor competencies set out in BS 8674:2025.

Firefighter apprenticeships assessment milestone earns SFJ Awards national EPA recognition

by Featured NewsTraining

Why firefighter apprenticeships are central to SFJ Awards

SFJ Awards has been named End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPA) of the Year (SME) at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Qualification and Assessment Excellence Awards for its work assessing apprentices in the emergency and protective services.

The award recognises the organisation’s role in delivering End-Point Assessment (EPA) as the final stage of apprenticeship programmes.

EPA is used to test the knowledge, skills and behaviours apprentices gain during their training before they complete their apprenticeship.

According to SFJ Awards, the recognition relates in particular to its assessment activity across emergency and protective services roles.

Firefighter apprenticeships reach 3,000 EPA assessments

SFJ Awards stated that since 2019 it has assessed thousands of apprentices working in the emergency and protective services.

The organisation recently completed its 3,000th Operational Firefighter EPA earlier this year.

SFJ Awards operates as a not-for-profit organisation delivering nationally recognised awarding and assessment services.

Its work covers apprentices in roles such as apprentice firefighters, police community support officers and emergency service contact handlers.

Judges praise customer-first assessment approach

The Federation of Awarding Bodies reported that an expert panel of judges commended SFJ Awards for its customer-first approach.

The panel highlighted the support provided to those working in the emergency services, including a 24/7 assessment service.

SFJ Awards explained that round-the-clock assessment options aim to make the last stage of an apprentice’s journey a positive experience.

Reacting to the award, Kit Salt, Director of Partnerships and Innovation at SFJ Awards, said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award.

“Our small but dedicated team work tirelessly to ensure that apprentice firefighters, police community support officers, emergency service contact handlers and more are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to keep the public safe.

“As an assessment organisation, we have helped launch the careers of thousands of protective service workers.

“This is something which we are incredibly proud of, and it is great to see our hard work recognised publicly by our peers.”

FAB highlights impact of awarding community

FAB Chief Executive Officer Rob Nitsch commented on the wider outcomes of this year’s awards.

Rob Nitsch, CEO at the Federation of Awarding Bodies, commented: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners.

“Their achievements exemplify industry-leading excellence.

“It has been inspiring to hear how the qualifications and assessment community continues to drive positive change, and a privilege to come together to celebrate its ongoing impact.”

SFJ Awards stated that it provides nationally recognised awarding and assessment services that enhance the effectiveness of the protective services workforce.

Implications for emergency services apprenticeship leads

The recognition of SFJ Awards as EPA of the Year focuses on End-Point Assessment for apprentices in emergency and protective services roles.

For fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers, the completion of 3,000 Operational Firefighter EPAs indicates that large numbers of firefighters have now been assessed through nationally recognised processes.

Training officers and instructors involved in firefighter apprenticeships can view SFJ Awards’ 24/7 assessment service as an example of flexible scheduling around operational demands.

Emergency and disaster response managers may note that SFJ Awards also assesses roles such as police community support officers and emergency service contact handlers.

Standards and certification bodies can reference this award when considering how EPA organisations support apprentices through the final stage of their programmes.

Facility managers in emergency service control centres may be indirectly affected where apprentices in contact handler roles complete their EPA through SFJ Awards.

Across these groups, the award highlights the role of assessment practice in shaping the skills and behaviours of protective service apprentices.

Fire officer Johnston named SFJ Awards trustee in UK appointment

by Featured NewsPeople

Former Lancashire fire officer joins SFJ Awards board of trustees

SFJ Awards has appointed Professor Justin Johnston to its board of trustees, the organisation said.

The awarding organisation works extensively across fire and rescue services and is nationally recognised and regulated, according to the company.

Professor Johnston previously served as Chief Fire Officer at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and as Vice Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council.

He will hold the trustee role alongside a visiting professorship at the University of Chester.

The organisation confirmed the board is chaired by Erika Bannerman, Managing Director at NHS Shared Business Services.

Board composition and sector links confirmed

SFJ Awards said the trustee group also includes Dr Allison Jones of AEJ Education Consulting, Arvind Malhotra of FutureSense Group and Keith Fraser of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.

The organisation described Professor Johnston as a Queen’s Fire Medal recipient.

The company positioned the appointment within its work on qualifications and apprenticeship standards for the fire and rescue workforce.

It stated that the role adds local and national leadership experience to its governance.

Leadership perspective on qualifications and standards

David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, said: “Justin is a fantastic addition to our board of trustees.”

“He brings a wealth of experience in fire and rescue services having worked in a series of leadership roles at a local and national level.”

“Importantly, he shares our vision and commitment toward the professionalisation of the modern fire and rescue services workforce through the design and delivery of robust qualifications and apprenticeships standards.”

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone at SFJ Awards and our parent organisation The Workforce Development Trust in saying that we are delighted to have him onboard.”

Professor Justin Johnston said: “SFJ Awards plays a vital role in supporting the development of the fire and rescue services workforce as the leading awarding organisation for the sector.”

“Their work to improve skills and qualifications to support the workforce is at the heart of providing high quality and sustainable frontline services.”

“It’s an honour to be a part of the SFJ Awards family and I look forward to supporting David and the team.”

What the appointment tells the sector

The announcement confirms SFJ Awards’ board now includes former senior operational leadership from a UK fire and rescue service.

It also links the awarding organisation’s governance to current academic engagement through a visiting professorship.

The organisation framed the change within its focus on qualification design and apprenticeship standards for the workforce.

Why this matters for leaders and training managers

Chief fire officers and senior officers can note that SFJ Awards has added experience from local and national service leadership to its trustee board.

Training officers and instructors may see continuity between governance and programme design, as the organisation highlighted qualifications and apprenticeship standards as priorities.

Procurement officers responsible for funded training routes can take account of board membership that includes sector leadership and public service management backgrounds.

Standards and certification bodies tracking awarding organisation governance will see the appointment alongside a board chaired by an NHS public service executive.

Facility managers commissioning staff development may encounter programmes guided by trustees with operational service and education expertise.

Fire control command qualification developed with major UK fire and rescue services

by Featured NewsTraining

New qualification launched to support fire control command

A new qualification has been launched to enhance command capability in UK fire control rooms.

The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Control Command has been developed by SFJ Awards, a qualifications specialist for the emergency services sector.

According to SFJ Awards, the qualification aligns with the National Operational Guidance (NOG), which now includes the role of Fire Control Commander.

The company said the new qualification was created with input from fire and rescue services including London Fire Brigade, South Wales, Surrey and Humberside, as well as training providers K Lamb and Peter Stanley.

The qualification aims to provide a recognised framework for developing leadership skills within fire control environments.

Qualification aligns with National Operational Guidance

London Fire Brigade’s Sarah Cuthbert, who chairs the Mobilising Officers Group involved in its development, explained the reason for extending incident command to control rooms.

Sarah Cuthbert, Chair of the Mobilising Officers Group, said: “The incident command system – traditionally applied at operational, tactical, and strategic levels – has now been extended to the fire control room to ensure a robust and consistent command structure across all areas of fire and rescue operations.

“It has been developed to ensure the expansion and upskilling of the control room workforce to align with incident command.”

SFJ Awards said the qualification reflects the evolution of incident command responsibilities and the need for a unified approach across operational and control functions.

The qualification’s design focuses on competence-based learning and assessment.

SFJ Awards outlines purpose of the new certificate

SFJ Awards Managing Director David Higham said the qualification will play an important role in workforce development.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, said: “Training and assessment for fire control command is now a requirement under the National Operational Guidance framework.

“This qualification therefore aims to support the developmental competence of those in command roles within fire control and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead effectively and maintain public safety during both routine and complex scenarios.

“Developed in collaboration with fire and rescue services and training providers, it will provide the foundation for expanding the capability of services in fire control command.”

The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Control Command is designed for Watch and Crew Managers responsible for managing the fire control function.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The new Level 3 Certificate in Fire Control Command is relevant to fire service managers, training officers and incident commanders.

It introduces a structured qualification pathway for Watch and Crew Managers in control rooms, formalising their leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

The qualification’s alignment with the National Operational Guidance ensures that command standards remain consistent between operational crews and control room staff.

Training providers and professional development leads in fire and rescue services may find the programme relevant when reviewing internal command training and assessment processes.

Road traffic collision training updated with two new UK qualifications

by Featured NewsTraining

New training awards launched for UK road traffic collision instructors

SFJ Awards has reported the launch of two new qualifications designed to support firefighters responsible for road traffic collision training across the UK.

The Level 3 Award in Road Traffic Collision Instruction and the Level 3 Award Revalidation in Road Traffic Collision Instruction were introduced on 1 July 2025.

The qualifications are Ofqual-regulated and were developed in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council and the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation.

SFJ Awards explained that the new awards aim to improve both entry-level and continuing professional development for Road Traffic Collision Instructors.

These instructors deliver training on multi-agency coordination, trauma care, and vehicle extrication methods in operational contexts.

CPD qualification added alongside updated entry award

According to SFJ Awards, the revalidation qualification was created to ensure instructors remain current with changing operational requirements.

The body said both qualifications were finalised following a five-month review involving an expert working group.

David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, said: “Responding to road traffic collisions has become increasingly complex of in recent years due to the growth in electric vehicles and other technological developments.

“The standalone qualification has been updated to reflect current safety guidelines and the revalidation qualification supports instructors to maintain their competences in light of a changing operational environment.”

Higham stated that the revalidation option will provide a standardised approach to ongoing training.

National stakeholders contributed to qualification development

The qualification development group included representatives from fire and rescue services, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation, and independent training specialists.

Neil Pederson, CEO at International Road Rescue and Trauma Consultancy Ltd, was part of the working group.

Pederson said: “These new qualifications enhance the relevance, safety, and effectiveness of road traffic collision instruction, ensuring instructors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality training.

“What’s more the introduction of a Revalidation Qualification will support instructors in maintaining their competence and ensuring they stay current in their role.

“In turn, this will help standardise ongoing professional development and reinforce the importance of continuous learning.”

According to SFJ Awards, the qualifications are aligned with national incident response standards.

Road Traffic Collision Instructors play key training role

SFJ Awards stated that Road Traffic Collision Instructors are often full-time firefighters responsible for maintaining operational training within their service.

The role includes supporting team readiness for trauma incidents and ensuring the use of nationally agreed response techniques.

The qualifications are intended to formally recognise the training and professional competencies required to deliver this instruction.

The training focuses on coordination with emergency medical and law enforcement agencies.

It also includes content on the latest techniques in vehicle extrication and casualty care.

Qualifications regulated by Ofqual and available now

Both qualifications are now available to eligible learners across the UK.

SFJ Awards confirmed that they are officially recognised and regulated by Ofqual.

The qualifications were developed to ensure consistency in standards across fire and rescue services.

They are expected to form part of broader efforts to modernise firefighter training in response to technological changes such as electric vehicles.

According to SFJ Awards, the qualifications are now open for enrolment and delivery.

Road traffic collision training updated with two new UK qualifications: Summary

SFJ Awards has announced the launch of two Ofqual-regulated qualifications.

The Level 3 Award in Road Traffic Collision Instruction and the Level 3 Award Revalidation in Road Traffic Collision Instruction were introduced on 1 July 2025.

The awards support entry-level and continuing professional development for Road Traffic Collision Instructors.

Development involved stakeholders from NFCC, UKRO and independent organisations.

The revalidation qualification aims to ensure instructors maintain competence in evolving operational contexts.

Both qualifications reflect updated guidance on trauma care and extrication.

SFJ Awards led a five-month review to align the qualifications with current best practices.

David Higham of SFJ Awards said the training responds to challenges posed by electric vehicles and technology changes.

Neil Pederson of International Road Rescue and Trauma Consultancy contributed to the qualification design.

Pederson said the awards support standardisation and ongoing learning.

The qualifications are now available across the UK.

SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate in Operational Firefighting introduced

by Featured NewsTraining

Qualification developed with UK fire and rescue services

SFJ Awards has introduced a Level 3 Certificate in Operational Firefighting, providing formal recognition for firefighters’ skills and knowledge.

Developed in collaboration with fire and rescue services across the UK, the Ofqual-regulated qualification is open to both whole-time and on-call firefighters.

Learning outcomes will be assessed primarily in-role, aligning with existing training structures.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is among 12 services involved in the qualification’s development.

Andy Houston, Watch Manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are proud to have been involved in the development of this qualification, which is a significant step forward in ensuring firefighters have access to formal recognition of vocational skills and training.”

Qualification mapped to apprenticeship standards

The certificate aligns with the operational firefighter apprenticeship standard, offering an alternative route for those unable to complete the full apprenticeship.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, said: “The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role of an operational firefighter whether they are an on-call firefighter or whole-time firefighter.”

Higham added that the certificate supports the standardisation and quality assurance of vocational training, giving firefighters a transferable record of their skills and experience.

Supporting firefighter career progression

The qualification provides opportunities for further training and career development in areas such as incident command, community safety, water rescue, and breathing apparatus.

Houston said: “By providing a structured and standardised qualification, this certificate will help build a skilled workforce within our organisation and it will help open new career progression opportunities for both our whole-time and on-call firefighters.”

Qualification structure and requirements

The SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate in Operational Firefighting consists of four units, with a total qualification time of 200 hours.

More information about the qualification is available on the SFJ Awards website.

SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate in Operational Firefighting: Summary

SFJ Awards has launched a Level 3 Certificate in Operational Firefighting, developed in collaboration with UK fire and rescue services.

The qualification provides formal recognition of firefighters’ skills and is open to both whole-time and on-call personnel.

It aligns with the operational firefighter apprenticeship standard and serves as an alternative route for those unable to complete the apprenticeship.

The certificate supports standardised vocational training and offers career progression opportunities in specialisms such as incident command and water rescue.

The qualification consists of four units, requiring a total of 200 hours to complete.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is among 12 services involved in its development.

SFJ Awards states that the qualification provides a structured approach to recognising on-the-job learning.

More details are available on the SFJ Awards website.

New qualification supports UK fire services in working with young people

by Featured NewsTraining

Specialist training launched for fire and rescue services

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has introduced a new qualification to enhance fire and rescue services’ (FRS) engagement with children and young people.

The ‘Level 2 Award in Fire & Rescue Service – Introduction to Working with Children and Young People’ was developed as part of the NFCC Prevention Hub, which focuses on a person-centred approach to fire safety in the community.

According to the NFCC, the qualification covers topics including child development, trauma-informed practice, and communication. It is being piloted and rolled out in February, with the first session taking place in Merseyside.

Collaboration between NFCC and SFJ Awards

The qualification was created with input from FRS employers and SFJ Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, said: “Interacting with children and young people is a central part of FRS work in terms of prevention as well as in the daily course of business for certain roles.

“This qualification sets a path to enable FRS staff and volunteers to carry out these activities to a standardised level of knowledge and skill.”

Standardised training for fire and rescue personnel

NFCC Chief Executive Officer Susannah Hancock said: “This is a really positive development that will help fire and rescue services engage with and support young people in their communities.”

She added that the qualification aims to provide consistency in training: “It will give those working towards the qualification the confidence that they’re receiving training to a consistent national standard, which has been developed in consultation with their peers.”

Qualification details and rollout

The qualification is open to FRS staff and volunteers who work with children and young people. The course requires 20 hours of total qualification time, including 14 hours of guided learning.

Training will be delivered through a three-day ‘train the trainer’ programme across four UK regions in spring and summer 2025. Booking details have been shared with relevant fire and rescue services.

New qualification supports UK fire services in working with young people: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has introduced a new qualification to support UK fire and rescue services in working with children and young people. Developed in collaboration with SFJ Awards, the Level 2 Award in Fire & Rescue Service – Introduction to Working with Children and Young People aims to provide standardised training on child development, trauma-informed practice, and communication.

The qualification is available to staff and volunteers within UK fire and rescue services, with the first pilot session taking place in Merseyside in February. Training will be delivered via a three-day ‘train the trainer’ programme across four regions in spring and summer 2025. Booking information has been provided to relevant services.