With legal responsibilities expanding, Skills for Security outlines how targeted training supports competence, career progression and public confidence in fire safety leadership
Passive fire protection under threat from poor training
Thameside Fire Stopping has published an article reflecting on long-standing challenges in the passive fire protection industry.
IAFF secures $7 million grant for HazMat response training at nuclear facilities
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced that it has received a five-year grant of $7 million to support HazMat response training at nuclear facilities in the United States.
US volunteer firefighters to gain new online learning tools through major funding boost
Motorola Solutions Foundation provides $30,000 grant
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced it has received a $30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation to support online learning and new training courses.
According to the NVFC, the funding will be used to expand access to its Virtual Classroom platform and to develop a new in-person behavioural health course.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “We thank the Motorola Solutions Foundation for their continued support of the NVFC’s training programs.
“Training is consistently the number one resource our audience requests, and thanks to this grant we can provide needed training to even more responders both online and in-person.”
The organisation said the grant continues a long partnership with the Foundation, which has supported various responder training initiatives.
Focus of the Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation said it has donated more than $100 million over the past decade to charitable programmes worldwide.
The Foundation explained that its giving priorities focus on first responder programming, technology and engineering education, and initiatives combining both fields.
It added that it also works to support programmes that benefit under-resourced communities.
The Foundation said it seeks to partner with organisations aligned with its values of accountability, innovation, impact and inclusion.
Comments from the Foundation
Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, said: “We are inspired by the impactful work of the NVFC within their community.
“The Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to champion their efforts as they continue to grow and make a positive difference.”
The Foundation confirmed that this partnership continues its aim to invest in safer communities through grants and volunteer programmes.
About the NVFC
The NVFC said it is the national membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services in the United States.
The organisation explained that it provides resources, education, advocacy and programmes to support first responders nationwide.
It added that the NVFC acts as a representative voice for volunteers at the national level.
Further information is available at www.nvfc.org.
About the Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation described itself as the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions.
It explained that it partners with organisations worldwide to support safer cities and resilient communities through grants, employee volunteer work and investment initiatives.
The Foundation added that its strategic grants programme backs organisations focused on responder training and technology and engineering education.
More details can be found at www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This grant provides further training opportunities for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders through online learning.
The new behavioural health course addresses a growing area of need for responders.
The NVFC Virtual Classroom and added in-person training will extend access to education across the United States.
Volunteer fire and EMS personnel will gain greater support in both operational and health-related aspects of their work.
NVFC grant supports online learning and responder training: Summary
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has announced a $30,000 grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation.
The funding will expand the NVFC Virtual Classroom online learning platform.
The grant will also support development of a new behavioural health training course.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said the grant responds to high demand for training resources.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation has donated more than $100 million over the past 10 years.
Its giving priorities include responder training, technology and engineering education, and combined initiatives.
The Foundation said it aims to support under-resourced communities.
Executive director Wesley Barden Touhy said the Foundation is proud to support the NVFC.
The NVFC represents volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services across the United States.
It provides education, advocacy and programmes for responders.
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions.
It partners with organisations worldwide through grants, volunteering and community initiatives.
The NVFC said the grant will enable more responders to access training online and in person.
BESA Academy launches heat network training for new UK regulations
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has reported that its BESA Academy has launched the first official training course to support the government’s Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).
CPD certificates now included in ASFP training
ASFP confirms CPD certification for training courses
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has confirmed that all its passive fire protection training courses will now issue CPD Certificates of Attendance.
According to ASFP, the certificates will record learning hours and contribute directly to professional development records for participants.
The organisation stated that the certificates will be recognised by employers, professional bodies, and accreditation schemes, providing formal acknowledgement of skills gained.
ASFP explained that the change applies to all courses, whether delivered online or in a classroom setting.
It added that the certificates will allow delegates to record training hours and evidence their development activities in line with industry expectations.
Training hours assigned to courses
ASFP reported that its training programme now specifies the number of hours attached to each course.
For classroom-based training, Level 2 accounts for 30 hours, and Level 3 covers 42 hours.
In online delivery, awareness training is recorded as 1 hour, and introductory training is recorded as 3 hours.
The Firestopping for Installers course carries 3 hours, Level 2 options count as 8 hours, Level 2 single modules total 4 hours, and Level 3 includes 16 hours.
The association said these allocated hours ensure that delegates can consistently record progress toward CPD requirements.
Range of ASFP training courses
ASFP stated that its courses cater to both new entrants and experienced professionals working in passive fire protection.
The organisation explained that training begins with introductory online modules before progressing to qualifications that support candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 and Level 3 exams.
It added that courses cover the design, installation, and inspection of passive fire protection systems, providing a comprehensive learning framework.
The association noted that in-house training is also available for organisations that wish to train multiple employees together, with delegate numbers capped between 10 and 20.
It advised that bespoke courses can be arranged to meet company-specific needs across the sector.
Alignment with industry standards
ASFP explained that its training structure is designed to support industry-wide competence and aligns with the Building Safety Act.
The organisation stated that short courses such as Building Safety Act awareness and Firestopping for Installers are included in the CPD certification programme.
It confirmed that the certification framework ensures that both introductory and advanced learning achievements are formally recognised.
ASFP added that this approach supports professional accountability and ongoing compliance with competence frameworks.
Connection with IFE examinations
ASFP reported that its Level 2 and Level 3 classroom courses prepare candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) examinations.
The organisation said that the training is structured to cover the full syllabus required by the IFE while also providing additional learning resources.
It noted that candidates must book their IFE exams separately, and advised scheduling training courses in advance to ensure preparation time.
ASFP added that delegates may also complete transitional e-learning modules to move from Level 2 to Level 3 qualifications.
The body explained that these pathways reinforce the role of ASFP training in supporting formal professional certification.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The introduction of CPD certificates for ASFP training provides fire safety professionals with documented evidence of continuing education.
It ensures that both short and extended training activities can be accurately recorded in CPD logs.
For employers, this provides a verifiable measure of workforce competence in passive fire protection.
It also allows professionals to demonstrate compliance with competence requirements under the Building Safety Act and other regulatory frameworks.
CPD certificates now included in ASFP training: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced that all training courses will now issue CPD Certificates of Attendance.
The certificates will evidence learning hours and contribute to individuals’ professional development records.
ASFP confirmed that the change applies to both classroom and online training programmes.
Delegates will receive certificates listing the hours assigned to each completed course.
Classroom training includes Level 2 at 30 hours and Level 3 at 42 hours.
Online courses include awareness at 1 hour, introduction at 3 hours, Firestopping for Installers at 3 hours, Level 2 options at 8 hours, Level 2 single module at 4 hours, and Level 3 at 16 hours.
ASFP stated that the new framework ensures training achievements are recognised by employers, professional bodies, and accreditation schemes.
The association explained that the initiative supports competence standards in the fire protection sector.
It confirmed that its courses also prepare candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 and Level 3 examinations.
ASFP added that in-house and bespoke training options are available for companies seeking group learning.
The body said that the certification framework aligns with the Building Safety Act.
It added that training achievements can now be clearly documented and verified.
This provides fire safety professionals with evidence of CPD activity for compliance and career development.
Derby College students gain PPE training through OHEAP partnership
OHEAP hosts workwear sessions for students
OHEAP Fire and Security has reported that it held a series of PPE-focused workwear events at Derby College Group’s Stevenson Building.
The company said the sessions ran over three weeks and supported students across engineering, building services, construction and automotive courses.
According to OHEAP Fire and Security, more than 400 students attended the events and had access to protective workwear used in industry.
It added that students spoke directly with PPE specialists about safety and compliance in the workplace.
The company stated that these conversations aimed to provide knowledge that students can use in their careers.
Six-year partnership with Derby College
OHEAP Fire and Security explained that it has partnered with Derby College for over six years.
The business said this partnership includes supplying students with protective workwear.
It added that the collaboration prepares students for workplace demands while encouraging safe skill development.
The organisation stated that its work with Derby College reflects its belief that safety and compliance should be accessible.
OHEAP Fire and Security commented that the relationship also helps students feel supported as they grow into future tradespeople.
Broader community and education engagement
The company reported that the partnership with Derby College highlights its commitment to the local community.
It said the collaboration demonstrates support for the education sector as part of its wider approach.
According to the company, investing in students helps strengthen the workforce of tomorrow.
It added that the initiative contributes to safeguarding skills development in key trades.
OHEAP Fire and Security explained that it views this as part of its responsibility to support both industry and education.
OHEAP’s wider service offering
OHEAP Fire and Security stated that it provides passive and active fire safety services across the Midlands.
The company said it supplies industry-grade PPE and first aid products.
It added that it also offers embroidery services tailored to workwear needs.
The organisation reported that this range of services supports both education providers and businesses.
It noted that the company’s decades of experience underpin its partnerships in the region.
Industry perspective on the events
Matthew Pickbourn, Manager of OHEAP Fire and Security’s Safety and Supplies Division, said: “These events have been a wonderful opportunity to support the next generation of skilled professionals.
“Our work with Derby College shows students how safety and compliance go hand in hand with success in their future careers.”
Future plans for collaboration
OHEAP Fire and Security reported that it is inviting more education providers to collaborate.
The company said it hopes to extend the model of student-focused safety events.
It added that engagement with industry partners could help strengthen workforce readiness.
The organisation explained that it aims to contribute to a safer and better-equipped future workforce.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This story is relevant for fire and safety professionals because it shows how PPE education is being integrated into vocational training.
The collaboration demonstrates how industry can engage with students to reinforce compliance.
It also illustrates how partnerships can prepare future workers for safe practice in high-risk fields.
For fire and safety professionals, this highlights the value of extending PPE awareness beyond current workplaces and into education settings.
Derby College students gain PPE training through OHEAP partnership: Summary
OHEAP Fire and Security reported that it held PPE events at Derby College Group.
The company said the sessions were hosted at the Stevenson Building.
It stated that the events supported students in engineering, construction, automotive and building services.
According to OHEAP Fire and Security, more than 400 students attended.
It added that students had access to protective workwear used in industry.
The company explained that students also spoke with PPE specialists.
It said these conversations highlighted safety and compliance requirements.
OHEAP Fire and Security stated that it has partnered with Derby College for six years.
The company said the partnership supplies students with protective workwear.
It added that the collaboration supports workplace readiness and safe skill development.
The organisation reported that it also helps students feel supported in their careers.
OHEAP Fire and Security stated that it provides fire safety, PPE, first aid and embroidery services.
The company said its services support both businesses and education providers.
Matthew Pickbourn said the events helped demonstrate how safety and compliance connect with success.
OHEAP Fire and Security reported that it hopes to work with more education providers in future.
What firefighters learned inside London’s historic Royal Academy of Music during an emergency rescue drill
Fires at historic buildings in London
London Fire Brigade has reported that 282 fires occurred at historic buildings in the capital between July 2024 and June 2025.
The Brigade said the figures show why heritage sites must maintain current salvage plans to protect buildings and collections during emergencies.
In 2024, Somerset House was affected by a fire, and crews carried out life-saving procedures before moving to protect the building’s cultural assets.
The Brigade explained that this incident highlights the importance of rehearsed salvage planning alongside firefighting operations.
It added that protecting lives remains the top priority, followed by preserving the building and its contents where possible.
Training exercise at the Royal Academy of Music
London Fire Brigade firefighters recently trained at the Royal Academy of Music in Marylebone to practise emergency rescue and salvage operations.
The exercise involved crews from Hendon, Kentish Town and West Hampstead Fire Stations, with a Command Unit from Park Royal Fire Station.
The Brigade confirmed that the mock incident took place at the Grade II listed building near Regent’s Park.
It said the aim was to test the joint response between firefighters and the Academy’s collections team during a simulated 999 call.
The Brigade added that staff and firefighters practised how to remove or protect historic artefacts safely.
Salvage planning and priorities
London Fire Brigade’s Heritage Co-ordinator, Sub Officer Mark Huntington said: “As London’s rescue service our priority is always to preserve life, then the building and its contents.
“If you have pre-prepared plans, and know your building, you’ll protect lives, utilise valuable time and save more of your building and its contents.
“These plans are vital as they detail not only actions that should be implemented by site staff, but also clearly identify priority items which need to be removed from the building or left protected, in situ, which the Brigade can assist with.”
The Brigade explained that these plans are intended to streamline operations during emergencies.
It added that such preparation allows crews to act faster and more effectively.
Firefighting tactics and preparedness
Station Commander Adam Lawson said: “This exercise with the Royal Academy of Music was an excellent opportunity to ensure we can effectively preserve items of historical significance.
“Crews practised firefighting tactics and put plans into practical use to ensure procedures were effective in the event of a fire, ensuring that firefighters and The Academy are now fully prepared should the worst happen.”
The Brigade confirmed that training exercises of this type form part of its wider preparedness strategy.
It said drills allow operational procedures to be tested before real incidents occur.
Collaboration with the Academy
Dean of Students at the Academy, Elizabeth Kenny, said: “Our Collections Team, led by Head of Collections Susana Caldeira, worked closely with the Brigade on this practical exercise, testing and sense-checking our emergency salvage procedures.
“We found the collaboration very productive and valuable, from first contact to preparing and delivering the exercise across our heritage site.”
The Academy said it intends to use the outcomes of the exercise to strengthen internal salvage procedures.
It added that working directly with the Brigade gave staff greater awareness of their roles during emergencies.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The Brigade’s report highlights the number of fires at historic buildings in London and underlines the importance of planning for both life safety and cultural preservation.
Fire safety professionals can see from this case how pre-prepared salvage plans can be integrated into emergency response.
The training also shows the value of close cooperation between building staff and firefighters in protecting heritage assets.
Emergency rescue training at Royal Academy of Music: Summary
London Fire Brigade reported 282 fires at historic buildings in London between July 2024 and June 2025.
The Brigade said the figures show the importance of salvage planning at heritage sites.
In 2024, Somerset House was affected by fire and salvage operations protected cultural assets.
The Brigade confirmed it carried out a training exercise at the Royal Academy of Music in Marylebone.
Crews from Hendon, Kentish Town, West Hampstead and Park Royal stations attended the drill.
The exercise simulated a 999 call at the Grade II listed building near Regent’s Park.
The Brigade said firefighters worked with the Academy’s collections team on artefact preservation.
Sub Officer Mark Huntington said prepared plans save lives, time and heritage items.
Station Commander Adam Lawson said the exercise improved salvage preparedness.
Dean of Students Elizabeth Kenny said the collaboration tested the Academy’s salvage procedures.
IAFF secures $8 million for Hazmat response training
Federal grant supports firefighter training in hazardous materials response
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has confirmed that it has received more than $8 million in federal funding to expand its Hazmat response training.
According to the IAFF, the five-year grant is the largest in its history and was awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
The funding will strengthen the IAFF’s Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program and Hazmat Disaster Preparedness training courses.
It will also support the development of new instructional materials that the IAFF said are intended to modernise approaches to firefighter training.
General President Edward Kelly said: “The longstanding partnership between the IAFF and the NIEHS has been vital to many of the advancements in fire fighter safety and training we’ve accomplished.
“These funds will ensure we continue to provide fire fighters with the training, knowledge, and tools they need to address hazardous materials emergencies and keep themselves and their communities safe.”
Training expansion and new course delivery
The IAFF reported that nearly 4,000 firefighters were certified in Hazmat response under its previous five-year federal grant.
The union said that the new award will allow training for an additional 6,500 firefighters over the next five years.
It added that the funding would also help advance the IAFF’s “Responding to Renewable Energy Emergencies” programme.
That course, launched earlier this year, provides instruction on managing electric vehicle fires and other incidents linked to renewable energy.
The organisation explained that these scenarios are increasingly present in modern firefighting operations.
Partnership with NIEHS
The IAFF explained that its collaboration with the NIEHS has continued for several decades.
The group said the relationship has supported the design of training aimed at preparing firefighters for hazardous material incidents.
It added that the funding helps ensure personnel can access knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in these environments.
The union commented that the renewal of the partnership would carry forward initiatives that it views as central to firefighter safety.
Kelly added: “This funding will ensure we continue to provide fire fighters the training, knowledge, and tools they need to address hazardous materials emergencies and keep themselves and their communities safe.”
Development of drone training
The IAFF confirmed that part of the new grant will go towards creating a drone training programme for the fire service.
The union explained that this will be the first comprehensive course of its kind for the sector.
It said the training would focus on operational use of drones in emergency settings.
The IAFF added that the programme would also help participants prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration’s remote pilot certification exam.
The group said it expects drones to play a greater role in fireground operations in the future.
Supporting modernisation of the fire service
The IAFF noted that the grant will be used not only for direct Hazmat training but also for the production of updated learning materials.
The union explained that these resources are intended to make training more relevant to current and emerging risks.
It said that part of the funding would go towards instructional methods suited to evolving technologies and incident types.
The organisation added that federal support for these initiatives reinforces national investment in emergency response capacity.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This funding announcement shows how large-scale grants are being directed toward firefighter training in hazardous material response.
The IAFF has indicated that the award will allow for an additional 6,500 firefighters to be trained in the US over the next five years.
The inclusion of renewable energy and drone programmes highlights how Hazmat response training is adapting to new operational challenges.
Professionals in fire and safety roles can use this information to understand current priorities in firefighter training and how resources are being allocated.
IAFF secures $8 million for Hazmat response training: Summary
The IAFF has received more than $8 million in federal funding for Hazmat response training.
The grant comes from the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
The IAFF said this is the largest grant in its history.
The funding will strengthen Hazardous Waste Worker and Hazmat Disaster Preparedness training programmes.
It will also support the creation of new training materials.
The IAFF reported that 4,000 firefighters were certified under the previous grant.
The new award will allow for training of an additional 6,500 firefighters over five years.
The funding will support the “Responding to Renewable Energy Emergencies” programme.
The IAFF said this course helps firefighters manage electric vehicle and renewable energy fires.
The union also confirmed development of a new drone training programme.
The drone course will prepare participants for the FAA remote pilot certification exam.
Edward Kelly, IAFF General President, said the grant ensures firefighters have knowledge and tools for Hazmat emergencies.
The IAFF added that the partnership with NIEHS has been longstanding.
It said the collaboration supports firefighter safety training.
The organisation confirmed the funding will help modernise fire service training approaches.
Emergency services training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria boosted by VR platform
XVR Simulation increases focus on central European emergency service training
According to XVR Simulation, the company has expanded its focus on emergency service training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria through its virtual reality training platform.
The organisation said the platform allows emergency responders to prepare for a wide range of incidents in a controlled and repeatable environment.
It explained that the technology is designed to provide flexible, user-friendly and cost-effective training options for fire, police and ambulance professionals.
The company stated that its platform offers the ability to create unlimited incident scenarios, from large urban fires to complex disaster responses.
It added that the system allows collaborative training sessions that improve communication, coordination and decision-making.
Features of the XVR training platform
XVR Simulation said the platform enables emergency responders to train at any time and location.
It stated that scenarios can include chemical spills, tactical police operations and responses to natural disasters.
The company added that the environment can be fully controlled by instructors to focus on learning objectives.
It noted that this flexibility removes the logistical challenges and safety risks associated with live exercises.
According to the organisation, this approach supports structured debriefing and consistent assessment.
Statement from XVR Simulation
Edwin van de Snepscheut, Group Director of Customer Success at XVR Simulation, said: “We are committed to providing emergency services with the most effective and accessible training tools available.”
“Our VR platform is engineered to heighten immersion, allowing trainees to experience realistic scenarios without the logistical constraints or risks of live exercises.”
“This enables instructors to focus on narrative and consistent debriefing, ensuring a structured and impactful learning experience that directly translates to improved real-world performance.”
Security standards and current adoption
XVR Simulation said its platform is certified to ISO 27001 for information security.
It added that this certification helps ensure data integrity and privacy for its partners.
The company stated that the platform is already used by the Police Academy of Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, the National Fire Service Academy in South Korea and Australia’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting service.
It noted that the latter received a LearnX award for its use of the system.
XVR On Scene 10 release
The company explained that the latest version of the software, XVR On Scene 10, introduces advanced features to create more dynamic and realistic training environments.
It stated that these improvements aim to enhance the impact of training while reducing costs.
The organisation said the platform also limits the need for travel and extensive physical resources.
It added that this efficiency can help agencies maximise their training capacity.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development is relevant to fire and safety professionals as it shows an increased availability of advanced VR training tools in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
It highlights how emergency service agencies can adopt technology to deliver realistic, repeatable training without the constraints of live exercises.
It also demonstrates the role of VR platforms in supporting inter-agency coordination and skill development.
Emergency service training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria boosted by VR platform: Summary
XVR Simulation has expanded its focus on emergency service training in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
The company provides a virtual reality platform for fire, police and ambulance professionals.
The system offers unlimited realistic training scenarios.
It supports collaborative training to improve communication and decision-making.
Edwin van de Snepscheut said the platform allows immersive training without the constraints of live exercises.
The software is ISO 27001 certified.
It is used by agencies in Germany, South Korea and Australia.
The latest version, XVR On Scene 10, includes advanced features.
It reduces the need for physical resources and travel.
The platform aims to enhance operational readiness while lowering training costs.