The UK government has launched a consultation on introducing mandatory certification for fire risk assessors, as part of its response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and ongoing fire safety reform.
Fire risk assessors play a central role in identifying hazards and ensuring appropriate fire safety measures are in place across residential, commercial and public buildings.
Strengthening competency and professional standards
Currently, Responsible Persons, typically building owners or landlords, can carry out assessments themselves or appoint a fire risk assessor to assist.
The consultation aims to strengthen standards across the profession, ensuring those undertaking assessments have the appropriate competencies and capabilities.
It also represents a key step in delivering Recommendation 26 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, which calls for a mandatory certification system.
Minister calls for industry engagement
Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, Samantha Dixon MP, said: “Fire risk assessors play a vital role keeping our communities safe from fires.
“I would strongly encourage you to respond to this consultation, to help us introduce the right measures to make sure we have consistent competency across the profession.”
The consultation seeks views on several areas, including defining the role of fire risk assessors and their protected assistance duties, and considering the Responsible Person’s ability to conduct their own assessments.
Further proposals include developing a competency framework with robust methods for verifying competence, establishing clear career pathways through apprenticeships and a proficient workers scheme and ensuring appropriate regulatory powers are in place for effective implementation.
Timeline and next steps
The consultation opened today and will run for 12 weeks, closing on Thursday, June 18. It is available via the GOV.UK platform.
The outcome is expected to shape future regulation, supporting a more consistent, accountable and professionalised fire risk assessment sector across the UK.
