BS 8674 sets fire risk assessor competence standards in the UK
Iain Hoey
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Publication of BS 8674 standard
The Fire Sector Confederation has reported that BS 8674:2025 has been published as a code of practice for the competence of fire risk assessors in the UK.
According to the Fire Sector Confederation, the British Standard provides a framework to evaluate competence for the first time across the profession.
It said the document was developed through industry collaboration, public consultation and alignment with BS 8670-1:2024.
The organisation noted that the code of practice defines the knowledge, skills, behaviours and experience expected at three levels: foundation, intermediate and advanced.
It added that the framework is intended to support assessors, regulators, professional bodies and duty holders by providing a consistent and transparent set of criteria.
Competence levels explained
The Fire Sector Confederation reported that the standard specifies progressive levels of practice.
It explained that the foundation level applies to those new to the profession or working on simple premises such as small offices or retail units.
The intermediate level is described as covering assessors with more experience who are responsible for medium complexity buildings, such as mid-rise residential blocks or public venues.
The advanced level is identified as being for highly experienced assessors working on complex or high-risk buildings, including hospitals, large public spaces and tall residential properties.
The organisation stated that the framework is designed to support both individual career development and wider professional regulation.
Government response to BS 8674
The Fire Sector Confederation reported that Building Safety Minister Alex Norris welcomed the publication.
Alex Norris said: “The introduction of this new standard marks a significant step forward in the collective effort to make buildings safer for residents.
“By improving safety and accountability, it helps ensure that a tragedy like Grenfell is never repeated, and it reflects a clear commitment to implementing the Inquiry’s recommendations.
“A clear and consistent benchmark for fire risk assessors will help to raise standards of competency across the profession and I’m grateful to the British Standards Institution and all committee members involved in making this happen.”
Links to wider UK reforms
The Fire Sector Confederation explained that the release of BS 8674 comes as the UK continues to implement changes from the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
It stated that the government has indicated an intention to require independent, third-party certification of fire risk assessor competence.
It added that the new standard provides a framework that could support such future regulation.
The group noted that the standard reflects ongoing work to align professional practice with regulatory reforms introduced since the Grenfell Tower fire.
Industry collaboration and development
The Fire Sector Confederation stated that BS 8674 was shaped through a working group it led with regulators, government departments and industry stakeholders.
It reported that the initiative followed years of development aimed at strengthening standards in the profession.
The organisation explained that this work has been directed at building the competence, capability and capacity of fire risk assessors.
It added that the new framework provides an agreed reference point across the sector.
Dennis Davis, Competence Director at the Fire Sector Confederation, said: “The publication of BS 8674 is a significant achievement for the profession and a vital step towards building a safer future.
“It gives all stakeholders confidence that competence can now be clearly demonstrated against a professional framework capable of independent verification.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The publication of BS 8674 establishes a framework for assessing fire risk assessor competence, offering clarity for duty holders, regulators and professional bodies.
It supports assessors in understanding their career progression routes, from foundation through to advanced levels.
For organisations employing or contracting assessors, the framework provides a reference point to verify qualifications and experience against a nationally agreed standard.
The standard also connects to the government’s wider safety reforms, reinforcing the potential for regulation of competence in the future.
BS 8674 sets fire risk assessor competence standards in the UK: Summary
The Fire Sector Confederation reported that BS 8674:2025 has been published.
It sets out competence criteria for fire risk assessors in the UK.
The framework defines three levels of practice: foundation, intermediate and advanced.
The code of practice was developed through industry collaboration and consultation.
It aligns with BS 8670-1:2024.
The standard establishes criteria covering knowledge, skills, behaviours and experience.
Building Safety Minister Alex Norris welcomed the publication.
He said the standard supports accountability and the Inquiry’s recommendations.
The Fire Sector Confederation explained that the standard supports consistency, career development and regulation.
It stated that BS 8674 was developed with government, regulators and industry stakeholders.
Dennis Davis of the Fire Sector Confederation said it provides a framework for independent verification.
The government has indicated that independent certification of competence may be required.
The new standard reflects broader reforms including the Building Safety Act 2022.
It connects to changes from the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
The framework is intended to strengthen practice and raise standards.
It provides a benchmark for duty holders, regulators and professional bodies.