FireQual announces new Qualifications Manager

FireQual, the specialist awarding organisation for the fire safety sector, has announced Darren Ellis as their new Qualifications Manager.

As reported by BAFE, Darren Ellis is a recognised expert in the regulatory and qualification development sector, with over 15 years of teaching and training experience both nationally and internationally.

Ellis’s recent work includes supporting the creation of the Military Qualifications Centre (MQC) in Abu Dhabi, providing qualifications for the United Arab Emirates Safety, Defence, and Emergency and Crisis Management (SDEC) sectors.

Prior to this, he worked with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) as their Qualifications, Compliance, and Assessment Manager.

Extensive regulatory experience

Darren Ellis also brings significant knowledge from his nine years of work in education regulation.

He has previously worked with the English regulator Ofqual and later assisted in establishing the new Welsh regulator, Qualifications Wales.

His contributions supported the development of regulatory requirements for awarding organisations, particularly the ‘Standard Conditions of Recognition’ for both countries.

Ellis stated: “I am excited and eager to be part of FireQual and to use my expertise and experience to support their strategic aims to maintain safety within the industry.

“With a lot of change on the horizon and growth within the sector, I will continue to work with our established and much valued stakeholders to ensure FireQual’s qualifications remain fit for purpose and have real currency.”

Support from FireQual leadership

Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Managing Director of BAFE and FireQual, commented on the appointment: “Darren’s skills, knowledge and experience will support the aspirations of FireQual moving forward, including the ongoing development and growth of both new and existing qualifications.

“As Darren notes, we are on the precipice of change within the industry, where FireQual are confident that regulated qualifications will become part of the growing requirements to demonstrate knowledge to work within the life safety industry.

“His support during this time shall be extremely valuable and we welcome him to the team.”

Upcoming BAFE conference

Justin Maltby-Smith added: “Darren will be joining us at the BAFE Conference on 12 June 2024, so please do register if you wish to meet Darren and discuss regulated qualifications.

FireQual Board Member Jim Fitzpatrick will also be speaking on the topic of regulated qualifications on the day.”

The BAFE Conference 2024 is scheduled to be held at FSM Live on June 12 in Coventry.

Interested participants can register for a free ticket to attend.