Can cultural change fix UK fire safety issues?

Fire Aware launches charters for industry change

Fire Aware has announced new charters to promote cultural change in the UK fire safety and construction sectors.

According to Fire Aware, the charters are intended to raise moral and ethical standards across the built environment supply chain. The organisation said this includes main contractors, developers, local councils, designers and specialist contractors.

It stated that members must comply with relevant law and regulation while also following the Fire Aware Code of Conduct and the associated charters.

The organisation explained that the initiative aims to encourage companies to place end-user safety at the centre of their operations and to adopt best practice beyond minimum standards.

Code of conduct and member obligations

Fire Aware reported that its Code of Conduct applies to all members, who must comply with legal obligations in their area of practice.

It added that the code is intended to support ethical decision-making and provide guidance on responsible behaviour within the industry.

The organisation explained that the charters work alongside the code to ensure consistency in safety standards across different professional roles in the built environment.

It confirmed that member companies are expected to show commitment to raising both moral and technical standards of operation.

Hackitt Review background

Fire Aware referred to Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 review into building regulations and fire safety.

The review concluded that parts of the construction industry had prioritised cost-cutting over safety and called for responsibility to be shared across the whole supply chain.

Fire Aware stated that its work is directly aligned with the recommendations of the Hackitt Review, with an emphasis on raising industry standards in design, build and maintenance.

It said that the organisation intends to support technical knowledge and promote accountability in line with these recommendations.

Statements from Fire Aware leadership

Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “We’re already seeing a lot of interest in our organisation and what we stand for.

“Membership is growing quickly and the organisations joining us want to adhere to all best practice.

“We are seeking to shift the culture of the built environment sector both morally and technically. We believe in setting standards.

“Importantly, the visible moral position of member companies can also be performance tested, ensuring the services they provide are in line with their moral undertakings.

“Under performance can be monitored by the Fire Aware organisation and agreed action taken in the event of consistent disregard for the safety of those who inhabit the buildings we create and manage.”

Skelly added: “We and our members are addressing the wider issues of safety in the interests of those people using the buildings and spaces we create.

“We are asking any organisation considering how to improve their moral and technical standards of operating in the built environment to talk to us.”

Membership growth and recognition

Fire Aware reported that membership of the organisation has been expanding, with new companies joining to commit to best practice.

It said the growing recognition of the Fire Aware approach reflects interest from across the built environment and related sectors.

The organisation noted that membership provides an opportunity for companies to show that they are committed to raising standards and being accountable.

It explained that the charters are intended to support cultural change by encouraging businesses to take responsibility beyond their minimum compliance duties.

Application across the supply chain

Fire Aware explained that the charters apply to multiple groups within the construction supply chain.

It said this includes not only fire safety specialists but also those outside the sector who hold responsibility for safety in their work.

The organisation added that the aim is to ensure that all actors in the supply chain consider the end user and adopt a responsible approach to building safety.

It stated that the charters seek to make ethical responsibility a visible and measurable part of industry practice.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Fire Aware charters are designed to influence construction, design, management and maintenance sectors in the UK.

For fire and safety professionals, the initiative links directly to the Hackitt Review’s call for accountability across the supply chain.

The charters provide a framework for professionals to assess company commitments and help embed ethical and technical standards into industry practice.

They also present an avenue for professionals to collaborate with other sectors in ensuring that building safety responsibilities are carried out transparently and consistently.

Fire Aware promotes cultural change in UK fire safety: Summary

Fire Aware has announced a code of conduct and supporting charters for the built environment sector.

The organisation said the charters are intended to raise moral and technical standards in construction and fire safety.

It explained that membership applies to main contractors, developers, councils, designers and specialist contractors.

The group confirmed that all members must comply with law, regulations, the Fire Aware Code of Conduct and relevant charters.

Fire Aware stated that the initiative aligns with Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 review recommendations.

The organisation said that cultural change is necessary to shift the industry beyond cost-focused practices.

CEO Gavin Skelly said membership is growing and organisations want to follow best practice.

Skelly said moral responsibility can be tested against company performance.

He added that Fire Aware will monitor members and take action where safety commitments are not met.

The organisation reported that membership provides recognition of companies seeking to improve standards.

It explained that the charters aim to include both fire specialists and non-specialists in the supply chain.

Fire Aware said that its work is intended to promote accountability and improved standards across the sector.