Fire safety training gaps show up in workforce figures
Iain Hoey
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Fire Aware sets out training focus
Fire Aware has called for further training and education across the industry to help improve prevention and improve fire safety across the built environment.
The organisation said it wants training and guidance to reach all levels of the supply chain, including people who carry a duty of care without working in a fire safety specialism.
Shortages linked to new legislation demands
Fire Aware said the sector is facing shortages of qualified staff.
It said the problem has been made worse by the need for specialist skills to manage new legislation introduced under the Building Safety Act.
NFCC figures cited on fire engineering capacity
Fire Aware linked its message to figures recently reported by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
The NFCC reported that there are fewer than 30 fully competent fire engineers in the English Fire and Rescue Services.
It added that fire safety and building protection staff make up 2.7% of the fire and rescue service workforce in England.
Educators and course provision across roles
Fire Aware said its growing number of Fire Aware Educators includes members with specialist skill sets in all aspects of fire safety.
It said the educators offer training and guidance for the supply chain still navigating the new regulatory regime changes.
The organisation said its training provision also covers people who are not connected to a particular specialism but still carry a duty of care.
It said this could include landlords and those working in the hospitality sector, as well as facility managers and care home staff.
CEO sets out culture and support aims
Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “Working in this industry is a vocation, not a job, and should be treated as such.
“We need to attract more skilled specialists to help improve risk assessments and help with fire prevention methods.
“But we need to capture within the organization those who are outside fire safety but still carry a responsibility.
“All parts of the supply chain must work with the same vocational approach, not just those who are qualified to do so.
“The legislation being introduced is robust and also quite complex.
“The guidance and support we offer will help navigate the relevant parts for our members and for anyone else wishing to tap onto this knowledge and intelligence.”
Fire Aware said its members provide training courses relating to fire safety and management for designers, main contractors, domestic trades, material suppliers, building management, hotel and leisure, commercial and private landlords and local authorities.
The organisation said its work includes a focus on the moral responsibility of those working in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.
It said it aims to influence behaviour through a moral code of conduct set out via a series of charters for member companies.
