FPA updates membership categories and benefits

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has introduced changes to its membership scheme, aimed at providing enhanced support for fire safety and construction professionals.

According to the FPA, the revised scheme introduces three membership categories: Individual, Small Business, and Corporate. These categories are designed to differentiate between company sizes and ensure appropriate access to the organisation’s technical guidance and resources. Existing members will transition to their corresponding category upon renewal, while new members will automatically join under the updated structure.

FPA CEO Dr Gavin Dunn said: “Our membership offering supports fire safety and construction professionals with the challenges they face on a daily basis through the provision of technical expertise and guidance. This is more important now than ever following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and as the nature of risk continues to evolve.”

New benefits introduced for members

The updated scheme includes several new benefits, such as the ability for members to contribute to FPA guidance, research projects, and consultation responses. Members will also have access to an expanded programme of CPD-approved webinars in 2025.

These webinars will cover topics including modern methods of construction, fire risk assessor competence frameworks, and updates to the LPC Sprinkler Rules. Quarterly Q&A sessions with FPA technical consultants will continue, providing members with opportunities to discuss key topics such as the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report.

The FPA has also made its suite of e-courses available to members, covering fire safety topics such as hot works, fire warden roles, and fire door inspections.

Digital and technical resources for members

The FPA is working to enhance its digital Fire & Risk Management Journal, which will be available in an interactive format from spring 2025. This will include audio and video content as well as improved search functionality.

Members will also have access to updated technical mini guides, which summarise key industry guidance. Additional training information packs and downloadable business templates will be available to support organisations in implementing fire safety best practices.

James Stone from the FPA said: “Our research and guidance are at the core of our membership scheme, especially when it comes to ensuring our members have access to what they need, when they need it, to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities.”

New Code of Professional Conduct introduced

A new Code of Professional Conduct has been introduced as part of the updated membership scheme. The FPA states that while membership does not accredit or endorse products or services, all new and renewing members must now commit to this code, which sets expectations for integrity, professional behaviour, and competency.

The FPA said the code aims to ensure that members maintain professional standards and that customers can expect a consistent level of service.

Fire Protection Association revises membership scheme to enhance industry support: Summary

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has updated its membership scheme, introducing three categories: Individual, Small Business, and Corporate. Existing members will be transitioned upon renewal, and new members will join under the revised structure.

New benefits include the ability for members to contribute to FPA guidance and research, access to an expanded CPD webinar programme, and availability of e-courses covering fire safety topics.

The digital Fire & Risk Management Journal will be enhanced with an interactive format in 2025. Additional technical resources such as updated mini guides, training packs, and downloadable templates will also be available.

A new Code of Professional Conduct has been introduced, requiring members to commit to professional standards in integrity, behaviour, and competency.