SFJ Awards opens consultation on fire safety training suite
Iain Hoey
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Fire safety training qualifications consultation opens
A stakeholder consultation has launched to support a review of the fire safety suite of qualifications that form the basis of fire safety training for fire safety regulators.
SFJ Awards said the consultation follows an initial review phase led by SFJ Awards in collaboration with the Home Office, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the London Fire Brigade and others.
The suite includes a Level 3 Certificate, a Level 4 Certificate and a Level 4 Diploma.
The initial phase updated the qualifications’ content.
What the review covers and why input is being sought
The consultation aims to capture views from a wider pool of experts and practitioners as the review process is finalised.
Adreena Parkin-Coates of the NFCC was part of the expert working group that carried out the initial phase of the review.
Parkin-Coates said: “Fire safety roles are central to minimising and mitigating the risk of harm to people, property and the environment from fire.
“Ensuring the workforce is fully prepared for the rigours and challenges of the role requires a robust set of qualifications suitable for all different learners.
“The suite was reviewed in its entirety to promote consistent regulation and fire safety standards across fire and rescue services and reduce content duplication for learners.
“Following this initial evaluation, we now invite input from a wider group of stakeholders as we finalise the review process.”
David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, said: “The fire safety suite of qualifications offers a structured development pathway for fire safety regulators, providing a platform for developing the dedicated workforce to keep people, property and the environment safe from fire.
“The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Certificate and Diploma in Fire Safety have each been reviewed by the expert working group to ensure alignment with current best practices and now the consultation stage seeks the views of stakeholders to ensure that practical considerations are fully accounted for.
“Following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster in 2017, it is widely recognised that qualifications which support the training and development of fire safety personnel must be fit for purpose and I encourage stakeholders to submit their valued representations.”
The consultation covering the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety, the Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety and the Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety is now live.
