IFE year in review highlights 2025 standards work and sector engagement

IFE blog reviews 2025 activity

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has published a blog post dated Wednesday 10 December 2025 reviewing its work across 2025 and outlining priorities moving into 2026.

The blog, titled 2025 A year in review, was written by Steve Hamm, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers.

Hamm described the year as focused on the IFE’s strategic direction, technical work and member activity, alongside representation at events and engagement with sector partners.

Steve Hamm, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers, said: “As 2025 draws to a close, we can reflect on a remarkable year.

“We have worked tirelessly to support and shape the evolving fire safety landscape through key initiatives, strategic partnerships, and the continued dedication of our members and volunteers worldwide.”

Strategic vision and sector presence

Hamm said one of the defining moments of 2025 was the launch of the IFE’s strategic vision, Leading Fire Safety.

He said the strategy was developed through consultation with members and stakeholders.

The blog also referenced IFE activity at events including the FIRE Conference, the International President’s Technical Conference and the Graduate Lecture.

Hamm added that the IFE represented the profession at global trade shows including the IFSJ Leaders Conference in Dubai, Intersec in Saudi Arabia, the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas and the Fire Safety Event in the UK.

Standards, guidance and technical work

Hamm said the IFE had an active year linked to technical standards and guidance.

He referenced BS 8674, which he described as setting competence requirements for fire risk assessors.

The blog also referenced the forthcoming BS EN 81-76 standard for evacuation lifts.

Hamm said the IFE supported the publication of PAS 8700:2025, which he described as addressing modern construction methods.

He also referenced a draft update to PAS 9980, which he said introduces tools to help determine when a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) is required.

Hamm said the IFE strengthened engagement with Special Interest Groups through new Terms of Reference.

He also said the IFE is leading the response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

Early careers programme and online sessions

Hamm said the IFE continued work connected to early career support following the launch of the Early Careers Networking Group (ECNG) last year.

He said the organisation introduced Elevate, described as a series of 60-minute interactive online sessions led by experts from across the global fire sector.

Hamm said Elevate was backed by partners including the Association For Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) and London Fire Brigade.

He said the series has been extended into 2026.

Sector reform and inclusion work

Hamm referenced UK building safety reform activity during 2025, including an April statement that the UK Government reaffirmed its commitment to building safety reform.

He also referenced the Engineering Council’s introduction of the UK-SPEC HRB standard, which he described as strengthening professional competence for those working on higher-risk buildings, and said the IFE supports it.

The blog also described work on Equity, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EEDI) in partnership with Equal Engineers.

Hamm said the IFE hosted member-led focus groups as part of that work.

2026 outlook in the blog

Hamm said the IFE remains dedicated to advancing the fire safety profession worldwide as it moves into 2026.

He linked that intention to the organisation’s strategy and what he described as an enthusiastic global community.

Readers can view the full blog on the Institution of Fire Engineers’s website.