Government outlines fire safety reforms at NFCC event

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) hosted its Protection Conference 2025 at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon, where around 150 fire and rescue professionals gathered to discuss ongoing fire safety reforms.

NFCC Protection Lead Dave Russel opened the event, addressing what he described as a “dust storm” of changes impacting fire safety policy.

He highlighted the need to maintain core Protection services while ensuring alignment with Prevention and Response.

Representatives from the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) provided updates on fire safety responsibilities, including the transition of key functions to MHCLG, the government’s position on Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), and the regulation of fire risk assessors.

The rollout of the Fire and Rescue Data and Performance (FARDAP) system was also discussed.

Fire safety sector debates regulation and funding

Discussions at the conference focused on regulatory strengthening, remediation guidance, and the financial sustainability of fire safety reforms.

Government representatives reiterated their commitment to placing residents at the centre of policy changes, with an emphasis on ensuring fire services have adequate resources to implement new requirements effectively.

NFCC leaders spoke about the importance of organisational learning and workforce competence, calling for risk-based interventions to be prioritised.

The conference also examined the balance between high-rise and high-risk considerations, as well as updates on fire safety inspection and enforcement practices.

HMICFRS reports on fire protection improvements

Delegates heard from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on progress in the Protection sector since the first round of inspections in 2018.

While improvements were noted in consistency and staffing levels, challenges remain in training and operational capacity.

Sessions explored how fire services can meet evolving standards, with particular focus on the implementation of the Protection Fire Standard and the delivery of PEEPs in residential buildings.

NFCC calls for collaboration across fire safety sector

With ongoing policy changes and scrutiny on fire safety, NFCC leaders stressed the need for collaboration between government, fire services, and industry stakeholders.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that fire protection remains effective amid reforms.

NFCC stated that maintaining safety standards while adapting to legislative changes is a priority for fire and rescue services.

The event concluded with discussions on how the sector can continue to improve risk management and workforce capability.

NFCC Protection Conference 2025 examines fire safety policy changes: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) hosted its Protection Conference 2025 in Stratford-upon-Avon, where fire and rescue professionals discussed ongoing fire safety reforms.

NFCC Protection Lead Dave Russel highlighted the challenges of adapting to policy changes while maintaining Protection services.

Government representatives from the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) provided updates on regulatory transitions, PEEPs, fire risk assessor regulation, and the rollout of the Fire and Rescue Data and Performance (FARDAP) system.

Discussions covered funding concerns, fire safety enforcement, and regulatory strengthening.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reported improvements in staffing and consistency but noted ongoing challenges in training and capacity.

The conference concluded with calls for greater collaboration between government, fire services, and industry stakeholders to support the implementation of fire safety reforms.