Rethinking fire door safety: Why Fire Door Maintenance says competence still needs work
Iain Hoey
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Nicola John, Managing Director at Fire Door Maintenance, explores how consistent training supports duty holders, maintenance teams, and contractors in meeting regulatory expectations for fire door safety assurance
Fire door performance in the UK now sits within clearer competence expectations.
BS 8670 offers a common structure for roles and skills, while a consultation on specialist timber fire door installers is refining pathways.
Focus has moved to lifecycle tasks, from installation through maintenance, with digital record systems strengthening audit trails and scheduling.
In this conversation, Nicola John, Managing Director at Fire Door Maintenance, sets out insights from recent sector discussions, focusing on accredited training that lifts installation quality, adoption of BS 8670 to clarify responsibilities, use of digital records for oversight and closer links to third-party verification so procurement, inspection and maintenance align.
What are you seeing day-to-day in terms of how fire door regulations are being followed on the ground?
We’ve seen a real shift in awareness since Grenfell, and many responsible persons are working hard to meet their legal obligations.
But understandably, some are still navigating the complexity of evolving regulations.
It’s not always easy to keep up, particularly for overstretched teams or those without dedicated fire safety support.
We’re also seeing positive intent – but sometimes a lack of technical knowledge – on the ground.
For instance, we still come across fire doors that have been installed by operatives without specific training, or buildings where maintenance checks have lapsed.
That’s where the risk lies.
With the right knowledge and support, these are issues we can absolutely tackle.
Where do you think the biggest misunderstandings about fire door compliance lie?
There’s still a perception in some areas that once a fire door is installed, the job’s done.
But they’re active safety systems that need ongoing care.
We’re doing a lot of work to help duty holders understand that responsibility doesn’t stop at installation – it extends across the full lifecycle.
The good news is, we’re seeing more clients ask the right questions.
That shows the message is starting to land.
How would you assess current levels of competence across those responsible for specifying, fitting or maintaining fire doors?
There’s a growing commitment to getting this right – and many fantastic professionals out there doing high-quality work.
But there are still gaps in consistency.
In particular, general contractors are sometimes asked to take on fire door work without having had the right training.
That’s why developments like BS 8670 are so important.
By providing a common framework for competence across the built environment, it gives the sector a shared language and standard to work towards.
We’re already seeing competency groups and employers start to embed this, which is a really encouraging step.
What are some of the most common failings when it comes to fire door maintenance or installation?
Installation is still a sticking point.
We see things like incorrect gaps, or the wrong components used.
These mistakes often stem from a lack of awareness rather than intent – and they’re avoidable with better training.
On the maintenance side, the most common issue is neglect over time: closers that no longer work, seals that have deteriorated, or doors that haven’t been inspected for years.
But again, these are challenges we can absolutely solve with the right systems, support and upskilling.
Why do you think poor practices still persist, even with clear guidance available?
In many cases, it’s not due to disregard – it’s down to capacity, confidence, or simply not knowing where to start.
Fire safety has traditionally been treated as a box-ticking exercise, but that’s changing.
One thing we’re keen to promote is the need for practical, hands-on training.
You can’t build real competence through guidance documents alone – especially for roles that are hands-on by nature.
That’s why we believe in investing in meaningful, accredited training that builds confidence and capability on site.
What are some simple changes that companies could make today to improve safety?
Prioritise training.
It’s one of the most effective ways to raise standards quickly.
When staff are trained through accredited centres like FDM, they’re not just ticking a box – they’re building the knowledge and confidence to do the job properly.
It also helps create a culture where people feel empowered to speak up, question things, and take responsibility for safety.
That culture shift is where real improvement starts.
How can better record-keeping or digital tools help raise standards in this area?
Digital tools are a huge opportunity.
They give responsible persons visibility over what’s been done, what’s due, and what needs fixing – without having to rely on paperwork alone.
That audit trail is important not just for compliance, but for peace of mind.
We’re seeing more companies explore these tools as part of a wider commitment to accountability and improvement, which is a great sign.
What’s missing from the current enforcement or oversight of fire door regulations?
There’s definitely a need for more proactive enforcement.
Fire and rescue services do brilliant work, but they’re stretched.
We welcome the progress being made through the development of competency frameworks using guidance like BS8670, which help define what good looks like.
The next step is for employers to really engage with that – by investing in staff development and understanding what ‘competence’ means in practice.
That’s how we move from minimum compliance to real assurance.
Do you expect further updates to legislation in this area and what would you like to see included?
Yes, and that’s a positive.
We’re seeing a stronger focus on competence across the board, and legislation that supports that shift is welcome.
But regulation on its own isn’t enough.
We need joined-up thinking between designers, contractors and building managers – and a clear link between training and third-party schemes that verify work on site.
That consistency builds trust, and helps raise standards across the industry.
We’ve recently seen a consultation on the competency framework for specialist timber fire door installers, which is a positive step in the right direction.
But the industry still needs clearer guidance across the board.
Operatives working with a wide range of products and site types need a consistent framework that supports quality, regardless of the door type being installed.
What will it take to create lasting change across the industry – cultural, legal or operational?
It’s a mix of all three.
Legally, we need clarity and enforcement.
Operationally, we need better procurement and practical training.
But the cultural piece is just as important: we need to shift from seeing fire doors as assets to maintain, to seeing them as life-saving systems.
The direction of travel is encouraging.
We’re having the right conversations, and now it’s about turning that into action.
We’ve always believed that lasting change comes from a holistic approach – supporting everyone involved in the fire door chain, not just in theory but in day-to-day practice.
That’s been recognised by Dame Judith Hackitt, who highlighted our work as an example of the kind of thinking needed to drive real industry progress.
For us, it’s about working with industry to embed the right mindset, skills and systems at every level.