“We must focus on collaboration between industry leaders and government,” writes Hayley Burgess, Managing Director of HBSC Ltd.
Iain Hoey
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By Hayley Burgess, Managing Director of HBSC Ltd
The ongoing issues in the sector, highlighted predominantly by the Grenfell Inquiry, offer a chance for positive change.
However, for this to be lasting, two key areas need attention: collaboration between fire sector leaders and action from government to ensure changes are operationally feasible.
The Phase 2 report has uncovered various pitfalls – especially in fire risk management and accountability, and it’s clear that many issues could have been avoided through better planning and communication between RPs and fire safety experts.
Fire risk assessment is a fundamental practice in building and facility management, and responsible Persons (RPs) must be equipped with benchmark skills.
A gap in basic fire safety training programmes remains.
Legal complexities and guidance
Recent cases have highlighted ongoing confusion over the Building Safety Act 2022.
Recently, a building owner argued that their property shouldn’t be considered a higher-risk building under the Act because a rooftop garden shouldn’t count as a storey.
The owner referred to government guidance from June 2023, which stated that open rooftops like gardens shouldn’t be considered when determining the number of storeys.
However, secondary legislation published in 2023 states that while a floor used for rooftop plants or machinery does not count as a storey, a usable roof garden does.
This inconsistency was criticised by a judge, who noted that the “evolution, amendment, addition to and, in some cases, withdrawal” of guidance had resulted in “a continuously changing resource.” It’s issues like these that make it more difficult for RPs and building owners to stay compliant, underlining the need for clear, consistent regulations and thorough training.
Working together for change
To ignite true progress, fire sector leaders need to have input to shape government policies.
As leaders, we have full visibility of the risks and have insights that can prevent future disasters.
Expertise can ensure that new regulations are practical and can be effectively implemented on the ground.
If government and the sector work together, we can shift from being reactive to proactive when it comes to fire safety.
One of the most important recommendations from the Grenfell Phase 2 report is improving the training for RPs.
These individuals are responsible for ensuring fire safety in buildings, yet many feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the role.
The industry needs to step up by offering targeted training programmes.
These should help RPs not just understand regulations but also give them practical tools to conduct thorough fire risk assessments and manage safety measures.
With the right support, RPs will be better equipped to protect both lives and property.
The fire safety sector is heading in the right direction, and I truly believe this.
However, to ensure lasting progress, we must focus on collaboration between industry leaders and government, and empowering RPs with the training they need.
About the IFSJ Influencer
Hayley Burgess, Managing Director of HBSC Ltd., is a trailblazing fire safety expert and the first female International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers.
A Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner and Chartered Building Engineer, she brings over 12 years of consultancy experience, specialising in fire safety for the social care sector, and chairs the Northern Ireland IOSH Branch.
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