12 May 2025
Fire safety remains a critical topic across the UK, with ongoing developments in regulations and standards ensuring that both individuals and organizations prioritise safe practices. From new government-mandated requirements to updated building-specific guidelines, the fire risk assessment landscape is evolving rapidly. Here's everything you need to know about these changes as we move through 2025.
The Introduction of Mandatory Competency Requirements for Fire Risk Assessors
One of the most significant announcements this year has been the introduction of mandatory competency requirements for fire risk assessors. In April 2025, the National Resilience and Fire Safety Unit confirmed that legislation will require fire risk assessors to have their skills independently verified by a UKAS-accredited certification body.
This development follows recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, which highlighted the concerning lack of regulation and accreditation for assessors. The government has fully accepted the need for mandatory accreditation, noting that it will standardize practices, improve competency, and reduce risks linked to substandard fire risk assessments. Certification standards are being developed by the British Standards Institution to support this initiative.
For fire risk assessors, this means professional qualifications and continuing professional development will no longer be optional extras. Organizations hiring assessors should be prepared to vet them rigorously, ensuring they meet new accreditation requirements.
The Ongoing Influence of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Recommendations
The tragedy of Grenfell Tower continues to shape fire safety reforms in the UK. The government has committed to implementing all 58 recommendations made in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's Phase 2 report. Changes proposed include:
Mandatory fire safety strategies for all higher-risk buildings, whether newly constructed or refurbished.
Recognizing fire safety engineering as a regulated profession, requiring practitioners to meet specific qualifications and standards.
A single, independent construction industry regulator to oversee fire-related issues, including product testing and contractor licensing.
While the government's full response is expected later in 2025, many recommendations are already influencing policy. For building owners, remaining compliant means staying informed and acting swiftly to align with new regulations as they take effect.
Updates to Fire Safety Standards
Building on previous reforms, updated fire safety standards were rolled out in November 2024 under BS 9991:2024, focusing on residential buildings. These updates emphasize:
Tighter guidelines for fire evacuation strategies.
Enhanced recommendations for sprinkler installations.
Updated design requirements for single-stair buildings.
This year's developments extend these changes to include the latest frameworks aimed at care homes and vulnerable populations. Building design teams, property managers, and architects must now consider these standards to ensure new constructions and refurbishment projects comply.
Residential PEEP Mandates Coming into Effect
Another game-changing policy is the introduction of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable residents in high-rise and other high-risk buildings. From March 2025, residential care homes must implement these plans. The aim is to ensure that buildings are equipped with the necessary evacuation strategies for individuals who may need additional assistance in emergencies.
New PEEP requirements include:
Identifying and supporting vulnerable residents through Person-Centered Fire Risk Assessments (PCFRAs).
Sharing evacuation strategies with local fire and rescue services to aid coordinated responses.
Integrating relevant safety information into building-wide fire safety strategies.
Residential property managers are now expected to make "reasonable efforts" to engage with vulnerable residents and regularly update evacuation plans. Given the policy's recent rollout, periodic performance evaluations are likely to become standard later this year.
The Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan
To address the widespread concerns about unsafe cladding, the government unveiled the Remediation Acceleration Plan last year. This framework is set to remove unsafe cladding from affected buildings by the end of 2029. Key aspects include:
Targets for cladding removal: Buildings over 18 meters need remediation by 2029.
Support for impacted residents: Authorities have pledged to reduce financial burdens associated with cladding removal and to address delays in remediation.
These timelines are particularly crucial, as non-compliance could lead to penalties for property owners. Organizations managing residential properties should take immediate action to identify risks and develop remediation plans to avoid regulatory repercussions.
Why These Developments Matter
The mounting emphasis on fire safety comes in response to serious risks, high-profile incidents, and investigative findings. Recent statistics emphasize the urgency:
Lithium-ion battery risks have led to a rise in fire-related incidents, influencing new safety advice in public and private sectors.
Increased focus on older residential buildings highlights the need for stringent fire risk assessments, especially in urban areas with dense populations.
Organizations that neglect these changes risk not only penalties but also the safety of their employees, residents, and the general public.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The fire risk assessment landscape in the UK is undergoing profound changes this year. Key reforms like competence verification for assessors and PEEP mandates are finally addressing gaps in fire safety identified after significant tragedies. To remain compliant, businesses and individuals should:
Review updates to fire regulations, including BS 9991 and new PEEP mandates.
Verify the credentials of fire risk assessors under the upcoming competency framework.
Schedule periodic risk assessment reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.
Engage with residents and employees to educate them about evacuation plans and fire safety responsibilities.
Start developing plans for cladding remediation, where applicable.
By staying proactive, organizations can meet regulatory standards without disruptions and contribute to a culture of safety and prevention.
Fire safety is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral one. The changes rolling out in 2025 underscore the UK's commitment to preventing future tragedies and ensuring every building is as safe as possible. Stay informed, stay compliant, and above all, stay safe.
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Sources
Home Office confirms fire risk assessor competency will be ...
Updates to Fire Risk Assessment Qualifications in 2025
Fire Safety: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
New fire risk assessor qualifications for BS8674
Carrying Out A Fire Risk Assessment Can Be Complex
https://www.thefpa.co.uk/news/home-office-confirms-fire-risk-assessor-competency-will-be-mandated
https://www.fia.uk.com/news/fire-safety-reflecting-on-2024-and-looking-ahead-to-2025.html