The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation focused on the future of the fire risk assessor profession in England. Published in March 2026, the proposals aim to address key recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, particularly the need for a formal system to verify and maintain competency across the sector.
Overview of the consultation
At present, fire risk assessors are not part of a formally regulated profession. There is no single governing body, no consistent definition of the role, and no mandatory requirement for qualifications or certification. Responsibility for fire risk assessments currently sits with the Responsible Person, who may carry out assessments themselves or appoint a third party.
The consultation seeks to change this by introducing clearer structures, stronger oversight, and a consistent benchmark for competence. The aim is to ensure that those carrying out fire risk assessments have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to safeguard building occupants.
What changes are being proposed
The government is seeking feedback on several key areas:
– Defining the role of fire risk assessors, including protected duties
– Assessing whether Responsible Persons should continue to carry out their own assessments
– Establishing a recognised competency framework with robust verification methods
– Creating structured career pathways, including apprenticeships and progression routes
– Introducing regulatory powers to oversee the profession and enforce standards
These proposals align with the recently published BS 8674:2025 framework, which outlines industry expectations for fire risk assessor competence, including skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours.
The consultation also proposes that future legislation would allow for ongoing development of standards, enabling regulators and industry bodies to adapt requirements as the sector evolves.
What this means for fire safety and passive fire protection
If implemented, these changes would represent a significant shift in how fire risk assessments are conducted and managed. Greater consistency and accountability across the profession would support improved fire safety outcomes and reduce variability in assessment quality.
For organisations such as Firesafe, which provide specialist passive fire protection services across Guernsey and Jersey, this reinforces the importance of working with competent professionals at every stage of a project. From survey and design through to installation, competency and compliance remain critical to ensuring effective fire protection systems that safeguard lives and property.
If you would like advice on compliant fire protection products or systems, contact us to discuss how we can help.