The Fire Sector Federation has long advocated a more integrated and collaborative approach to fire safety in the UK that facilitates better knowledge-sharing. As part of that philosophy, the Federation has developed a new initiative, the Fire Consultation Forum, to enhance the sharing of information and collaborative responses within the fire safety sector. This informal but structured platform aims to streamline fire-related consultations and foster greater alignment across organisations involved in fire safety and building regulation.
The Forum serves two primary purposes: firstly, to act as a communication hub for sharing intelligence on fire-related consultations, and secondly, to allow organisations to develop well-informed responses. By facilitating communication, the Forum hopes to encourage consensus where possible, highlighting areas of common agreement and divergence. The goal is to present policymakers with more cohesive and informed feedback, improving the clarity and depth of responses on critical fire safety policies.
Consultations within the fire sector often come from a variety of sources, including government departments, the British Standards Institute (BSI), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). These consultations may vary in format, ranging from formal, twelve-week consultations to informal, urgent discussions. The Forum aims to ensure that important consultations are not overlooked by providing a centralised system for monitoring and sharing information. This collaborative effort seeks to increase awareness and efficiency, enabling a more coordinated approach.
Fire Sector Federation (FSF) will facilitate the Forum and serve as the secretariat. Meetings will be conducted virtually, and while they won’t be recorded, attendees can capture notes, and key takeaways may be circulated by the FSF Technical Adviser. A consultation log will also be maintained, helping track the evolution of fire policy and its adherence to thorough consultation processes. This log will serve as a valuable audit trail for participating organisations, demonstrating the consideration of feedback during policy enactment.
Meetings are scheduled every 6-8 weeks, depending on the volume of ongoing consultations, with durations varying from 30 minutes to two hours. The Federation may also issue updates via email, ensuring that communication remains fluid between meetings.
Membership on the Forum is open to Federation members and key stakeholders with a vested interest in the fire safety sector, including representatives from the construction and insurance industries. While government departments are not intended to be regular attendees, they may be invited to present or engage in discussions when relevant.
The terms of reference for the Forum will undergo an initial review after six months and then annually to ensure the Forum remains relevant and effective.
This new collaborative platform represents an important step forward in addressing the increasingly complex landscape of fire safety regulation. By fostering greater communication, the Fire Consultation Forum is set to play a crucial role in shaping future fire safety policies.Any stakeholders within the sector who have an interest in joining the Fire Consultation Forum should contact the Fire Sector Federation on [email protected]