Networking

A key part of the Federation’s aim is to stay up-to-date and indeed try to influence National fire policies and enforcement arrangements for the better. This involves frequent discussions and continuous observation of government attitudes and approaches to fire safety linked to a realistic appraisal of what’s happening on the ground. A continuous dialogue as a critical friend with government and informing of public representatives through the All Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group are central to this work, a task helped by Jon’s being Director of the Fire Protection Association, the UK’s national fire safety organisation and part of 28 similar bodies worldwide.

The beneficial influence on the built environment of effective passive and structural fire protection systems is renowned by everyone who has seen how uncontrolled fire can spread through a building with devastating consequences. Advances and innovation in construction remind us that having the very best passive fire protection is essential. With an extensive career in the fire industry and now as Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Niall is extremely well placed to lead the Federation’s work on building a better understanding of the various solutions available.

Tom is the senior consultant of international standards at FM Global in the UK and leading in many aspects of seeking to improve fire safety in the built environment. He has articulated concerns raised by Federation members on matters like the currency and completeness of building regulations and guidance and has responded to multiple calls for evidence or consultations that seek expert opinion. Part of the detail of this work involves outlying the benefits of active fire suppression and technological fire alerting and other protection systems, something Tom is very close to and keen to see advanced.

A feature of all fire safety effectiveness is the level of personal development and competency of those working in the sector and the availability of technical guidance both in general and in specialist areas like fire investigation. Steve, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers, has extensive links within the fire community internationally. Part of the role involves maintaining awareness of current innovation and trends through research and statistics and sharing learning and knowledge internationally in groups like the International Fire and Rescue Service Association and European Union.

The person responsible for keeping the Federation in good financial shape is Dave Russell. This is a challenging task as the Federation is largely subscription based with collections made across many differing scale organisations, all of whom like to know the value achieved from their contribution. This is a familiar tune as he is also UK Sales Manager for Angus Fire. Having both roles makes Dave naturally keen to also promote ‘UK Fire plc’ both at home and abroad so he has oversight and guides the Federation on fire sector procurement systems.

Effective internal and external communications are the prerequisites of any member organisation especially one that relies upon its memberships’ knowledge and technical expertise to form informed commentary and opinion for national audiences. Setting and leading the strategy and process for this task falls to the Communications Director. Olof is the well known as Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Rockwoll UK. Reporting to the Managing Director her role includes the operating in the complex relationships that exist between regulators and manufactures of materials that often have to meet competing demands of economics, durability, sustainability and safety.

Developing and improving the competency of the fire sector workforce is a key strategic aim of the Federation and a competency workstream was founded in 2012. Chaired throughout by Dennis, including the 2018 – 2023 period when he was also Executive Officer.

A particular focus is fire risk assessment where the Federation has coordinated industry experience and expertise to help raise awareness and support for the public whilst also providing technical and professional advancement for practitioners through its liaison and action with government, agencies and standard organisations.