In our first episode we talk to Jim Fitzpatrick - former Fire Minister and Chair of FIRE AID - to discuss fire policy in the UK, and the impact incidents like Grenfell have had in how we approach fire safety.

In this episode, we talk to Sofie Hooper, Head of Policy at the IWFM about the role of the Building Safety Manager and what facilities managers will have to do to take on the newly regulated role. 

For episode 3, we're joined by Sarah Brodie, Policy Adviser at the ABI and explore the need to protect an organisations' phisical assets alongside the need for life protection.

In this episode, we're joined by Jane Duncan OBE, chair of the expert panel on fire safety at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Jane discusses how Grenfell was a ‘turning point’ for building safety, and she and Howard explore how architects, construction teams and building owners can work together to understand and prioritise fire safety from the very start of a project.

In episode 5, we talk to Catherine Levin, Political Editor at FIRE Magazine. Four years on from Grenfell, Catherine and Howard explore whether the provision of fire safety has improved since that tragic day in June 2017 and if the subsequent changes in legislation will be enough to bring about meaningful change.

For this episode, we're joined by Tom Roche, Senior Consultant at FM Global. Tom and Howard explore the fact that sprinklers have still not been made mandatory for all new or major refurbished school buildings in England in the revised Building Bulletin 100 document, and why sprinklers should be made mandatory in all high-risk buildings.

In our first panel episode of the series, Claire Wright – Head of Training at the Fire Protection Association (FPA) talks to Anthony Taylor – Chairman of Working Group 8, John Brett – Director of Health and Safety Compliance at Estates & Management Limited, and John Briggs – Commercial Director at the FPA. Together the panel explores the practical steps building managers can take to ensure they follow the competency framework including the core knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours required for the role of Building Safety Manager.

In our second panel episode of the series, Jonathan O’Neill OBE – Managing Director at the Fire Protection Association, speaks to Niall Rowan – Technical and Regulatory Affairs Officer at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Russ Timpson – Founder of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network, and Allan Meek – Director at Group SCS. Together the panel explores the implications of the Building Safety Bill following the Government’s review of the Building Regulations.

In the latest episode of Assembly Point Howard Passey, FPA Director of Operations, talks to Lewis Ramsey, Caretaker Manager at BAFE Fire Safety Register and former Assistant Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, about the key areas to consider when looking at the risk management of fire in buildings occupied by vulnerable people such as schools, hospitals, and care homes. Howard and Lewis discuss how crucial it is to have appropriate fire safety measures in place that ensure occupant safety and are cognisant of the premises layout, construction, and features.

In the final episode of series 1 of our Assembly Point podcast, Howard Passey, Director of Operations at the FPA, marks the Fire Protection Association’s 75^th anniversary by talking to Peter Caplehorn, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association; Adrian Dobson, Secretary of the RIBA EAG; and Dennis Davis, Executive Officer of the Fire Sector Federation. The panel discuss the FPA’s own milestones and its work over the past 75 years, the turning points in fire safety in the UK, and what they hope to see in the next 75 years.