These include providing document feedback for consideration by the relevant Working Group at the next cyclical review; inputting in to FPA responses to government/industry consultations (see opposite); surveys and online focus groups on upcoming research projects; and providing topic suggestions for the FPA to research and produce guidance on for members. Keep an eye on FPA emails, our website, and social media for upcoming opportunities to share your expertise.

We were also delighted to once again meet so many members at the Fire Safety Event, held between 28-30 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

The event is a key platform for professionals across the fire safety sector, and it was a great opportunity to explain to delegates our member benefits, latest guidance, new training courses and qualifications, and fire testing facility.
 

New content

On-demand webinar

An update on cladding: regulation, remediation, and what’s changing

Almost nine years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, thousands of buildings across the UK remain unsafe. Major legislative changes are underway, with new government targets, regulations, and funding schemes changing the cladding landscape.

This webinar provides a clear update on how remediation is progressing, what the latest government updates mean, and the changes that are yet to come. FPA Technical Director George Edwardes covers topics including:

  • latest government figures on cladding remediation and a progress update on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations
  • changes to the Building Safety Regulator, including the Remediation Acceleration Plan
  • implications of the Construction Products Reform White Paper for the cladding industry
  • the latest government research on timber cladding and its potential impact on Approved Document B
  • a fire testing update for BS 8414 and the new European cladding fire test method
  • updates on Fire Risk Assessments via PAS 9980
  • the impact on insurance for cladding systems

This webinar is available to watch on demand in the Members’ Area of the FPA website.

 

Response to consultations includes member feedback

Single Construction Regulator consultation

The FPA has submitted a detailed response to the government’s Single Construction Regulator prospectus consultation, emphasising the need for clearer standards, stronger enforcement, and improved competence across the construction and fire safety sectors

Representing the views of FPA members, as well as insurers through the RISCAuthority research scheme, the responses members highlighted the need for enforceable procurement and construction standards and tighter controls around professional competence.

The response stated that the most important factors for achieving the government’s proposed outcomes include “establishing clear and enforceable procurement and construction standards, ensuring only competent and properly insured professionals can authorise deviations, and implementing robust compliance auditing for products and installations.”

The FPA also underlined the importance of addressing property protection alongside life safety as well as warning that weaknesses in data quality, competence, and regulatory oversight are likely to undermine the new system. FPA members continue to encounter “poor or incomplete product information, inconsistent manufacturer data, unclear certification, and missing performance curves,” all of which contribute to avoidable risks.

On the topic of digital submission systems, members felt the effectiveness of digital tools to support compliance depended chiefly on “the quality and consistency of the information” they provide.

Members also saw potential in automated compliance checking but warned of “significant risks that require strong human oversight,” noting that AI could amplify existing data errors and lacks the ability to apply a “sense check.”

FPA members also stressed that meaningful culture change will require centrally led guidance, accredited training, and robust enforcement. Suggestions included recognition schemes for good performers and “severe penalties proportionate to risk” for those who fail to comply, including the possibility of “remov[ing] persistently poor performers from the industry.”

 

Telecommunications work consultation

Responding to the government consultation, Improving Proportionality and Building Safety Outcomes in Building Control: Telecommunications work, the FPA highlighted concern from its membership that penetrations through fire resisting construction are frequently poorly managed and inadequately reinstated.

The response went on to say that any relaxation of oversight could increase risks to life and undermine fire compartmentation.

While recognising the intention to improve proportionality, the FPA cautioned that current problems stem not from excessive regulation, but from a lack of assurance that work is competently completed. The FPA noted that even minor works can present serious risks where fire resisting elements are breached, adding that FPA members “generally view the risk from uncontrolled drilling and inadequate fire stopping as high.”

A key concern raised was the lack of reliable information available to installers: “In many buildings, accurate and up to date ‘as built’ drawings are not readily available, making it difficult for installers or Responsible Persons to confirm whether a wall is fire resisting or to verify its original level of protection”. This uncertainty can result in breaches being left inadequately sealed and remaining undetected for long periods.

Survey feedback from members strongly opposed any blanket dispensation for fibre optic cabling works, with the response reporting that “most felt it would not be appropriate to reduce or remove building control procedures for drilling holes for fibre optic cabling, even with assurances that safety would be maintained”, with many emphasising that “any penetration through fire resisting barriers requires proper controls, documentation, and oversight.”

The FPA argued that any proportionate approach must focus on competence, assurance, and traceability and members highlighted the importance of “mandatory use of tested and approved fire stopping products,” clear records of work, and effective handover of information to building owners.

Ultimately, the FPA concluded that weakening procedural safeguards without robust alternative controls would be unjustified.