The FPA is pleased to announce that the association and members of its staff have been shortlisted for several categories at the upcoming Fire & Security Matters (FSM) Awards
Taking place in Coventry on 2 July 2026, the awards seek to promote the importance of innovation while also underlining the highest standards of excellence. This year, the FPA and members of its team have been nominated for several categories, including the Rising Star Award, Fire Industry Woman of the Year, Training Company of the Year, and Fire Safety Project of the Year.
The FPA’s Operations Manager, Ryan Hipperson, is shortlisted for the Rising Star Award, which recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the implementation or enhancement of fire safety within their organisation. Ryan, who joined the FPA in 2024, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the FPA’s Laboratory, including compliance with industry standards, health and safety protocols, and UKAS accreditation. He is also an on-call Crew Manager for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
Feeling honoured and privileged to be nominated for the award, Ryan commended the ongoing support of his team, who he said have been pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the FPA’s laboratory, including the improvement works, which would not have been possible without their assistance and input.
“I look forward to what the future has in store,” he said.
He is joined by Suppression and Materials Analysis Coordinator, Carmen Walbyoff, who has been nominated for Fire Industry Woman of the Year. The award highlights an individual working in a fire safety organisation or an individual who has made a significant contribution to the introduction and promotion of standards within the fire safety sector. Part of the FPA’s Sprinkler and Pipe Testing team, Carmen also oversees the FPA’s Material Analysis Testing Laboratory, which supports the identification of cladding and insulation materials installed on and within buildings by evaluating their chemical composition.
Also under consideration is the FPA’s ongoing work in delivering outstanding external fire safety training, with the organisation shortlisted for Fire Safety Training Company of the Year. Commenting on the announcement, Head of Training at the FPA, Kelly Donoghue, said:
“I am delighted to share that our Training Department has been nominated for Training Company of the Year at the Fire & Security Matters Awards. The FSM awards recognise organisations that drive innovation and uphold the highest standards across the fire and security sectors.
“Being shortlisted is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of our entire team, who work tirelessly to raise standards and deliver impactful, industry-leading training.”
In recognition of the FPA’s commitment to research and testing, the organisation has also been shortlisted for Fire Safety Project of the Year. This category is designed to recognise a project that has delivered significant improvement to fire safety in relation to people and/or premises.
The FPA recently welcomed the publication of the research project: Fire sprinkler system design for buildings with exposed timber surfaces. Led by Principal Consultant Dr Dale Kinnersley, the project provides evidence-based improvements to fire safety in mass timber buildings by demonstrating how sprinkler systems and fixing methods can be adapted to protect exposed CLT surfaces and maintain structural and service integrity during fire. It provides evidence to inform revisions to UK fire safety and fixing standards.
Responding to the nomination, Dr Kinnersley said: “I’m delighted to be nominated for the Fire Safety Matters Project of the Year award, recognising the culmination of a 3+-year PhD focused on improving fire safety in mass timber construction. This work, optimising sprinkler systems and fixing methods to better protect occupants and property, was made possible through the support of RISCAuthority and the FPA.”
The FPA has previously won the Fire Safety Project award in 2024, following the launch of RISC 501: Fire Test and Assessment Method for External Cladding Systems, a testing method developed to address the limitations of current UK testing criteria for combustible cladding systems in high-rise buildings (HRBs).
This year’s FSM Awards will be held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 2 July 2026.
The full shortlist can be found here.
The FPA extends its congratulations and good luck to everyone who has been shortlisted.