Both BAFE and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) have both revealed new appointments to senior roles as they look to supporting the future of fire safety in the UK

The BAFE Fire Safety Register has announced those taking on new roles, marking the start of the next phase of its development and sector leadership.

Jim Fitzpatrick, the former MP for Poplar and Canning Town, has been appointed as the Chair of BAFE Holdings. With over 20 years’ firefighting experience with the London Fire Brigade and having served in a number of Ministerial positions including Fire Minister, he brings a wealth of experience from the political and fire safety worlds to BAFE.

Howard Passey has been appointed Chair of BAFE Limited. With over three decades’ experience at the Fire Protection Association in a variety of senior roles – most recently as Deputy Managing Director - he brings a huge amount of technical expertise in fire safety and is widely recognised and respected across the sector. He has been an independent Director on the BAFE board since 2023.

Finally, Douglas Barnett – a longstanding Chair and Director at BAFE - has been appointed as Chair of FireQual, BAFE’s awarding organisation. With over 40 years’ experience in insurance, including 25 years’ leading AXA Insurance’s risk management programmes, his appointment ensures continuity in leadership across the organisation.

Commenting on the appointments, Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted that Jim, Howard and Douglas have agreed to bring more than 100 years’ of collective fire safety and risk experience to BAFE.

“At a time when significant legislative change is on the horizon, the need for technical and commercial excellence has never been more acute. These appointments give BAFE the leadership needed to provide the sector with the clarity, standards and practical support required to meet rising regulatory expectations.”

Elsewhere, the IFE has also announced the appointment of Paul Adams as its new Chief Executive. Adams is a senior leader with more than 30 years’ experience leading chartered institutes, professional bodies, and industry organisations, including the Institute of Learning, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Institute of Directors, and the Civil Mediation Council.

Paul Stollard, Chair of the IFE Board of Trustee Directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul as our new CEO. With a wealth of experience leading membership organisations and global professional bodies, Paul brings a deep understanding of how to support, represent and add value for members in an increasingly complex world.”

Commenting on his appointment, Adams added: “The IFE plays a uniquely important role in advancing professional standards and public confidence in a field where the consequences of failure are profound. I am honoured to be joining at such a pivotal time for fire safety globally.”

“I would also like to thank Steve Hamm for his leadership in moving the organisation forward and for the strong platform he has created for the next phase of the IFE’s development.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Steve Hamm will transition into a part-time Strategic Advisor role to support continuity and ensure a smooth leadership transition.