FIRE Conference returns for its third year

Following another successful conference last November which saw over 400 delegates in attendance, FIRE 2022 is set to return later this year.

Traditionally organised collaboratively between the Fire Protection Association (FPA), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the Fire 2022 team have now welcomed the Fire Sector Federation (FSF) as a key contributor and supporter of this event. The four parties will work closely together on the event programme to discuss and debate major challenges affecting the fire safety landscape.

The one-day conference will boast presentations and workshops by expert speakers from the UK and around the world. This year’s themes include competency and a focus on legislation changes, as well as a look ahead to the future challenges faced by our sector considering climate change, sustainability, and the introduction of new fuels.

Taking place on 18 October, the conference will be held at Aviva’s Headquarters in London. Building on the success of last year, the event will be held in a hybrid format enabling delegates to attend in person or online.

Speaking about Fire 2022, Jonathan O’Neill OBE, Managing Director of the FPA, explained: “Following the success of last year’s conference and the emphasis on collaboration, we are pleased to come together once again with the IFE and NFCC, and to be joined by the FSF to deliver this important event. FIRE Conference provides a much-needed annual touchpoint to discuss, debate, share knowledge and most importantly, influence change to aid the necessary shift in reform that is so crucial.”

Steve Hamm, IFE Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be returning for a third year running and to now have the Fire Sector Federation on board as a key partner. FIRE Conference is growing year on year and has become a key date in the diary for sector leaders and stakeholders to come together to share learnings and discuss and debate major challenges that are affecting us all as fire professionals.”

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, added: “We are looking forward to building collaboratively on the positive outcomes and conversations at FIRE 2021 to ensure as a sector we continue to influence and drive the fire reform agenda. Working with our partners FPA, IFE and FSF to deliver our third joint Fire Conference enables us to engage with all stakeholders who are key to our improvement journey.”

Michael Harper, Fire Sector Federation Chair, commented: “We are delighted and proud to join the team behind the conference, which is the foremost event in the calendar for the fire safety sector. In this era of fundamental change and reform it is more important than ever to deliver this platform for the professional engagement and debate needed to drive progress.”

The day will close with a networking drinks reception which will offer delegates a further opportunity to learn from industry peers in a more informal setting.

Full programme details, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and tickets will be available shortly from the organisers’ websites.

About the Fire Protection Association (FPA):

The FPA is the UK's national fire safety organisation. We work to identify the dangers of fire and the means by which potential for loss is kept to a minimum.

Since 1946 we have attained an unrivalled reputation for quality of work and expertise in all aspects of fire including research, consultancy, training, membership, publications, risk surveying and auditing.  Our products and services are designed to assist fire, security and safety professionals achieve and maintain the very highest standards of fire safety management.

Our engineers, scientists and consultants have a vast knowledge of fire and risk prevention as well an in depth understanding of fire behaviour and the consequences of poor risk management. They work with research companies, government bodies, industry and the insurance community on projects of varying scale and complexity.

About the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE):

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a global professional membership body for those in the fire sector that seek to increase their knowledge, professional recognition and understanding of fire through a global discourse. With over 100 years of history, the IFE is instrumental in shaping a future world that is safer from fire.

Through its ceaseless betterment and sharing of knowledge, it has led the way in enabling fire professions to become rigorously assessed through a well-established and dynamic system of internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. The IFE delivers more than 6,000 exams annually.

Managed for fire professionals by fire professionals, the IFE aims to promote, encourage and improve the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering, acting as a beacon of established expertise and guiding the way to a fire safe future.

About the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC):

The NFCC is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service. NFCC drives improvement and development throughout the UK FRS, while supporting strong leadership – including for the devolved administrations.

NFCC aims to:

  • Strengthen the professional and operational leadership of the Fire and Rescue Service
  • Improve national coordination
  • Reduce duplication; increase efficiency
  • Support local service delivery
  • Provide increased influence for Fire and Rescue Authorities and their Services

About the Fire Sector Federation (FSF):

The Fire Sector Federation is a forum of debate and discussion. It is where representatives of organisations who work with or within the built, natural, fire and rescue and national resilience environments in the UK can expertly consider issues of common interest.

The Federation seeks to give voice to and exert influence in shaping future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector. It aims to develop an informed fire sector, through original research and objective analysis; coordinating academic research and fire and rescue service evaluation and reviews; and disseminate knowledge and best practice through the production of advice and guidance.