MHCLG publishes fire engineering profession reform following Grenfell inquiry recommendations
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the Authoritative Statement of the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel alongside a government statement outlining next steps for reform of the fire engineering profession. These documents set out how the government will implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations concerning fire engineers. The Panel’s Statement defines the core knowledge, skills and ethical responsibilities expected of competent fire engineers, identifies serious shortcomings in current practice, and establishes the fire safety strategy as the central function that should be legally reserved to regulated fire engineers. It describes the fire safety strategy as a comprehensive, integrated assessment of a building’s fire performance, safety systems, evacuation arrangements, fire and rescue service intervention, and long-term management. The Statement also emphasises the need for accredited education, supervised professional experience, continuing development, and a strong code of conduct to ensure consistent competence and accountability.