There is still much to do if we are to build a fire-safety system that keeps UK society safe. This year, we expect to see the publication of the full Grenfell Inquiry report, which is likely to bring a substantial number of recommendations and, while much progress has been made already, we can be sure that not all of the recommendations will have been covered by recent legislation and guidance.
The Fire Sector Federation has recognised that we now operate in a fire-safety landscape whereby policy transcends multiple sectors, cutting across several departments of state and non-governmental bodies. What we have to deal with today, consequently, is a complex adaptive system, consisting of many connected parts evolving as their circumstances and environment change, in order to succeed. The dynamics of such a system are non-linear, with blurred boundaries, and are constantly adapting.
This idea of a complex adaptive system applies in relation to what we used to call the ‘fire safety sector’ and the Federation’s work on developing a ‘Fire Chain’ has exposed this Gordian knot of fire-safety organisations and stakeholders, but the system also encompasses or reaches into many different sectors, including construction, engineering, insurance, product safety and transport, to name just a few.
This landscape of constantly evolving elements cannot be controlled but, to an extent, it can be superintended or synthesised, though only by an organisation that is multi-representational and can traverse multiple stakeholders. Equally, that organisation must be non-partisan and independent, in order to be able to bring together the key influencers in the industry in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration, and thereby facilitate a drive to develop a better, national strategic approach and a much more coordinated fire safety system.
We believe that the Fire Sector Federation is uniquely placed to fulfil this key role and be a vital (fire safety) system enabler, facilitator and coordinator.
With this goal in mind, the Federation has been working on its own organisational development plan this year, seeking to assemble the moving parts that could create a sustainable operational model.
For example, we have expanded our board to ensure the widest, possible sector representation – now including the construction sector. And this will be supported by a move to seek charitable status in the coming months, in order to ensure strong governance and independence, and augment the Federation’s position as a trusted organisation acting in an authentic way and in the public interest.
The introduction of several thematic domains, working groups or networks, to be led by the relevant professional expertise from within the Federation’s membership, is intended to help drive the agenda for the National Fire Strategy Group (NFSG), a group established by the Federation and its partners in 2022 in an endeavour to induce a national, strategic approach to fire safety.
The intention for the NFSG now is to develop and steer the work of a new Fire Congress: an assembly of key stakeholders that will meet once or twice a year to facilitate strategic thinking and debate around fire and safety policy in a ‘safe space’.
The Congress is likely to comprise as a combination of standing members/officials from key government departments and regulators, alongside industry representatives from across the sector.
It aims to provide a safe setting and enable the fullest exchange and exploration of views about what is happening now but, equally importantly, future trends and issues to think about.
In this way, the Federation aims to create practical arrangements that bring together the moving components of the complex adaptive system that is fire safety in the UK, and co-produce/develop effective fire-safety solutions and improved fire-safety policy on a perpetual and ongoing basis.
Fire safety is not fixed at a point in time; risks keep evolving and shifting, so we need a fit-for-purpose model to help manage those risks effectively and prevent tragedy, rather than reacting to it every few years after a tragedy.
For more information, go to www.firesectorfederation.co.uk
About the Author
Fire Sector Federation
The Federation is a not for profit non-government organisation established to act as a forum for the discussion of fire-related issues of interest to its membership and to evolve as a central source of information on all aspects relating to fire. It brings together representatives from a range of stakeholders which make up the UK Fire Sector.
Originally formed in 2011 as the Fire Sector Partnership, the Fire Sector Federation was established in June 2012 following a merger with the Federation of British Fire Organisations (FOBFO).
The FSF was originally established in response to the Fire Futures review. Launched in July 2010 by the Fire and Rescue Minister Bob Neill MP, this was a strategic review of fire and rescue provision designed to enable sector partners to shape the future direction of fire and rescue services in England. It was undertaken and led by the sector with contributions from a wide range of representative bodies and organisations.