This week, global professional body, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), will mark the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June). Joining thousands of other charities and voluntary organisations, the IFE will recognise their volunteering cohort and celebrate their contributions across the UK and overseas in shaping a world safer from fire.
Throughout the week the institution will release interviews with volunteers from across the globe, providing insight into the incredible work they do each day in driving advances across the fire sector. At a team of over 400, IFE volunteers are a vital resource and support the institution in every aspect of running the charity, from developing CPD and evolving best practices and research, to expanding the ability to carry out examinations all over the world. This invaluable resource not only benefits over 11,000 IFE members, but a wider fire safety network who take our qualifications or IFE recognised training to further their knowledge and career.
Over the last 12 months*, the Membership Application Assessment Panel and IFE Registrants Group have processed over 1,150 membership and registration applications and our exam volunteers have written 55 examinations.
Through ceaseless betterment and sharing of knowledge to develop best practices, the IFE continue to explore specialist subject areas within fire engineering through its group of 10 Special Interest Groups (SIGs). From electric vehicles and emerging technologies to fire safety within heritage sites, these specialist areas have been instrumental in the development of various government legislations.
Commenting on Volunteers’ Week, IFE CEO, Steve Hamm, said: “For over 100 years, the IFE has benefited from the incredible knowledge of its volunteering cohort. As a professional body, we’re bonded by the mission of advancing fire safety and making the world a safer place.
“Every day I’m amazed at the varied skill set and enthusiasm of our volunteers. From marking exams to chairing a special interest group, they’re a truly invaluable resource and a vital component in developing the formal recognition of professional standards globally. Thank you on behalf of the IFE.”
The IFE’s Volunteers’ Week campaign will begin later this week, and content will be uploaded to the IFE’s website and social channels. For further information visit their website: ife.org.uk
*Data runs from March 2022 – March 2023.
