Beyond keeping the industry updated on the latest updates on the most important topics, the FIA is actively involved in these topics through its work with Government, councils and committees. The section aims to serve as a collection of the FIA’s involvement with a variety of topics and will be continuously updated moving forward with links to the relevant news story where available. This will allow one to see what FIA have done and are doing to improve the industry for the members.
COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 is being felt right across the UK and all corners of the industry have been impacted by COVID-19. The FIA has and will continue to be the voice of the fire industry.
This has been shown by the FIA receiving a letter directly from the Minister of State for Security and working closely with NFCC to clarify the status of fire professionals as key workers.
Grenfell & Hackitt Report
The FIA has been pushing for years for changes in the regulatory environment and competency levels in the fire safety industry. The FIA has responded to the call for the various organizations within the fire safety industry to take a lead in resolving the problems that clearly exist within fire safety professionals and the construction industry in order to ensure that tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire never happen again.
As a result, the FIA have had significant input on the post-Grenfell Hackitt report and the recommendations which have gone back to government via the competency steering group.
For all Grenfell and Hackitt Report updates and to see the ways in which the FIA have played a key part in shaping these important industry-wide changes.
Brexit
FIA work tirelessly to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus
The United Kingdom’s relationship with Europe is paramount for all industries, including the fire industry. The FIA has a variety of strong relationship with key organizations in Europe to ensure that the members’ views and interests are being represented at the highest level. FIA will continue to liaise with the government on wherever they need assistance.
The FIA is privileged to have fire industry experts as directors, in the councils and amongst the members. FIA work tirelessly to promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus.
Research
As Europe’s fire-related trade association the resources, values and ethics are dedicated to support and improve fire safety, not only within the UK but also Internationally with the works on EN and ISO standards. Part of the commitment to the members and public safety is to re-investing money into fire safety research.
The FIA and its councils have been heavily involved in a variety of important research projects, from the development of test methods to assess video flame and smoke detectors to live investigations of false fire alarms and many more.
MHCLG
With a long-standing commitment in both directions, the FIA are involved at a number of levels with MHCLG (and the LGA). Most recently FIA delivered a collaborative guidance document (by FIA, DHF Door & Hardware Federation and SBD Secured by Design) titled “A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets” which was very well received by MHCLG.
This document is now used for housing associations, landlords, building owners and local authorities in England. The next guidance document should be on smoke and fire curtain guidance in collaboration with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection.
DIT, HS2 Rail Link and NHS
The FIA export Council and CEO are well entrenched with the Department of International Trade/DSO
The FIA export Council and CEO are well entrenched with the Department of International Trade/DSO at a number of levels. The DIT has just employed a full time “fire” person into the team which is a clear indication of the commitment to support the fire industry in overseas influence and ultimately sales.
FIA is used as part of the technical support team when looking at overall equipment and installation requirements - not detailed design, but more what they should be looking for e.g. ensuring the companies they use are the third party certified to ensure and prove professionalism.
Working with them to assure them on continuity of supply for fire safety systems post BREXIT.
Police & Fire Service Parliamentary Scheme and Euralarm
Usually held at House of Lords – a well-attended set of meetings by numerous peers and MPs. FIA involvement is to support MP’s going “on-site” with various F&RS to understand their day to day issues and to inform them of the part that the fire industry plays in this scheme.
A number of the FIA secretariat hold key positions in the relevant sections of Euralarm. This has always been a key organization to be involved with and never more so post BREXIT.
The FIA is also involved on a number of levels with NFPA, UL and FM of the USA and help guide ISO standards and the new IFSS.
ECHO and RNLI
- Electronic Call Handling Operation
The FIA is working on Electronic Call Handling Operation alongside the British Security Industry Association and Electrical Contractors’ Association. This is a project that is developing quickly and has the potential to be a real positive change across the emergency services.
Currently, it is focused on security connections connected to Alarm Receiving Centers (ARC’s) and Police, the next stage is looking at fire alarm systems connected to ARC’s and the Fire & Rescue Services.
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution
FIA CEO sits on the fire safety advisory board for the RNLI, attending meetings around the country to discuss how the industry can best support the RNLI’s fire safety ambitions.