Fire Protection Association (FPA, UK) - Experts & Thought Leaders

CLM Fire Testing, part of CLM Group, a global provider of fire safety solutions, proudly announces its partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA) for the establishment of a cutting-edge, UKAS-accredited fire testing laboratory. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing fire safety standards and fostering innovation within the fire protection industry. superior service availability CLM Fire Testing will provide clients and the supply chain with premier access to essential fire testing In collaboration with the FPA, CLM Fire Testing will provide clients and the supply chain with premier access to essential fire testing.  CLM Fire Testing is dedicated to leading the industry with their facility, offering equitable prices, and superior service availability, and is completely independent and impartial, ensuring all products and bespoke details are tested rigorously and to the appropriate standard. seamless approach Tom Gilbert, CLM Group CEO, said, "CLM’s commitment to improving the built environment is unwavering. Our significant investment in much-needed testing capacity in the UK will enable our clients to access our UKAS-accredited laboratory, conveniently and without excessive lead times." He adds, "We have identified that Tier 1 contractors working in partnership with us on the largest and most complex projects in the UK require a far higher level of assurance than ever before and our relationship with these contractors will ensure a seamless approach to accessing the highest quality testing available." fire resistance testing services Tom Gilbert continues, "It was important to me that our offering was impartial, and partnering with the Fire Protection Association will give clients and regulators complete assurance that the tests administered within our furnaces are appropriately conducted and conflict-free. We very much look forward to working with the FPA over the coming years." Dr. Gavin Dunn, FPA Managing Director, said, "I’m thrilled to be moving forward with this collaboration which expands our fire resistance testing services into a new market segment and complements our existing partnership with UL Solutions." FPA’s fire testing laboratory Dr. Gavin Dunn adds, "CLM’s investment in two furnaces at the FPA’s fire testing laboratory will support a new range of clients in scientifically proving and impartially checking specific construction details and systems for safety and effectiveness." He continues, "This is a crucial step in building an ecosystem within the industry that ensures the delivery of safe buildings we can all trust, and underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation in support of industry reform and regulatory compliance. I’m eagerly looking forward to working with CLM in the coming months and years." fire resistance standards Reaching temperatures over 1000°C, the large scale (3m wide x 3m high) vertical furnace and smaller scale (2m wide x 2m high) vertical furnace can test to a range of fire resistance standards for numerous product types including: Building Construction Components and Materials – Fire resistance testing to BS EN 1363-1, BS EN 1363-2, BS 476-20 Fire Door Sets – Fire resistance testing to BS EN 1634-1 +A1 and BS 476-22 Walls and Partitions – Fire resistance testing to BS EN 1364-1 and BS 476-22 Glazing – Fire resistance testing to BS EN 1364-1 and BS 476-22 Linear Joint Seals – Fire resistance testing to BS EN 1366-4 Penetration Seals – Fire resistance testing to BS EN 1366-3 By combining CLM Fire Testing’s expertise in fire safety solutions and installations with The FPA’s commitment to advancing fire protection knowledge, the partnership aims to address emerging challenges and provide high-quality UKAS-accredited fire testing in a convenient UK-based location, alleviating the current inadequate capacity concerns and long wait times.

Richard Harral will be taking the helm as Chief Executive as CABE moves forward with its strategy to support members and professionals to deliver a more competent construction industry. Richard's experience Richard Harral FCABE has been with CABE since 2018. Joining as Technical Director, Richard worked closely with former CEO Dr. Gavin Dunn, playing a major part in the Association’s transformation, which saw CABE widen its membership base and become an Engineering Council-licensed professional engineering institution. Building Safety Regulations As Technical Director, Richard co-authored 'BSI Flex 8670: Built Environment. Core criteria for building safety in competence framework. Code of practice' and led on drafting of a cross-industry report on the Future Regulation of Building Control. This report became the starting point for the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) consideration of how to introduce the registration of Building Inspectors. competence assessment scheme Richard has an in-depth understanding of the challenges and needs of professionals Richard was also instrumental in establishing a route for Building Inspectors to prove their competence, a route that gives successful applicants the required evidence to register with the BSR – CABE remains the only professional body to offer a building inspector competence assessment scheme. Along with his previous background as a chartered architect and his work as a policy official for the Building Regulations Division of MHCLG, Richard has an in-depth understanding of the challenges and needs of professionals and the industry. safe, sustainable, and inclusive Commenting on his appointment, Richard, said, "I am excited to have this opportunity to lead in delivering the next chapter of the Association’s history, with a strategy that helps support members as they adapt to changing technology, regulations, and expectations." He continued, "Throughout CABE’s history, collaboration and knowledge-sharing have been the cornerstones of the Association and we will continue to deliver this. By supporting members and collaborating with fellow professionals, we can help the construction industry to raise standards and deliver a safe, sustainable, and inclusive built environment."

The FPA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gavin Dunn who will assume the role of Managing Director from 1 February 2024. Having held his current position as Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers since 2018, Gavin is an experienced business pioneer and Chartered Building Engineer with a talent for bridging technical matters with effective business management. He brings a wealth of experience in the testing, inspection, and certification markets in the sectors of construction, real estate, and sustainability, both in the UK and internationally. UK’s national fire safety organization David Williams, FPA Chair commented: “We are delighted to have appointed Gavin to lead the FPA following an extensive recruitment process. We were particularly impressed by what he has achieved at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers and his varied experience and comprehensive skillset will ensure we continue to progress our objectives and deliver our mission as the UK’s national fire safety organization." "After the sad loss of Jon O’Neill who successfully led the FPA for 24 years, we were committed to appointing the right person to take our organization forward and I have every confidence that Gavin will do that while effectively communicating the FPA’s message to our stakeholders, customers, and government.” FPA’s long-term vision Gavin added: “I am very pleased to be taking up the role of Managing Director and am committed to the FPA’s long-term vision to continue to be the go-to authority in the field of fire protection, building resilience, and people safety. It is paramount that the fire safety agenda continuously moves forward and I intend to use my knowledge and experience in alignment with the FPA’s values, which very much mirror my own, and initiatives to improve standards and best practice." "I look forward to working with the FPA Board, leadership team, and staff at all levels, as well as our members, customers, partners, and wider stakeholders, to address the industry’s needs.”