CHAIRPERSON’S EDITORIAL

By Chris Miles

ASFP Chairperson Chris Miles discusses how the Association is evolving and examines its upcoming plans

When I became Chair back in April 2021, I did so in the full knowledge that the new organisational structure was a move in the right direction; from an organisation that operated on a ‘shoestring’ to a fully functioning, ‘proper’ business. That change meant that the Association would become more commercially capable – something we have achieved in many ways.

As I said in the first edition of IGNITE, the full results of the efforts from ASFP employees, partners and members were yet to be felt and would come to fruition in the next year or so. This view seems to have been borne out in many of the new activities the ASFP is now involved in; many of which are highlighted in this magazine.

At the ASFP Annual General Meeting in July this year, I mentioned that we now need to ensure we engage our technical and regulatory support functions fully and transition into a commercial AND a technical organisation. That is not to say we have not been active on a technical front but that we need to be doing MORE to support the construction sector in understanding and improving passive fire protection (PFP).

I now believe that there are three main areas in which the Association and the wider construction industry needs to focus. These are Education, Education and Education, plus evidence of the same! We are all very aware that competency has become a much-used term nowadays and we do see a drive to increase the level of competence in construction. But we also see that this is taking far too long and that there are a multitude of different means to show competence. I hope we can finally start bringing the industry together to support one means of demonstrating competence which is based on an increased and consistent level of education. The ASFP will be at the forefront of that drive.

Of the many training courses available, there are those which are a very high standard and provide a very good foundation for the demonstration of knowledge via the appropriate exams. There are also courses which provide an understanding of knowledge in a quick and simple way. Although part of the system these simple courses do not go far enough and should not be used to show competency, especially in PFP matters. PFP requirements are very particular and so a good breadth of knowledge is necessary. The ASFP is working at all levels, including with the Government, to support the drive for improved competency and high standards in all aspects of PFP, from design through to installation and maintenance.

The ASFP has taken a brave and, some may say, risky step to require that all member companies have a demonstrable minimum level of competency in PFP. This is the culmination of many years of training and examination development. This will no doubt cause some member companies a little pain and difficulty, but I would argue with anyone that says it isn’t the right thing to do. The ASFP is acting as a driver for change and I for one couldn’t be prouder that the Association has taken this position.

In the first edition of IGNITE, I asked you to embrace the competency requirements and to tell those around you what you’ve achieved. It’s fantastic to see all of the LinkedIn posts showing off your IFE pass certificates. Together we will make a difference by operating at the highest possible levels of quality; and by acting with integrity in everything we do. Keep it going!

Chris Miles is the Commercial Director of the Fire Protection Association (FPA) With over 30 years of experience in the testing, assessment and certification of fire-resisting elements, he has worked throughout the certification process in the UK, Europe and internationally.