ASFP NEW CHAIR EDITORIAL

When I was voted to represent the membership on Council several years ago, I felt very privileged, and I looked forward to the challenge. To now find myself your chairman for the next two years is an honour, and you can be assured that my efforts will be directed towards making improvements for the entire membership.

Six years ago, our industry was thrown into the spotlight. Since then, some great work has been done across our sector to answer all the questions that have been thrown at us and plug the gaps that existed as well as dealing with new legislation requirements. Nobody has worked harder at this than the ASFP. But we still have a long way to go.

Whilst the ASFP is here to help and support our membership, we also need help from the membership to shape and evolve our industry. As an association we are fortunate to have a diverse group of members with a huge amount of knowledge and expertise. But only a small percentage engage with and are involved in the activities of the ASFP. I would like to invite all our members to consider becoming more involved in what is ultimately your association and your voice to the industry.

I think that we all recognise that the construction industry stands on the precipice of great change and indeed, opportunity; driven by both legislative and technology advancements. Our sector is particularly affected by this change in relation to the following points which means our industry, the ASFP and our members must evolve in new and innovative ways to adapt to this new, everchanging world...

• The Building Safety Act has given rise to the Golden Thread meaning a greater reliance on technology

• Increased pressures from legislation, media coverage, insurances, and skill shortages; driving unprecedented transformation in our market

As an Association we need to focus on three key areas to address this significant change and maximise the opportunity. This will be my focus over the next few years.

Technology: Pioneering Passive Fire Protection

Both legislative demands and digital advancements are driving innovation in the construction sector, but also specifically within passive fire protection. The rise of BIM, the increased reliance on digital recording and even Virtual Reality are changing the way we interact with clients, products, environments, and end users. The ASFP and our members need to be at the forefront of this digital transformation.

Skill Shortages: Inspiring the Next Generation of Passive Fire Protection Professionals

YouGov research shows that only 3% of people between 18 - 24 searched for a job in construction. The industry is suffering both from an ageing workforce and a skills shortage. More needs to be done to attract and retain young passive fire protection Professionals. Through a combination of apprenticeships, academies, and outreach programmes, the ASFP can help secure the next generation of our profession.

Knowledge Sharing: Engage. Educate. Enhance

Following the Building Safety Act, there has been an increased demand for competent and qualified fire safety professionals. By creating and implementing new ways to train, engage and promote passive fire protection, we can ensure the ASFP becomes the industry benchmark for 'educational best practice'.

As I said in the introduction, you can be assured that my efforts will be directed towards making improvements for the entire membership and I look forward to working with you.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mike Ward on becoming Managing Director of the ASFP following the departure of Steve Davies. Thank you to Steve for bringing a different approach and skill set to the ASFP over the last couple of years and best wishes for the future. Finally, I would like to thank our outgoing Chairman, Chris Miles for his unwavering contribution to the ASFP and his continued support through Council.