ASFP MEMBERSHIP

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS & WHY?

The ASFP was formed in recognition of a need to bring together passive fire protection manufacturers, contractors and testing/certification bodies to encourage, develop and give guidance on essential standards in passive fire protection.

Mission

The ASFP serves and represents the needs of its members and the wider passive fire protection industry, by raising standards and competence through training, testing, certification and quality of installation and maintenance.

The ASFP provides industry knowledge and guidance on all aspects of ‘built-in’ fire protection, technical support and impartial advice. It leads on regulatory and behavioural change as an independent authority, while improving competence and quality.

Covering a broad spectrum of the construction industry, ASFP members have access to their own specific benefits which provide them with the opportunity to align with a strong industry voice, to access guidance and technical documentation while accessing promotional capabilities available to ASFP members.

The requirements of ASFP membership

Recognised as the leading industry authority on the importance of specification, procurement and installation of passive fire protection products, the ASFP works hard to promote best practice, with an emphasis on raising quality and standards.

To qualify for membership of the ASFP, businesses have to meet a set of criteria specific to their nature of business, the services provided and in relation to the market sector in which they operate.

For instance, they must:

• Provide evidence of appropriate insurance cover

• Provide details of passive fire protection products and systems manufactured/distributed

• Provide evidence of employed staff

• Submit one year’s accounts/submit a most recent ‘Company Accounts’ statement

• Make a commitment to participate in the ASFP training programme for Passive Fire Protection at a level determined by the Council, or as defined in Association Byelaws

• Hold third party certification* for the manufacture / installation of passive fire protection products.

* Certification should be accredited by a body that is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) e.g. UKAS/INAB

• Be certified to ISO 9001 or submit details of a quality system, identifying the method of operation and management appropriate to their status

• Comply with the Association Code of Practice for the manufacture, supply and installation of passive fire protection products or systems

• Members operating as fire consultants or offering professional services eg software provision shall have appropriate experience/qualifications by, for example, membership of a professional body/qualification

• Members operating as fire risk assessors shall either be a Member of a UKAS-accredited third party certification scheme, or be listed in an appropriate register, eg operated by IFE, IFSM etc

Any applicant approved for membership must meet all applicable membership requirements as shown in Table 1. Acceptance for membership shall be determined by the Association’s Member verification process and is deemed to meet all ASFP membership requirements as detailed within the Association’s Byelaws.

All Members are required to act in such a way that the reputation of the ASFP is protected and enhanced in accordance with the Association’s Code of Conduct.

To continue in ASFP membership, each member is required to make an annual declaration at the start of each year to confirm they continue to comply with the ASFP Byelaws, Code of Practice and other requirements of the Association.

ASFP membership qualification and competency requirements

An essential aspect of ASFP membership is that all members must commit to the qualification and competency requirements aligned to the different membership categories. The aim of this is to ensure ASFP members can demonstrate professionalism, and evidence knowledge, while exceeding the competency expectations of industry.

Key benefits of ASFP membership

When ASFP member applicants have passed through the rigorous approval process and have been appointed as ASFP members, they are able to access a wide range of benefits and align their organisation to the ASFP values, which are promoted to the wider construction community.

Membership, through involvement with the many working groups driven by the ASFP, provides a voice to members involved throughout the supply chain of PFP, including manufacturers, distributors, contractors, installers, specifiers, certification bodies and end users.

Membership provides a variety of both direct and indirect opportunities, including specific member discounts for training, access to technical support and guidance, the ability to link your company to the ASFP brand identity and gain from the ASFP’s lobbying activities and its influence on legislation and standards.

1. Professionalism & competence

ASFP members benefit from being associated with the ASFP’s efforts to raise standards in the industry. Members of the ASFP are known for offering professional, competent and technically correct products and services. Our strict entry requirements enable ASFP members to differentiate themselves from others in the industry, which otherwise has no barriers to entry.

2. Voice & Influence

The ASFP sits on a range of national and international industry, standards, and government bodies and works on behalf of members to influence legislation and standards. Via the ASFP’s Technical Task Groups, members have the opportunity to participate in the development of specific industry best practice guidance, which is often referenced in Government guidance and national standards

3. Expertise & Guidance

ASFP members can access the full range of ASFP guidance and technical knowledge via the ASFP’s Technical Task Groups. The ASFP provides support and advice relating to the latest technical innovations, industry best practice and legislative developments, that are all free to ASFP members. Regular member updates keep members in touch with the latest industry news, whilst the technical guidance documents, ASFPTV and the ongoing ASFP webinar programme, provide updates on industry specific topics and member support programmes.

4. Training & development

The ASFP’s Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection, Level 2 and 3 Foundation Courses, CPD seminars and webinars deliver essential knowledge and understanding. Individuals who undertake the Foundation Courses can study to obtain the Ofqual-recognised Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Passive Fire Protection provided by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). ASFP members obtain significant discounts for ASFP training courses whilst also having access to exclusive memberonly webinars.

5. Promotional & marketing support

The use of the ASFP logo enables members to align with ASFP values and link to key ASFP promotional campaigns. The member company profile on the ASFP website creates visibility to thousands of website visitors. The weekly ASFP Update offers members a free of charge opportunity to promote products and services to the ASFP’s huge database of industry contacts. Members also have the opportunity to link with the ASFP at many events and seminars, whilst receiving preferential rates for exhibiting at national exhibitions and ASFP outreach conferences and seminars.

6. Networking & community

The ASFP offers members access to a rapidly growing network and community of contractors, manufacturers, distributors and others with knowledge and expertise in passive fire protection. It also offers opportunities to reach industry influencers throughout the construction supply chain, who recognise the ASFP and its members as the professionals in passive fire protection. The ASFP offers a wide range of networking opportunities from Task Groups and general meetings to exhibitions, seminars and webinars, social media discussions and jobs.

7. Exclusive member support services and discounts

ASFP members receive discounts on ASFP training courses, Events tickets, Sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor opportunities, discounts at certain trade shows that ASFP are partnered with, access to exclusive member-only webinars and updates, and technical guidance and support.

8. Professional support

The ASFP Member Hub on the ASFP website is a collection of discounts, free support and advice, and industry initiatives – available to all members, it provides access to business support services that give you much more from your membership.

The ASFP works continually to increase its profile and to encourage industry influencers to select only ASFP members for all their passive fire protection products, services and installations – a real benefit to all members.

ASFP members can be proud to display the ASFP logo, linking themselves to the strength of the ASFP’s industry presence whilst having access to the many benefits and services available to them.