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Annual Report 2026

Foreword from the FIA Chairman – 2026 The past year has demonstrated the strength of the Fire Industry Association and the scale of the opportunity ahead of us. 2026 has been a year of continued growth, development and increasing ambition across membership, training, technical guidance, research, events, international engagement and technology. Our focus has been on raising standards, strengthening competence and helping to create a better connected and more professional fire safety sector. The breadth of that progress is outstanding. We have welcomed more companies into FIA membership and delivered record training performance, all whilst expanding our qualification portfolio and strengthening the practical support available to members. We have developed new forums through which industry can collaborate, and at the same time our Councils and Working Groups have continued the vital work of translating changes in standards, regulation, research and technology into practical guidance for the sector.

FOREWORD

Martin Watson Chairman, Fire Industry Association

Membership growth and meaningful member value The FIA’s membership continues to grow with 126 new companies joining between August 2025 and September 2026, taking us beyond the significant milestone of 1,300 member companies. Those members represent an increasingly broad crosssection of the industry, encompassing fire detection and alarms, extinguishing, fire risk assessment, fire engineering, passive protection, manufacturing, distribution, fire doors and technology.

FOREWORD

Growth matched by value Growth, however, is only meaningful if it is matched by value. During 2026 we launched our new Member Value Proposition, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available through FIA membership including technical support, training and standards to Councils, Working Groups, events and CPD certification. We have also expanded opportunities for participation through the new Sustainability Working Group, the relaunched Emergency Lighting and Fire Safety Signage Working Group and the developing work of the Technology Council. Our wider member benefits programme has continued to evolve with the FIA CPD Certification Centre assessing 39 CPD submissions since January. Member Benefit partnerships have also contributed more than £3,000 to the Children’s Burns Trust, demonstrating how member value can create a positive impact beyond the Association.

Record training performance and expanded routes to competence Competence remains central to the FIA’s purpose, and this has been an exceptional year for training. Training turnover reached a record £2.452 million, £194,000 above budget and approximately 8.6 per cent ahead of plan, representing the highest annual training turnover in FIA history. Over the last twelve months we have delivered 537 courses, generating 7,986 bookings, with 406 qualification courses delivered. Overall participation increased by 16.4 per cent compared with the previous reporting year, whilst scheduled course numbers increased by 1.7 per cent, demonstrating significantly stronger utilisation of our training capacity. Importantly, this has not simply been growth in volume. Our training portfolio is becoming broader and more flexible.

Emergency Lighting and Portable Fire Extinguisher training have become regulated qualification routes, with 350 and 270 learners respectively participating following their launches earlier this year. Dry Riser training has become established, practical fire alarm training has moved into regular delivery, Hose Reel training is entering rollout and our new Fire Risk Assessment qualification route has been launched. We have also strengthened the quality behind delivery by investing in our personnel. Six members of our full-time training and technical teams completed the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, while changes to examination delivery have strengthened assessment security and compliance. Our next stage is equally important. We are beginning to extend further into on-demand learning, complementing rather than replacing instructor-led training, and creating new opportunities to make trusted FIA learning and technical knowledge accessible in the UK and internationally.

FOREWORD

Technical leadership translated into practical guidance One of the FIA’s greatest strengths remains the depth of technical expertise volunteered through our Councils, Working Groups and Special Interest Groups. During 2026, the Fire Engineering and Fire Risk Assessment Councils continued work across professional competence, Building Safety Regulator processes, facade safety, standards and practical guidance. This included publication of the updated Fire Engineers Scope of Services guidance, incorporating the Fire Engineer’s Responsibility Matrix, and Gateway 2 Frequently Asked Questions developed following industry feedback through the Gateway Forum.

Our Extinguishing Council has similarly maintained an extensive programme. The Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Special Interest Group has grown to almost 200 representatives from industry, government and academia, alongside research with Newcastle University. Work also continues across photovoltaic systems, gaseous extinguishing systems, watermist, foam and portable extinguishers, with substantial engagement in British, European and international standards. This is precisely where the FIA adds distinctive value: bringing industry expertise together and turning knowledge, evidence and experience into guidance that professionals can use.

Across FD&A and Services Councils, work has included the publication of guidance on IP connectivity and remote services, progression of Codes of Practice and research, revised guidance for installers and maintainers and continued consideration of standards including BS 5839-1:2025 and the developing revision of BS 5839-6.

FOREWORD

Technology: from inception to practical outcomes Our newest Council has quickly established itself as an important part of the FIA. Following its inaugural meeting in December 2025, the Technology Council has developed a clear focus on helping the industry understand how technology, software and data can contribute to better fire safety outcomes. Its work recognises that digital transformation must be accompanied by appropriate consideration of interoperability, cyber security, privacy, regulation, commercial interests and data ownership. Four initial Working Groups have now been established covering BS 8644, cyber security, interoperability and job management systems. Alongside these, the Council is developing its Art of the Possible series to explore emerging technologies through the lens of practical fire safety application. The ambition is not technology for technology’s sake. It is to help the sector understand what good looks like, and to translate innovation into practical improvements that support better informed and increasingly evidence-based decision-making. FOREWORD

Bringing the industry together Connection and collaboration have been equally visible through our events programme. The Fire Safety Event 2026 provided another major platform for industry engagement, including the FIA Guidance Theatre and the launch of our inaugural Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition, giving trainees, apprentices and early-career technicians an opportunity to demonstrate their technical knowledge, professionalism and safe working practices. Our events programme has also continued through FIM Expo and other initiatives, while our inaugural Charity Padel Tournament brought members together in support of the Children’s Burns Trust. Through these events, our Councils and Working Groups, consultations and industry partnerships, the FIA is increasingly providing the forums through which different parts of the fire safety community can share knowledge and address common challenges.

Developing our international ambition Our international work has also begun to move into a new phase. The experience gained through Gibraltar, Helsinki and Singapore has provided a strong foundation from which to develop a more strategic international approach. During 2026, FIA members contributed expertise to Tall Buildings training in Malta, opening discussions around opportunities for FIA training, while Singapore has remained an important focus for our international activity. We are also exploring opportunities across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. Discussions include potential activity in Cyprus, Ireland and Gibraltar, engagement with AMRACI in Mexico, exploratory work concerning Brazil, South Africa and Morocco, and work towards a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Fire Industry Alliance Australia. Most importantly, our thinking is evolving beyond individual exhibitions. We are increasingly considering how training, standards, government engagement, international partnerships and targeted FIA-led events can work together to help members access markets and strengthen the global profile of UK fire safety expertise.

FOREWORD

Strengthening our wider industry relationships Our ambition to build a more connected sector is also reflected in our work with fire and rescue services and wider stakeholders. Through the FRES Council, the FIA has strengthened liaison with central and local government, the NFCC and the Fire Service College, alongside work concerning procurement, technical standards, product innovation and research. The Council’s activity has included the enactment of an MoU with the NFCC, while new Procurement and Technical Working Groups are providing greater focus to this work. These relationships matter because many of the challenges facing fire safety cannot be solved by any single organisation. Progress depends upon industry, government, regulators, standards bodies, fire and rescue services, academia and other stakeholders being prepared to share expertise and work towards common outcomes.

Looking ahead The achievements contained within this Annual Report give us every reason to be confident, but they should also encourage us to be more ambitious. The fire safety environment is changing rapidly. Technology, regulation, professional competence, sustainability, changing risk, international markets and evolving customer expectations will continue to reshape our sector. Our responsibility is not simply to respond to that change, but wherever possible to help shape it. For the FIA, that means continuing to invest in competence and professional development; turning the exceptional technical knowledge within our membership into accessible guidance; harnessing technology intelligently; strengthening member value; expanding meaningful international collaboration; and creating the connections that allow the sector to tackle shared challenges collectively. There is already much to build upon. More than 1,300 member companies now give the FIA an increasingly broad industry community. Record training performance provides a strong platform for further innovation. Our established and newly created Councils provide formidable technical expertise. Our developing international relationships demonstrate the opportunity for the FIA and its members to contribute far beyond the UK.

FOREWORD

But ultimately, our success should be judged by impact: whether we make it easier for people to become competent, for businesses to raise standards, for good practice to spread, for evidence to inform decisions and for different parts of the industry to work better together. That provides a clear direction for the next stage of our development: a more connected, competent and professional fire safety sector, with the FIA helping to bring industry together around the shared purpose of improving fire safety. My sincere thanks go to our members, Council and Working Group volunteers, Board, partners and, of course, the FIA team whose expertise and commitment make all of this possible. The progress made during 2026 gives us a strong foundation. Our task now is to build upon it with confidence, collaboration and ambition with an unwavering focus on ensuring that everything we do should ultimately contribute to better fire safety.

Martin Watson Chairman, Fire Industry Association

Contents 10 Membership 26 Route to Certification 26 Training 40 Marketing 45 Councils 9

Membership

Membership Growth Within the last 12 months, the FIA has continued to experience strong membership growth, building on the positive momentum achieved in previous years. Between August 2025 and September 2026, 126 new companies joined the FIA, helping the Association surpass the significant milestone of 1,300 member companies. This growth includes both UK and overseas members, further extending the FIA’s reach and strengthening its representation across the wider fire industry. New members continue to join from across a broad range of sectors, including fire detection and alarms, extinguishing, fire risk assessment, fire engineering, passive fire protection, manufacturing, distribution, fire doors, technology and other specialist areas. Companies continue to recognise the value of FIA membership through access to technical expertise, training, standards, third party certification support, industry guidance, Councils and Working Groups, events, networking opportunities and the ability to become more actively involved in the work of the Association.

MEMBERSHIP

Member Value Proposition (MVP) During 2026, the FIA developed and launched its new Member Value Proposition (MVP), providing a clearer overview of the value and opportunities available through FIA membership. The MVP brings together the wide range of benefits available to members, including technical support, training, industry involvement, Councils and Working Groups, Member Benefits, events, CPD certification and access to standards. The initiative has also provided the Membership Team with a valuable tool to support both member engagement and new member recruitment, while helping existing members better understand and make use of everything available through their membership. The MVP will continue to evolve alongside the Association, ensuring it reflects new initiatives, benefits and opportunities as they are introduced. Alongside membership growth, 2026 has also seen further development of the FIA’s Councils and Working Groups. The newly established Technology Council has created additional opportunities for members to engage with emerging areas of the industry, with new Working Groups formed to support its activities and provide specialist forums for collaboration.

MEMBERSHIP

A new Sustainability Working Group has also been created, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability across the sector and providing members with a dedicated platform to share knowledge, consider industry challenges and help shape the FIA’s work in this developing area. In addition, the Emergency Lighting and Fire Safety Signage Working Group has been relaunched, bringing renewed focus to these important areas and encouraging greater participation from members with relevant expertise. The FIA continues to take an active role in supporting members with relevant thirdparty certification requirements. Where support is needed, the Membership Team works with companies to help them understand the certification and competency expectations relevant to their activities. This approach remains central to the FIA’s commitment to raising professionalism, competency and standards across the fire industry. Taking everything into account, 2026 has been another positive year for FIA membership. Surpassing 1,300 member companies, welcoming 126 new members and expanding opportunities for members to participate through Councils and Working Groups all demonstrate the continued strength and development of the Association. The Membership Team is proud of this progress and remains focused on strengthening engagement, growing the membership community both in the UK and overseas, and ensuring FIA membership continues to deliver meaningful value.

MEMBERSHIP

UK Events and Initiatives The Fire Safety Event 2026

FIA Charity Padel Event

FIM Expo South West

The FIA had its largest presence to date, including the FIA Guidance Theatre and the inaugural Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition.

The FIA hosted its charity padel event in support of the Children’s Burns Trust, bringing together members and industry professionals while raising funds for the charity.

The FIA hosted FIM Expo South West alongside an FIA conference, bringing together members and industry professionals for networking, technical discussions and industry updates.

Fire Safety Systems CPD Day

FIM Expo North East

A dedicated CPD event providing attendees with an opportunity to develop their knowledge across key areas of fire safety.

The FIA hosted FIM Expo North East alongside an FIA conference, providing another opportunity for members and the wider industry to connect, share knowledge and engage with the Association.

Alongside these events, the FIA continues to deliver a wider programme of CPD, technical and member events throughout the year.

NEC Birmingham, 28–30 April

FIA Northwich Training Centre, 30 September 2026

MEMBERSHIP

July 2026

Newcastle, 28 October 2026

Exeter, 22 September 2026

Overseas and International Activity Mexico

Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar

The FIA attended an industry event in Mexico as part of its continued efforts to broaden its international reach and strengthen relationships overseas. FIA Board Member Michelle Agius and Robert Thilthorpe represented the Association at the event.

The FIA hosted its inaugural Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar, bringing together fire safety professionals, regulators and industry leaders for technical presentations, discussions and networking. The event helped strengthen the FIA’s international relationships while promoting UK fire industry expertise to a wider audience.

May 2025

Fire Safety Event Asia

Fire Safety Systems CPD Day

The FIA will have a presence at Fire Safety Event Asia through the FIA UK Pavilion, providing an opportunity to showcase UK fire safety expertise and strengthen relationships across international markets.

The FIA will support the UK Pavilion in partnership with the BSIA, helping to showcase UK fire safety expertise, products and services to the Australian and wider international markets.

FIA UK Pavilion, Singapore, 10–12 November 2026

MEMBERSHIP

UK Pavilion, Melbourne, 25–26 November 2026

The FIA’s wider international engagement continues to grow through its overseas membership, international events, industry relationships and collaboration with the global fire safety community.

Membership & Member Benefits

Membership & Member Benefits 2026 has been another strong year for the FIA membership offering, with continued focus on increasing practical value for members, strengthening existing partnerships and supporting the wider fire industry. Alongside maintaining a broad range of commercial and professional benefits, we have continued to develop relationships with our existing Member Benefit providers while exploring new opportunities that could add further value in the future.

£3,000+ raised for the Children’s Burns Trust

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

CPDs assessed since January

Member benefits with a wider impact

Strengthening the member offering

Our Member Benefit partnerships are designed not only to deliver value to FIA members, but also to support an important cause. All FIA Member Benefit providers contribute a donation to the Children’s Burns Trust through their partnership with the FIA. So far in 2026, these contributions have helped raise more than £3,000 for the charity.

Throughout 2026 we have continued to work closely with our existing Member Benefit providers to strengthen relationships, improve engagement and ensure the services available remain relevant to FIA members. We are also actively exploring additional benefits and potential new partners that could complement the current portfolio.

This year we also expanded our fundraising activity by holding a charity padel event in support of the Children’s Burns Trust. The event brought members and industry colleagues together in a different setting, combining networking and friendly competition while raising funds and awareness for the charity.

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

Members should keep an eye on FIA communications for further announcements as new opportunities are developed.

FIA CPD Certification Centre The FIA CPD Certification Centre has remained as busy as ever throughout 2026. Since January, the FIA has assessed 39 CPD submissions, covering sessions of varying lengths and a wide range of technical subjects across the fire industry. The service allows FIA members to submit their CPD presentations for independent assessment by the Association. Drawing on the FIA’s technical expertise and extensive training experience, submissions are reviewed for both the accuracy of their technical content and their educational quality, helping members demonstrate that their CPD meets the appropriate standards. The CPD assessment service continues to be available free of charge to FIA member companies, providing members with a valuable opportunity to strengthen the quality and credibility of the learning they deliver. Looking ahead, we have exciting plans to further develop the FIA CPD Certification Centre and enhance the support and opportunities available to members. Keep an eye out for further updates and improvements as we continue to expand the service.

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

Member benefits available in 2026 Motia

Security & Vetting Solutions

Leyton

Motia provides fuel card and fleet management solutions designed to help businesses reduce running costs, improve visibility and simplify administration. Its services include fuel cards, telematics and vehicle tracking, giving FIA members access to practical support for managing business vehicles and fleet operations more efficiently.

Security & Vetting Solutions supports businesses with DBS checks, digital identity verification, BS 7858 screening, BPSS and tailored vetting services. The service helps employers manage recruitment and screening requirements efficiently while maintaining appropriate compliance and data security.

Leyton supports eligible businesses with research and development tax relief, helping organisations identify qualifying activity that may reduce their corporation tax liability or generate a tax refund.

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

Member benefits available in 2026 Herd Group

Collection House Ltd

Complete Leasing Solutions

Herd Group provides commercial vehicle and fleet solutions for businesses of all sizes, including flexible rental, fleet management, maintenance, vehicle tracking, accident management and end-of-life vehicle services. Its range of services is designed to help businesses keep vehicles operational and manage their fleets more effectively.

Collection House provides commercial debt recovery and outsourced credit control support. FIA members can access specialist assistance with recovering outstanding debts and strengthening credit control processes, helping internal finance teams manage cash flow more effectively.

Complete Leasing Solutions helps businesses offer flexible finance options for fire safety equipment. Introducing finance earlier in the sales process can help members manage customer affordability, protect margins and provide solutions suited to businesses of different sizes.

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

Member benefits available in 2026 Consort

HMCA Medical Plans

METCLOUD

Mates in Mind

Consort provides a specialist business insurance programme with a focus on understanding and managing fire-related risk. Its tailored approach helps businesses ensure that cover reflects their activities and specific insurance requirements.

HMCA gives FIA members access to private medical plans at preferential rates, with options for individuals, families and businesses. Available benefits can include private healthcare alongside dental, travel and breakdown cover, depending on the plan selected.

METCLOUD provides cyber security, cloud and IT services designed to help organisations protect their people, data and operations. Its support includes secure digital transformation, Microsoft 365 backup, infrastructure services and telephony integration.

Mates in Mind is a registered charity supporting employers to build positive mental health cultures. It provides guidance and practical resources to help organisations improve awareness, address contributing workplace factors and reduce the stigma that can surround conversations about mental health.

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

FIA and BSI partnership The FIA’s long-standing relationship with BSI continues to provide direct value to members and the wider industry. Through the FIA e-shop, members continue to receive a 20% discount on eligible fire safety standards, with a 10% discount available to non-members. The offer applies to both digital and hard copy standards. The partnership reflects the FIA’s wider role in supporting the development, understanding and application of fire safety standards through its technical work, training, councils and working groups.

Looking ahead Our focus is to continue building a Member Benefit programme that delivers genuine, practical value while creating opportunities to support the Children’s Burns Trust. We will continue reviewing the existing portfolio, developing our relationships with current providers and exploring new partnerships that respond to the changing needs of FIA members.

MEMBERSHIP & MEMBER BENEFITS

Route To Certification

Route To Certification Since the last AGM update in August 2025, the following figures are of note:

Currently there are 70 probationary members as part of the overall membership as of 12 Aug 26.

The FIA continues to collaborate with BSI, NSI, SSAIB & Certsure to achieve various certifications, all currently BAFE certified.

Security certification for access control, intruder, and VSS systems to PD 6662 standards with SSAIB, without requiring ISO 9001 compliance.

23 companies have achieved 3rd party certification since the last report, under the RTC Package offering. This is slightly down on last year.

I am also very happy to report that the figures for RTC for the year end 2025/26 are:

£230,305.49 turnover

£130,070.91 gross profit

£42,277.49 All should achieve certification over the next 6 to 12 months.

ROUTE TO CERTIFICATION

Of the 47 current RTC companies, 7 of them are also receiving support for security systems or ISO 9001:2015 certification, from the FIA Compliance Manager.

operating profit

As of 12 Aug 26, 47 companies are on the RTC package.

Kevin Stearns, Compliance Manager

Training

A record year of performance and development The 2025–2026 period was defined by record commercial performance, strong participation, improved delivery efficiency, expansion of the qualification portfolio and major operational change. It also demonstrated that FIA Training can continue to grow while investing in quality, people and new forms of delivery.

Record turnover

T raining turnover reached £2.452 million for the 2025–2026 financial year, £194,000 above the budget of £2.258 million. This was approximately 8.6% ahead of budget and represents the highest annual turnover achieved by FIA Training.

Scale of delivery 537 scheduled courses generated 7,986 bookings, supported by a further 51 exam resit events.

Scheduled delivery totalled 988 training days, rising to 1,039 days when resit activity is included.

FireQual qualifications 406 qualification courses were delivered. Emergency Lighting and Portable Fire Extinguisher became fully regulated qualifications, and the new Fire Risk Assessment qualification has now launched.

Practical capability Dry Riser training was fully embedded, practical fire alarm training moved into regular delivery, and Hose Reel training entered rollout as the report was being completed.

Professional development

S ix full-time training and technical team members completed the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, strengthening teaching standards, consistency and professional credibility.

Examination reform

T he department worked closely with FireQual to implement their Surpass examination platform and remote proctoring, significantly strengthening examination security, compliance and confidence in assessment outcomes.

TRAINING

Financial performance Training turnover for the 2025–2026 financial year reached £2.452 million. Against a budget of £2.258 million, the department finished £194,000 ahead of plan, equivalent to approximately 8.6%. This was the highest annual training turnover in the department’s history and continued the sustained growth achieved over recent years. The result was supported by strong qualification demand, careful scheduling, improved course utilisation and a broader range of regulated and specialist products. Quarterly performance also demonstrated that growth was not simply being driven by running more courses. During April–June 2026, the department delivered fewer courses than in the equivalent period of 2025, while maintaining slightly higher turnover because average attendance increased from 8.8 to 12 delegates per course. This is an important measure of efficiency: fuller courses make better use of trainer time, venues and administration while maintaining access for members and customers.

TRAINING

Like-for-like activity comparison Compared with the previous reporting year, FIA Training increased both participation and reach while keeping overall course volumes broadly stable. The clearest like-for-like measures are set out below. The comparison shows that growth was driven primarily by stronger utilisation rather than simply by adding more scheduled courses. Course participations increased by 16.4% while scheduled course numbers rose by only 1.7%, and core company engagement increased from 1,402 to 1,441. The previously reported figure of more than 1,700 companies reflected the wider reach of the exceptional BS 5839-1 seminar and CPD programme and is therefore not used as the like-for-like comparator here.

Course participations*

7986

6859 Scheduled courses delivered

528

↑1,127 ↑16.4%

537

400

↑9 ↑1.7%

2024-2025

2025-2026

Qualification courses

406

↑6 ↑1.5%

2024-2025

2025-2026

2024-2025

2025-2026

*Course participation is measured by course booking. An individual attending more than one course may therefore be counted more than once. TRAINING

Like-for-like activity comparison - continued

Fundamentals starts

7986

Companies engaged

1402

1441

↑39 ↑2.8%

Online share of participation

528

6859

537

↑312 ↑21.2%

Advanced qualification starts

400

↑6%

406 ↑46 ↑7.3%

2024-2025

TRAINING

2025-2026

2024-2025

2025-2026

2024-2025

2025-2026

2024-2025

2025-2026

Course and delegate activity The figures below show the scale and breadth of activity delivered during the year. Resit events are shown separately so that they do not inflate the number of scheduled training courses, while still recognising the substantial delivery and administration required to support qualification candidates through assessment.

Online Courses

3370

4616

Classroom Bookings

Online Bookings

+ 51

Additional Resit Events

TRAINING

53 e 7 Diff erent Cours

6 Tot

470

Online

58% s

42%

116

Classroom

al Course

ok o B

58 ce n 6 Resit Att enda

Classroom Courses

in g

276

261

Course and delegate activity - continued

Qualification Courses

Scheduled training days

58%

Courses

TRAINING

988

res its

42%

Additional resit days

di ng

406

Nonqualification Courses

9 103

131

To tal lu c n i deliv ery days

Course and delegate activity - continued

1787

Average delegates per classroom course

Fundamentals starts

1441

Average delegates per online course overall

17 standard online

Companies engaged

39 on-demand

BS 5839-1 update

676

Advanced qualification starts

350

Emergency Lighting qualification starts since February 2026 launch

TRAINING

270

Portable Fire Extinguisher qualification starts since February 2026 launch

Expanding the qualification and course portfolio A major strategic priority during the year was to broaden the FIA’s regulated and specialist training portfolio. This is increasingly important as established qualification markets mature and customer needs continue to evolve. During the year, 406 qualification courses were delivered alongside 131 non-qualification courses, demonstrating both the continued strength of regulated provision and the importance of maintaining a wider professional development offer.

Emergency Lighting and Portable Fire Extinguisher qualifications The Emergency Lighting qualification was launched in January 2026, followed by the Portable Fire Extinguisher qualification in February. Both subjects moved from conventional training provision into full regulated qualification routes. This strengthened the FIA’s portfolio, gave learners clearer progression pathways and provided employers with greater assurance around competence and assessment. Uptake has been encouraging from the outset: 350 learners participated in Emergency Lighting qualifications from January to the end of the reporting period, while 270 participated in Portable Fire Extinguisher qualifications following their February launch.

Dry Riser and practical training Dry Riser training was fully rolled out and became a consistently strong specialist course. Its success demonstrated the demand for focused, practical provision in areas where the industry has historically had limited access to structured training. The course has helped confirm that there is a clear market for specialist FIA training outside the traditional fire detection and alarm portfolio where the Association can combine technical authority with practical, industry-focused learning.

TRAINING

Practical fire alarm training was also moved from development and beta testing into regular delivery at Northwich. Monthly delivery has helped the FIA make greater use of its specialist facilities and has created a platform for further modular, subject-specific practical training. This is an important direction for the department: practical learning complements the FIA’s established technical and qualification provision and gives delegates the opportunity to apply knowledge in a controlled environment rather than learning solely through classroom discussion.

Hose Reel and Fire Risk Assessment rollout As this report was being completed, Hose Reel training was moving into rollout following development and beta testing. The FIA has also now launched its new Fire Risk Assessment qualification route, opening another important area of regulated provision for the Association. Considerable work has gone into developing an assessment-led approach that reflects current industry and qualification requirements, and its launch represents a significant step in the continuing diversification of the training portfolio.

On-demand learning and technical development The on-demand BS 5839-1 CPD programme continued to attract participation across the reporting period, extending the impact of the major standards update beyond the original live seminars and events in the first half of 2025. The FIA is now deliberately beginning to move further into the online on-demand environment. This will include complete training products as well as shorter learning resources and technical outputs developed in collaboration with the Technical Department. The intention is not to replace instructor-led training, but to add another route through which the FIA can share reliable technical knowledge, provide accessible CPD and respond more quickly to industry need. Over the coming year, this area will be developed further, with particular potential for flexible UK delivery and for reaching audiences internationally without the constraints of travel or time zones.

TRAINING

Strengthening examination compliance and integrity

transition and ensured that examinations continued with minimal disruption. Her contribution was central to the successful introduction of the new system.

The most significant operational change of the year was the introduction of FireQual’s Surpass examination platform and the move towards remotely proctored examinations. The scale of this change should not be underestimated. It required the Training Department to redesign administrative processes, support trainers and invigilators, communicate new requirements to delegates and work continuously with FireQual to resolve issues as they emerged.

The transition has also highlighted the substantial compliance responsibility carried by an approved training centre. Delivering regulated qualifications requires considerably more than teaching course content. It demands rigorous administration, secure assessment processes, accurate candidate registration, appropriate invigilation, evidence management and ongoing engagement with awarding organisations. During the year the department also supported 51 dedicated resit events. These sessions are an important part of the qualification journey and require the same standards of control, administration and assessment integrity as the main programme.

The new arrangements strengthen examination security, improve consistency and provide greater assurance that qualification assessments are completed under appropriate conditions. They also support the validity and credibility of FIA qualifications by creating a more robust audit trail around candidate identity, examination conditions and assessment delivery. This is particularly important as the number and range of regulated qualifications grows: confidence in assessment must grow alongside participation. Fiona Evans, Assistant Training Manager, provided exceptional leadership throughout the implementation. She coordinated much of the day-to-day liaison with FireQual, developed new working procedures, supported colleagues through the

TRAINING

There have been difficulties, particularly around certificate turnaround times and some aspects of implementation. These issues have not always been within the FIA’s direct control. The department continues to hold regular discussions with FireQual and other partners to improve processes, resolve delays and protect the experience of delegates and employers.

Trainer development and professional standards The Train the Trainer programme commenced during the 2025–2026 financial year, with six full-time members of the training and technical teams subsequently completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training during 2026. The programme was designed to strengthen not only what is taught, but how it is taught, and forms part of the department’s wider investment in professional standards and consistency. This was an important investment in professional standards. FIA trainers are expected not only to possess strong technical knowledge, but also to demonstrate that they can plan, deliver and assess learning effectively. Achieving a recognised teaching qualification reinforces that expectation, raises consistency across the team and gives trainers additional tools for engaging different types of learners. It also ensures that the department continues to ‘practise what it preaches’ when promoting competence and professional development across the industry: if the FIA expects employers and technicians to invest in recognised competence, the same principle should apply to those delivering FIA learning.

TRAINING

New appointments and internal progression Matt Doran joined the FIA as a full-time trainer in January 2026. He successfully completed his probation and was approved to deliver Fundamentals qualification training independently, adding valuable capacity and resilience to the delivery team. Mark Stubbs was appointed Senior Trainer – Technical and Steve Simper became Senior Trainer – Practical. These appointments recognised their experience and contribution while strengthening leadership across technical and practical delivery. Donna Tugby joined the training administration team and quickly became an effective part of the department. While Emma Francioli is within the technical department, she also made a significant contribution to course development, helping accelerate the review, improvement and rollout of new and updated training materials. Her involvement has increased the department’s capacity to turn technical subject matter into structured learning and will be particularly important as the FIA develops more on-demand and digitally delivered content in collaboration with the Technical Department.

Responding to a changing market The FIA has previously recognised that the exceptional growth seen in some qualification areas cannot continue indefinitely. As more engineers achieve the required qualification level and the training market develops, demand in established areas will naturally mature and may begin to stabilise. This is not a reason to reduce ambition. It reinforces the need to plan ahead, diversify and invest in new areas. The FIA must continue to protect the quality and reputation of its established qualifications while developing new regulated routes, practical courses, specialist CPD and flexible learning products. Future growth is likely to come from a broader mix of activity. This includes online and on-demand learning, overseas delivery, practical and assessment-led programmes, and subject areas that have not historically been central to the FIA training offer. The new Fire Risk Assessment qualification is one example of that diversification; the development of on-demand technical learning is another. The Association’s technical authority, industry reach and established training infrastructure provide a strong platform from which to pursue these opportunities, but continued investment will be required if that potential is to be realised.

TRAINING

Looking ahead • Complete the rollout of Hose Reel training and refine practical provision at Northwich. • Embed the newly launched Fire Risk Assessment qualification and build a sustainable pathway around it. • Expand the regulated qualification portfolio and reduce reliance on any single subject area. • Increase investment in on-demand learning, including technical resources developed jointly with the Technical Department, and develop products suitable for international delivery. • Continue improving examination and certification processes through close work with FireQual.

The 2025–2026 year demonstrated that FIA Training can deliver record performance while managing change, introducing new systems and expanding its portfolio. Across 537 scheduled courses, 7,986 bookings and more than a thousand delivery days when re-sit activity is included, the scale of the operation is considerable. The department enters the next year from a position of strength, but with a clear understanding that future success will depend on continued investment, innovation and a willingness to adapt as established markets mature and new competitors emerge. The objective remains unchanged: to provide the fire industry with trusted, relevant and high-quality training that supports competence, compliance and professional confidence.

• Maintain strong utilisation while protecting quality, delegate experience and professional standards. • Continue developing the capability and resilience of the training, technical and administration teams.

TRAINING

Marketing

Marketing: extending the FIA’s reach and influence Three connected priorities have shaped our activity across 2025–26

Increasing our reach

Strengthening our voice

Listening & engaging

Growing our audiences, extending communications and taking the FIA to more places.

Turning technical expertise into accessible, authoritative industry communications.

Using insight, surveys and member participation to keep communications two-way.

REACH → VOICE → ENGAGEMENT MARKETING

01. Increasing our reach A larger digital audience, multi-channel campaigns and a growing presence beyond FIA-owned channels. Numbers below reflect the past 12 months.

59K+

1M+

40K+

57K+

LinkedIn audience

Impressions

Post Link Clicks

Total Engagements

+13.4% growth from 2025 Beyond our own channels External media

Events

International exposure

Campaign performance

Press features and editorial opportunities extending FIA expertise to wider audiences.

Multi-channel campaigns supporting FSE, FIM Expo, FSM Live, the AGM and FIA-led events.

Singapore activity, international case studies and a new capability booklet showcasing FIA and member expertise.

Event email open rates reached 78.06%, with campaigns generating registrations, responses and attendance.

MARKETING

02. Strengthening our voice & raising our profile Using FIA expertise to explain important developments, promote competency and support the wider fire industry From technical expertise…

Technical content Guidance, technical publications and

specialist content made more accessible through web, social and email.

What this looks like in practice

Thought leadership Regular blogs and commentary covering

competency, workplace fire safety, electrical fire safety and international activity.

Press & campaigns External PR, bi-weekly newsletters

and coordinated campaigns around key industry issues.

Competency Training promotion and content supporting practical training, qualifications and professional development.

MARKETING

03. Listening and engaging Using evidence and participation to understand what matters to members and the wider industry

Listen

Engage

Learn

We seek and capture feedback to understand the experiences, priorities and challenges facing the industry.

We create opportunities for members to get involved, share their expertise and help shape our work.

We use insights and engagement data to inform our communications and ensure we’re focusing on the topics that matter most.

68,500K+

15,500K+

500K+

100K+

Article views

Document downloads

Page visits

Total users

In past 12 months

By expanding our reach, we amplify the FIA’s voice MARKETING

Councils

Fire Risk Assessment Council Technology Council

FRES Council

Services Council

FIA Board

Fire Engineering Council

Fire Detection & Alarm Council

Extinguishing Council Export Council COUNCILS

Extinguishing Council Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Lithium-Ion Battery Fires SIG

Photovoltaic Systems SIG

The Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Special Interest Group continues to support the development of industry guidance on battery fire protection. Membership has grown to almost 200 representatives from industry, government and academia.

Established in January 2024, the Photovoltaic Systems SIG focuses on the fire safety challenges associated with the increasing deployment of photovoltaic installations across the UK.

Key Achievements

Current Activities

• Supported a collaborative research project with Newcastle University investigating extinguishing media for lithium-ion battery fires.

• Developing guidance on fire risks and protection measures for photovoltaic systems.

• Research report finalised and scheduled for ongoing industry promotion and dissemination, including a joint presentation at NFPA in June 2026.

EXTINGUISHING COUNCIL

• Research project in progress with BRE and other partners, with the data-gathering phase nearing completion.

Working Group: Gaseous Extinguishing Systems Publications Since Last AGM Standards and Industry Engagement • Revision to the pipework guidance document following the withdrawal of BS 5306-4.

• Guidance document on condensed aerosol extinguishing systems. • Guidance on the potential for acoustic shock on certain IT equipment.

Research Projects • High Airflows and Gaseous Extinguishing Systems Further promotion through and joint FIA/ Euralarm webinar planned for October 2026. Research findings were previously presented at the NFPA Conference .

EXTINGUISHING COUNCIL

• Active contribution to the publication of an amendment to BS EN ISO 21805. • Supported conversion of ISO 6183, CO₂ Extinguishing Systems, to European Standard status (now published. • Active participation in: – ISO 20862, Cabinet protection systems. – ISO 14520, 11-15, Gaseous extinguishing system agents amendment. – EN 15004, Gaseous extinguishing Systems. – EN ISO 20338, Oxygen reduction systems.

– EN ISO 15276-1/2, Condensed aerosol systems and components. – EN 12094 series, Gaseous extinguishing system components. – Development of a new CEN standardisation request for fixed firefighting systems. – Revision of BS 5306-0, Selection of fire protection measures.

Training • Engineer training course in development.

Euralarm Contributions • Guidance on revised European F-Gas Regulation (2024). • PFAS Fact Sheet (updates). • EN 15004-1, Guidance on scaling factors. • Guidance on the selection of firefighting systems for data centres. • Guidance on the disposal of firefighting foams.

• Guidance on high airflow in data centres. • Unit 7 training programme revised and rebranded. • Guidance on the protection of • F-Gas training content updates to reflect 2024 EU legislation for Northern Ireland and Cyprus.

wind turbines.

Working Group: Watermist Documents in Progress

Standards and Industry Engagement

• Five-Year Strategic Plan (ongoing updates).

• Participation in the development and revision of EN 14972 series of standards.

• Guidance on nozzle testing (revision). • Guidance on piping (revision). • Roadmap for compliant systems (update).

• Participation in development of EN 17450 series of standards for components. • Participation in FSH/18/5 committee activities, including: – Review of BS 8489, Commercial Watermist Systems. – Review of BS 8458, Domestic and Residential Watermist Systems, following publication of EN 14972. • Participation in the joint working group with BAFSA.

EXTINGUISHING COUNCIL

Working Group: Foam Publications Since Last AGM

Standards and Industry Engagement

• FIA Guidance on PFAS in Firefighting Foams (December 2025 update).

• Active involvement in revisions to: – EN 1568 series, Foam Concentrates. – EN 13565 series, Foam Systems. – ISO 7203 series, Foam Systems. – NFPA 11, Foam Systems.

• Environment Agency guidance relating to PFOA foams and the July 2025 prohibition.

Documents in Progress • FF87: Fire, the Environment and Foams revision.

Research Projects • Biomass and waste plant fire protection project examining the use of Class A foams. Phase 2b testing remains on hold pending further CEN test activity.

EXTINGUISHING COUNCIL

• Liaison with EUROFEU, Euralarm and industry stakeholders regarding European legislation and REACH restrictions affecting foams and foam precursors. • Ongoing engagement with the UK HSE regarding development of UK firefighting foam REACH restrictions.

Extinguisher Manufacturers Technical Committee (EMTC) Publications Since Last AGM • FIA Guidance on the impact of Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulations on portable fire extinguishers.

Standards and Industry Engagement • Input to revisions of EN 3 Portable Fire Extinguishers, including: – E N 3-7, fire extinguisher characteristics, performance, testing marking and safety. – E N 3-11, fire extinguisher lithium-ion battery, performance, testing and marking. • Input to revision of ISO 3941, Classification of Fires (now published).

EXTINGUISHING COUNCIL

General Extinguishing Council Activities Standards and Industry Engagement • Active contribution to the revision of BS 9990, Non-Automatic Fire-Fighting Systems in Buildings – Code of Practice. • Active participation in IEC SWG 25, addressing key technologies for fire prevention and control in renewable energy generation and energy storage facilities.

EXTINGUISHING COUNCIL

FD&A Council About the Council The FD&A Council coordinates technical guidance, standards engagement and research for FIA members working in fire detection, alarm and emergency lighting. During the reporting period from December 2025 to August 2026, the Council continued its quarterly programme of hybrid and virtual meetings, maintained oversight of established working groups and strengthened crosscouncil review of guidance. Andy Speake was elected Vice-Chair in December 2025, supporting Peter Massingberd-Mundy as Chair.

Performance overview The Council converted several long-running activities into tangible outputs while retaining oversight of an extensive technical programme.

FD&A COUNCIL

Key achievements were: • The publication of the IP connectivity and remote services guidance. • Made progress towards completion of the ASD and VAD Codes of Practice. • Publication of a false-alarm research summary, initiation of the DSD Code of Practice review, and a clearer route to conclude the sounder-frequency work. • Priorities for the remainder of 2026 are to complete delayed publications, refresh working-group leadership where required, secure additional heat detector and heat alarm samples and maintain effective liaison on cybersecurity and standards developments.

Highlights by Working Group G02 – Fire Alarm Communications

FDWG03 – Fire Detectors

• FDWG02 moved connected systems work from development into delivery.

• FDWG03 maintained a substantial programme covering the ASD Code of Practice, video fire detection, false-alarm research and the performance of older heat detectors.

• Guidance on IP connectivity and remote services was approved and published in January 2026. • Work continued on guidance relating to PD 6669 and the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act, while cyber-related activity was coordinated with the new Technology Council so that product, communications and data issues remain appropriately connected.

• The ASD Code of Practice progressed through final council review and received extensive constructive feedback, helping to strengthen the document ahead of publication. • A summary of the false-alarm research was published and a further round of testing using commercial devices is anticipated. • The older heat-detector project continued to seek field samples, supported by a collection campaign and member involvement. • A new objective was opened to review and update the Duct Smoke Detector (DSD) Code of Practice. • Following changes in leadership, the Council recorded its thanks to Bernard Laluvein and Faruk Meah and began work to refresh the group’s leadership and participation.

FD&A COUNCIL

FDWG05 – Control & Indicating Equipment (CIE)

FDWG27 – Alarm Devices

• FDWG05 continued its standards and guidance programme for control and indicating equipment. Current objectives include review of EN 54-2 and EN 54-4, consideration of the essential characteristics of CIE, guidance on circumstances where recommendations in BS 8629 might reasonably be relaxed, and practical issues associated with repeater panels and equipment interfaces.

• WG27 progressed the revision of the joint FIA/BRE Code of Practice on visual alarm devices, with work reported as progressing well and a possible webinar identified to support publication. • The sounder-frequency research was moved towards a defined conclusion through a small working group tasked with reviewing the evidence and recommending closure or further work. • New guidance on voice measurement improvements remains under consideration.

WG24 – Wireless Systems • FDWG24 continued to monitor work on EN 54-25 and matters relating to the behaviour and resilience of radio-based systems. The proposed work on radio signals during fire conditions and the relationship with BS 8629 remained within the forward programme. • Cybersecurity matters continued to be monitored alongside the Technology Council.

FD&A COUNCIL

FDWG SAD – Smoke Alarm Devices

ELWG – Emergency Lighting

• The domestic smoke alarm group continued to monitor EN 14604, BS 5446-2, BS 5446-4 and ISO 12239. Its work remained linked to wider discussions on sounder effectiveness and accessible alarm provision.

• The Emergency Lighting Working Group has been refocused to support wider engagement across the sector. The group will continue to include manufacturers and designers, while increasing participation from installers, maintainers and other practitioners. Its broadened scope will retain emergency lighting and place additional focus on fire safety signage, helping the group reflect the practical needs of those who design, supply, install and maintain these systems.

• The group also supported continued engagement with fire and rescue service stakeholders where this could strengthen the evidence base for future guidance.

FD&A COUNCIL

Services Council About the Council • The Services Council coordinates the FIA’s practical, member-facing work across installation, commissioning, servicing and maintenance. • During the reporting period from December 2025 to August 2026, the Council met through hybrid and virtual formats and continued to oversee the Portables Servicing Committee, Installers & Maintainers Section, Testing, Measuring & Validation Working Group and related technical activities. • Paul Pope and Oliver Doerle provided leadership to the Council as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, with Oliver elected to the role in December 2025. • The Council’s programme combined publications, evidence gathering, competence, events and monitoring of regulatory and standards developments.

SERVICES COUNCIL

Workstreams and section highlights Portables Servicing Committee (PSC)

Installers & Maintainers Section (I&MS)

• PSC continued to address PFAS, the FIA Fire Logbook, BS 5306, EN 3 and battery-related issues.

• I&MS delivered practical publication and engagement outcomes.

• The Council maintained a strong focus on its technical work while working with FIA marketing to broaden awareness and participation across the sector. • The Council reviewed the draft FAQ on plastic head caps and agreed several enhancements to ensure the final publication provides clear and practical guidance for members.

SERVICES COUNCIL

• Revised Fact File 38 and fire alarm categories guidance were published following council approval. • The section also supported review of the Fire Logbook against BS 5839-1:2025 and promoted practical knowledge-sharing through webinars, roadshows and event participation. • The maintenance reporting project continued to progress, with a questionnaire developed to gather industry evidence on maintenance practices and record keeping.

Testing, Measuring & Validation (TMV) WG • TMV progressed the revised FIA battery testing guide. • The group proposed developing practical howto videos to promote best practice and support the consistent application of battery testing guidance. • The group also considered testing methods for domestic fire detection systems in connection with BS 5839-6 and sought relevant specialist input.

SERVICES COUNCIL

Fire Logbook Working Group The Fire Logbook work was brought into the Installers & Maintainers Section. The paper logbook was reviewed and a final check commissioned to identify errors or omissions and align the document with BS 5839-1:2025. This approach linked document control directly to the section responsible for practical installation and maintenance guidance. Standards, legislation and policy • The Council maintained oversight of BS 5839-1:2025, the developing revision of BS 5839-6, the BS 7273 series and the review of BS 5306-3. • It also continued to monitor F-Gas and PFAS developments. • Members highlighted continuing uncertainty and inconsistent market messages on PFAS, reinforcing the need for measured, evidence-based communication rather than premature replacement advice. Performance overview The Council established a clearer delivery focus across publications, research and member engagement. Notable outcomes were the publication of two I&MS documents, progression of the maintenance-reporting questionnaire and battery testing guide, and integration of Fire Logbook work into I&MS. Priorities for the remainder of 2026 are to issue the maintenance questionnaire, complete the battery testing guide and supporting material, finish the Fire Logbook review, strengthen PSC participation and continue clear member communication on changing standards, PFAS and F-Gas. 59

Fire Engineering Council and Fire Risk Assessment Council Executive summary

Combined Council highlights

During the reporting period, both Councils continued to support FIA members through technical guidance, standards engagement, competency initiatives and practical interpretation of fire safety requirements. The Fire Risk Assessment Council focused particularly on MythBusters, scope-of-services matters, competency and risk-assessor guidance. The Fire Engineering Council focused on Building Safety Regulator processes, fire-engineering scope of services, facade safety and technical standards.

Across both Councils, the principal themes evidenced during the reporting period were: • Competence and professional regulation. • Implementation of the Building Safety Act and Building Safety Regulator processes. • PAS 9980 and facade safety. • Production of practical industry guidance. • MythBuster development and technical clarification. • Clearer scope-of-services documentation. • Input into British Standards, PAS documents and consultation processes. • Support for CPD, qualifications, and professional development.

FIRE ENGINEERING COUNCIL AND FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT COUNCIL

Fire Risk Assessment Council Overview The Fire Risk Assessment Council continued to represent FIA members involved in fire risk assessment. Its recorded objectives included monitoring legislation and guidance, supporting government engagement, promoting third-party certification, supporting FireQual qualifications, creating CPD, providing member information, producing MythBusters and addressing inappropriate expansion of the fire risk assessor’s scope.

MythBusters • The Council continued its MythBuster programme as a practical means of correcting common misunderstandings in fire safety legislation and practice. • Myth 29: If a fire door is not certified to FD30S or FD60S it is acceptable as a fire door. • Myth 30: Fire risk assessments should consider the location, capacity and maintenance of public fire hydrants.

• Myth 31: As part of a fire risk assessment required by the Fire Safety Order, it is necessary to carry out a full compartmentation survey. • Myth 31: As part of a fire risk assessment required by the Fire Safety Order, it is necessary to carry out a full compartmentation survey. • Myth 31: A full compartmentation survey is not a legal requirement for a standard fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. • Myth 32: Use of artificial intelligence to fact-check standards and Codes of Practice.

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT COUNCIL

Guidance documents and work items

Standards, legislation and competence

• Fire Risk Assessor Scope of Services guidance updates, including proportionate application and the treatment of advice extending beyond the core assessment scope.

The council has inputted comments and submissions to various British Standards including:

• Lightning Protection and Fire Risk Assessment guidance, with particular attention to avoiding expectations beyond the competence of the fire risk assessor. • Legislative and regulatory flow-chart guidance, including work to explain the relationship between legislation, regulation and guidance.

• The review of PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls and Cladding of Flats. • The production of BS 9792 the code of practice for Fire risk assessment in Housing. • Inputted to the commencement of the BSI review of BS 5839-6. Fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

The Council continued to consider the development of mandatory accreditation and competency arrangements for fire risk assessors, recognizing the importance of clear and consistent standards across the profession. This work included support for FireQual qualifications, apprenticeship development and wider competence initiatives intended to strengthen professional capability. The Council also remained engaged with third-party certification activity, including updates on the new BAFE SP205 scheme, to help support greater confidence in the quality and consistency of fire risk assessment services.

FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT COUNCIL

Fire Engineering Council Overview The Fire Engineering Council continued to provide industry input on fire-engineering guidance, standards and regulation. Recorded activity focused on the Building Safety Regulator regime, Gateway processes, facade safety, evacuation, competence and the practical scope of fire-engineering services.

Major deliverables Fire Engineers Scope of Services guidance

Gateway 2 Frequently Asked Questions

The Council updated and published the FIA Fire Engineers Scope of Services guidance document, which sets out a standardised scope of work for fire engineers involved in construction projects. It defines the fire engineer’s responsibilities at each RIBA design stage, clarifies interfaces with other duty holders, and introduces the Fire Engineer’s Responsibility Matrix (FERM) to allocate responsibilities and review requirements. The guidance helps clients, designers, contractors, and fire engineers achieve compliance with current building safety legislation while providing greater clarity, consistency, and accountability throughout the design, construction, and handover process.

The Council held a Gateway Forum webinar that confirmed broad industry support for the aims of Gateway 2 while highlighting practical challenges around design detail, regulatory engagement, approval timescales and consistency. The webinar also identified recommendations to help make the process more efficient, predictable and easier for the industry to navigate.

FIRE ENGINEERING COUNCIL

Joint FIA/IFE facade work The joint FIA/IFE facade group continued its work on practical guidance relating to the assessment and design of safe facades in new and existing buildings.

After this webinar, the Council developed and published Gateway 2 Frequently Asked Questions to support industry understanding of the Building Safety Regulator process. The work was informed by feedback from the Gateway Forum. 63

Standards, legislation and regulation

Building safety and professional competence

Special interest groups and projects

The council has inputted comments and submissions to various British Standards including:

The Council continued to engage with Government and the wider industry on key matters relating to building safety and professional competence. This included submitting representations on the protection of the title “Fire Engineer”, supporting clearer competence and accreditation pathways for fire engineers, and considering the implications of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report. The Council also contributed to discussions on the future regulatory framework for fire engineering practice, with the aim of promoting consistent professional standards, improving accountability and supporting greater confidence in the role of fire engineers within the built environment.

The council has held various Special Interest Groups (SIGs) on the following topics:

• PAS 9980 review and publication activity. • BS EN 81-76, evacuation of people with disabilities using lifts. • BS 9994 Code of Practice for Fire Strategies. • Corrigendum activity associated with BS 9991.

FIRE ENGINEERING COUNCIL

• Approved Document B consultation activity. • Gateway and Building Safety Regulator engagement. • Exploration of framework guidance for retrospective fire strategies.

Conclusion The Councils continued to provide a practical link between FIA members, standards development, regulation and government policy. Their work supported clearer professional expectations, more consistent technical practices, and accessible guidance for industry. Final publication of this annual report should incorporate any verified activity between 21 August and the November 2026 reporting cut-off.

Finalisation checklist

Source documents reviewed

• Confirm the publication status and final titles of the three current-period MythBuster topics.

• Fire Risk Assessment and Fire Engineering Council annual reports (2025).

• Add outcomes from the September 2026 meetings and any later pre-AGM activity.

• Fire Engineering Council minutes, 5 December 2025.

• Confirm whether additional documents were published after 20 August 2026. • Confirm any further standards consultation responses submitted before the reporting cut-off. • Update the reporting-period wording and remove the draft status note before publication.

• Fire Engineering Council summary reports, 20 March and 5 June 2026. • Fire Engineering Council agenda, 11 September 2026. • Fire Risk Assessment Council agenda, 8 January 2026. • Fire Risk Assessment Council minutes, 18 March 2026. • Fire Risk Assessment Council agenda, 9 September 2026.

FIRE ENGINEERING COUNCIL AND FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT COUNCIL

FRES (Fire Rescue Equipment Suppliers) Overview Representing FIA suppliers to the Fire and Rescue sector, we continue our involvement within the Fire and Rescue landscape and beyond in the wider fire safety environment. Liaising with several government departments, the NFCC and a host of other stakeholders, the FRES Council were able to contribute to and influence the changes occurring in the sector.

Highlights over the last year include: • MoU with NFCC enacted. • Responded proactively to the evolution of the Fire and Rescue Services. • Grew liaisons with central and local government, the NFCC and the Fire Service College among many others. • Participated in the Emergency Services Show and other key industry events. • Focused on procurement and product innovation. • Provided practical assistance to Ukraine. • PPE Working Group actively monitored and contributed to the PPE tender process. Now preparing feedback to the NFCC on the process. • New working groups formed to reflect best practice.

FRES COUNCIL

Procurement Working Group

Technical Working Group

Research Projects

Reporting to the FRES Council, responsible for managing all F&RS procurement matters including but not limited to:

Reporting to the FRES Council, responsible for managing all technical matters related to the FRES Council including but not limited to:

How Clean is Clean? - To develop a classification of how effective the cleaning processes for firefighters PPE is.

• Monitoring all F&RS procurement processes – Equipment/PPE.

• Co-ordinating FIA input to the standards development process (BSI/CEN/ISO).

• Co-ordinating FIA responses to live tender processes.

• Developing and maintaining FIA guidance documents on Fire Brigade equipment.

• Providing feedback to the NFCC on the tender process, highlighting issues with the process – fed via GM. • Providing guidance to FIA members on best practice in public procurement.

• Monitoring PFAS restrictions related to fire brigade equipment (PPE/firefighting foam) and providing guidance documents where required (Note joint with Extinguishing Council and Environmental WG). • Supporting innovation in fire brigade equipment.

FRES COUNCIL

Export Council The FIA Export Council has continued to strengthen its support for UK fire safety exporters during 2026, building on a significant year of international activity in 2025. From Gibraltar and Helsinki to Singapore, the FIA’s programme demonstrated the strength of UK fire safety expertise and the value of collaboration with international partners. It also provided a strong foundation for the Council’s work during 2026.

Building on 2025 The FIA’s international activity during 2025 provided several important lessons for the Export Council.

The inaugural FIA Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar brought together fire safety professionals, regulators and industry leaders, combining technical content with an exhibition showcasing FIA members. The strong engagement helped strengthen relationships in Gibraltar and established a foundation for future activity. This was reflected in feedback to the Export Council, where members The Council’s role sits at the heart of this activity, helping FIA members access highlighted the value of smaller FIA-led events, particularly where the FIA can overseas markets, develop export capabilities and collaborate on shared influence the programme, audience and overall experience. international objectives. During 2026, this has increasingly meant looking FinnSec in Helsinki represented another first, with the FIA underwriting stand beyond individual exhibitions towards a more strategic approach combining space to create a communal FIA members’ stand. Eight member companies events, training, standards, government engagement and long-term participated, providing a collective platform for UK fire safety products and international partnerships. technologies in Northern Europe. The subsequent Council review recognised the value of the concept while identifying lessons around visitor footfall, advance marketing, language support and the selection of future exhibitions. Singapore was another important development. The FIA partnered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to co-host a UK Pavilion at the inaugural Fire Safety Event Asia, with Vimpex, Patol, Coopers and Eurotech participating. The event generated particularly positive engagement with visitors from across the Asia-Pacific region. Council feedback similarly highlighted the quality of leads generated and helped shape improvements for the FIA’s return to Singapore in 2026.

EXPORT COUNCIL

International engagement in 2026 Malta

Singapore

Middle East

Malta formed an important part of the FIA’s international activity during the year, with four FIA members contributing their expertise to a Tall Buildings training course.

Following the positive foundations established in 2025, Singapore remains an important market for the Export Council.

The Middle East continues to be a significant region for UK fire safety exporters, with activity encompassing the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The activity also helped open discussions with the International Fire Training College (IFTC) around opportunities to work together on FIA training in Malta, with potential to reach markets across North and West Africa and into the Middle East. This represents an important development in the FIA’s international approach. Rather than relying solely on exhibitions, training and technical expertise can provide another route to building relationships, raising competency and creating longer-term opportunities for members. EXPORT COUNCIL

By June, five companies had signed up for the 2026 event through a mixture of pods and shell scheme stands. The FIA has also secured half a day of presentations to curate, providing an opportunity to showcase UK knowledge and expertise alongside the commercial presence of participating members. The Council has also benefitted from wider engagement between DBT and Singapore’s Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), aimed at helping UK companies better understand how to engage with the organisation and the opportunities available within the market.

The Council’s focus is increasingly extending beyond exhibition participation towards standards and government engagement. In Saudi Arabia, DBT engagement with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) has created an opportunity to demonstrate how BS/EN standards can be used in practice. This work reflects a broader objective of ensuring UK fire safety expertise is represented not simply through products and services, but through the standards, competence and technical knowledge that underpin the UK industry’s international reputation. 69

Developing new international opportunities

A more strategic approach

Throughout 2026, the Council has continued to identify markets where greater FIA engagement could provide value to members.

Perhaps the most important development during the year has been the evolution of the FIA’s approach to international development.

In Europe, discussions have progressed around Cyprus, Ireland and Gibraltar. The success of the 2025 Gibraltar Summit has generated appetite for further activity, while proposals are developing for an FIA-led event in Nicosia, Cyprus. Work also continues in Ireland with the aim of developing a clear programme for future engagement.

The Export Council is increasingly considering international markets against factors including standards adoption, training requirements, language, regulatory enforcement and partnership opportunities. An overseas territory assessment framework is being developed to help compare markets and ensure resources are directed towards areas where the FIA and its members can make the greatest impact.

Latin America is another area of interest. Initial engagement with Mexican fire industry association AMRACI has created a route for further discussions in Mexico, while exploratory work continues in Brazil. Africa has also emerged as a potential area for future activity. Council members have highlighted strong alignment with British Standards and continued demand for UK expertise in South Africa. Morocco is also being explored, including the potential for a targeted trade mission or event in collaboration with relevant partners. Meanwhile, discussions with the Fire Industry Alliance Australia identified several areas of common interest between the two organisations, with work progressing towards a proposed Memorandum of Understanding.

EXPORT COUNCIL

Alongside this, engagement with DBT and NFCC has reinforced the need for a clearer collective proposition for the UK fire sector internationally. Work is progressing around how the FIA and its members can better communicate the capabilities of the UK industry to overseas governments, regulators, fire and rescue organisations and commercial partners. This builds directly on the momentum established during 2025, when international events demonstrated the depth and diversity of UK fire safety expertise and the potential created when FIA members are represented collectively overseas.

Looking ahead The Export Council’s work during 2026 demonstrates an evolution in how the FIA approaches international opportunities. Exhibitions remain an important route to market, but increasingly form part of a broader strategy encompassing training, standards, government engagement, international partnerships and targeted FIA-led events. By combining the commercial experience of FIA exporters with relationships across government, fire and rescue services and overseas industry organisations, the Council is working to identify markets where FIA members can make a meaningful and sustainable impact. The priority remains clear: to create practical international opportunities for FIA members, strengthen the global profile of the UK fire safety sector and promote the standards, competence and expertise that underpin its reputation around the world.

EXPORT COUNCIL

Technology Council

Establishing the Council’s direction

One of the Council’s first priorities was to ensure that its work remained The FIA Technology Council has made significant progress during its first year, focused on areas where the FIA and its members could make a meaningful moving from its launch in late 2025 to establishing a clear direction and a contribution. programme of practical work focused on how technology and data can better During the February meeting, members agreed that the Council’s role support better fire safety outcomes. should centre on education and the production of practical guidance. Established as the FIA’s first new Council in more than a decade, the Discussions increasingly focused on the way information moves into, out of Technology Council was created in response to the increasing influence and between fire safety systems, together with the standards, security and of digital technology across the fire safety sector. Building on the work legal considerations surrounding that information. Rather than attempting to previously undertaken through the FIA’s IoT activity, the Council provides a recreate standards or requirements that already exist, the Council identified dedicated forum for members to consider emerging technologies, changing an important role for the FIA in helping the industry understand and apply ways of working and the opportunities and challenges associated with an them within a fire safety setting. increasingly connected industry. This work led to the development of the Technology Council framing The Council held its inaugural meeting in December 2025, bringing together document, which provides a foundation for the Council’s future activity. expertise from manufacturers, service providers, software businesses and Its purpose is centred on improving the accessibility, interoperability and other areas of the fire safety sector. Tom Simmonds was unanimously elected practical value of fire safety data and software across the sector. The as Chair, with the first meeting identifying a broad range of potential areas document also establishes a strong emphasis on helping manufacturers, for consideration. These included the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security, installers, maintainers, software providers and end-users understand best artificial intelligence (AI), BS 8644, connectivity, the Golden Thread, digital practice and what good looks like when selecting, integrating and using training and emerging technologies. technology.

TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

At the heart of this approach is a straightforward principle: the fire safety sector generates significant amounts of information, but the creation of data does not automatically mean that its full value is being realised. Information can exist across fire panels, certificates, logbooks, software platforms, job management systems and many other locations. Improving the way appropriate information can be accessed, understood and transferred has the potential to support stronger decision-making throughout the lifecycle of a building. At the same time, this must be balanced against legitimate considerations around cyber security, privacy, regulation, commercial interests and data ownership.

Turning discussion into practical work By June, the Council had moved from defining its scope to establishing four initial working groups: BS 8644, cyber security, interoperability and job management systems. Each group approaches technology and data from a different perspective, but there is considerable common ground between them. The BS 8644 Working Group is focused initially on improving industry understanding of the standard, with an intended progression from briefing and educational material towards practical guidance. The Cyber Security Working Group is considering how the sector can make effective use of existing cyber security guidance and how this can be

TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

applied within a UK fire safety context. As connected products and services become increasingly common, the group is considering the implications for manufacturers, service organisations and end-users, including the challenges associated with both new technology and the substantial legacy installed base. The Interoperability Working Group is exploring how information can move appropriately between the different systems and organisations involved throughout the lifecycle of a building. Early discussions have included data ownership, creation and custody, as well as the potential for improved data continuity to strengthen audit trails, support more efficient maintenance and make transitions between service providers easier. The Job Management Systems Working Group is considering what good looks like when organisations procure and use these increasingly important platforms. The intention is to remain vendor-neutral and focus on the outcomes that effective systems should enable for service providers and endusers. Alongside the working groups, the Council has also agreed to develop a series of articles under the theme “The Art of the Possible”. This will provide an opportunity to explore emerging ideas and demonstrate what technology and better use of information could make possible for the sector, while keeping the discussion grounded in practical fire safety applications.

Looking ahead The Technology Council and its working groups remain at an early stage, but their direction is becoming increasingly clear. The objective is not to promote technology for technology’s sake, nor to prescribe particular commercial solutions. Instead, the Council is seeking to bring together expertise from across fire safety and related technology disciplines to provide impartial education, guidance and practical reference points for the industry. An important part of this work will be collaboration. The Council has already identified the value of engagement with organisations and programmes including Euralarm, BSI and BSIA, alongside the expertise that exists throughout the FIA membership. It is also seeking to involve members beyond the elected Council through its working groups, widening the pool of knowledge available to support individual projects. As fire safety systems, software and building information become increasingly connected, the industry’s ability to make effective use of reliable information will become ever more important. The Technology Council provides the FIA with a dedicated forum to consider these changes, help members navigate them and translate technological development into practical improvements. The ambition for the coming year is therefore clear: to move from defining the questions to producing useful outputs that help the sector understand what good looks like. By promoting accessible information, appropriate interoperability and practical guidance, the Council aims to support a fire safety industry that is better informed, more connected and increasingly able to make evidence-based decisions.

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