Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors. Code of Practice. BS 8674:2025
This British Standard sets out a framework for assessing and assuring the competence of individual fire risk assessors operating in the built environment. It provides performance-based criteria that can be used to determine whether an individual is suitably competent to carry out fire risk assessments in a wide range of occupied buildings.
It focuses on what knowledge, experience, and behaviours an individual must have to be deemed competent to carry out those assessments effectively.
The Standard is in response to the UK government’s pledge to fulfil one of the key recommendations made in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report—also detailed in the government’s document Implementation Timeline for Grenfell Tower Inquiry Recommendations, which was published at the end of September. Recommendation 26 for a mandatory accreditation system for fire risk assessors was accepted by government in full, to ensure the competence of all those who offer their services as fire risk assessors. As such, fire risk assessors will have their competence verified by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited certification body. In its Implementation timeline document, the government has suggested a consultation will be launched with a view to introducing legislation between 2027 and 2029.
Government has also commented that it will set out its delivery plans and key milestones for this recommendation by the end of this year—see the policy paper Progress Report: Summary Update. BS 8674:2025 is intended for a wide range of stakeholders across the built environment, including individual fire risk assessors who need to demonstrate and maintain competence, responsible Persons under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Safety
Act 2022, who are legally obligated to ensure those they appoint are competent, and employers, dutyholders, and building owners / managers seeking assurance that assessments are being carried out by qualified professionals.
It is applicable across multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, public venues, care homes, education, and healthcare facilities—anywhere that fire safety and building occupancy intersect.
0203 337 3575
enquiries@vantify.com