Closing the Competency Gap: Why Choosing the Right Fire Safety and Security Partner Matters

Competence, compliance and confidence are becoming increasingly important in the fire safety and security industry. But are businesses doing enough to ensure the companies they appoint have the skills, knowledge and experience to protect their people and premises?

Fire safety has never been more firmly in the spotlight. Almost ten years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, organisations are increasingly recognising their responsibilities, investing in protection and placing greater emphasis on compliance.

However, a recent report published by BAFE, the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) highlights a significant issue within the industry: while awareness of fire safety responsibilities has improved, confidence in identifying and verifying competent service providers has not kept pace.

This raises an important question for businesses: How can you be confident that the companies responsible for protecting your people, property and operations are genuinely competent to do so?

Understanding the Competency Gap

The Fire Safety Competence Gap report, based on independent research involving 150 UK decision-makers, highlights a disconnect between understanding fire safety responsibilities and knowing how to demonstrate that they are being fulfilled.

Some of the findings are particularly concerning:

• 73% of decision-makers do not know whether their fire risk assessor is appropriately certificated, who certifies them or how to appoint a certificated provider.
• 45% of Responsible Persons do not identify checking the competence of their fire risk assessor as one of their responsibilities.
• 33% express doubt about the basic legal duties of the Responsible Person.
• 69% consider proof of competence essential when selecting a fire safety supplier.

These figures demonstrate that recognising the importance of fire safety is only part of the challenge. Businesses also need to understand how to assess the competence of the organisations they appoint.

Why Competence Matters Across Fire Safety and Security

Fire safety and security systems play a fundamental role in protecting people, buildings and business operations. However, simply having systems installed does not guarantee that they will perform as intended. From fire alarms and fire suppression systems to sprinklers and dry risers, every element of a building’s fire protection strategy needs to be appropriately specified, installed, commissioned and maintained. The same principle applies to security. Access control, intruder alarms, CCTV and alarm monitoring systems must be designed and maintained by knowledgeable professionals to provide effective protection.

A lack of technical knowledge, inadequate maintenance or poor installation can undermine the effectiveness of these systems, potentially leaving businesses exposed to unnecessary risks. Competence is therefore about more than having the right qualifications. It involves having the practical experience, technical understanding and processes needed to deliver reliable solutions throughout the lifecycle of a system.

Certification: A key Part of Demonstrating Competence

One of the report’s strongest messages is the importance of independent third-party certification. The research found that 97% of respondents recognise the value of third-party certification in providing confidence in a provider’s competence. However, almost three-quarters are still unable to identify whether their suppliers hold appropriate certification. The report also makes an important distinction: not all certification or industry recognition is equal.

Third-party certification through a UKAS-accredited certification body provides independent assurance that an organisation has been assessed against recognised standards. It also involves ongoing assessment, helping to demonstrate that standards are maintained over time. Simply appearing on an industry directory or holding membership of a trade association should not automatically be interpreted as proof of technical competence.

For businesses appointing a fire safety provider, it is important to understand:

• What certifications and accreditations does the provider hold?
• Are these independently verified?
• Do they cover the specific services being delivered?
• Are engineers appropriately trained and experienced?
• What processes are in place to ensure ongoing quality and compliance?

These questions can help organisations make more informed decisions and build greater confidence in their chosen suppliers.

The Importance of Ongoing Competence and Maintenance

Competence does not stop once a system has been installed. Fire safety and security systems require ongoing attention to ensure they remain reliable, compliant and fit for purpose. Buildings change, occupancy levels evolve and business operations develop. Protection systems must continue to meet the needs of the premises they serve.

Regular servicing, testing, inspection and maintenance are essential parts of this process. For example, a fire alarm system needs to be maintained to ensure that faults are identified and addressed. Sprinkler and fire suppression systems require appropriate inspection and servicing to help ensure they remain operational. Working with a provider that understands the importance of ongoing competence helps businesses move away from a reactive approach towards a more proactive, structured approach to protecting their premises.

Bridging the Gap Through Competence and Confidence

The findings from BAFE, FIA and NSI make it clear that the next stage of progress within the fire safety industry must go beyond raising awareness. Organisations need greater confidence in the competence of the people and companies they appoint. For those responsible for buildings and premises, understanding how to verify competence is an important part of fulfilling their responsibilities and making informed decisions.

At Churches Fire & Security, we believe effective protection starts with the right expertise, the right solutions and a commitment to maintaining high standards. We are proud to be accredited by BAFE (for Fire Alarms, Fire Extinguishers, Gas Extinguishing Systems and Emergency Lighting) and hold NSI Gold accreditation for fire, security and our ARC. Additionally to this, we are members of not-for-profit groups such as the FIA. 

Because protecting people and premises is about more than having the right systems in place. It’s about having the right people behind them.

If you are reviewing your current fire safety and security arrangements, speak to our team about how we can support your business, or find out more about the accreditations and memberships Churches hold here.