As the UK’s national standards body, the British Standards Institute strives to keep citizens safe and management standards high.

To ensure consistently high standards, the BSI regularly releases new standards. Now the BS 8674:2025 has been published, and this pivotal standard redefines the competency framework for fire risk assessors in the built environment.

This comprehensive code of practice introduces a structured, transparent and verifiable approach to assessing individual competence. It also aligns with the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Industry Competence Steering Group’s recommendations.

Three Levels of Fire Risk Assessor Competence

BS 8674:2025 delineates three distinct levels of competence: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced.

Each level corresponds to specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring that assessors have the requisite skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to evaluate fire risks appropriately.

This structure facilitates a clear career progression and makes it easier for organisations to match assessors to tasks in line with their competence level.

The standard focuses on non-intrusive checks, relying on visual inspections and reviewing relevant records. It does not cover invasive inspections, fire engineering services or assessments of external walls.

Ensuring Fire Safety Consistency

In response to the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent regulatory reforms, BS 8674:2025 addresses the need for a competent fire safety workforce. For those looking for fire risk assessment Northamptonshire and further afield, https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/northamptonshire/ can offer advice on how to reduce the likelihood of a fire.

The new standards set clear expectations for assessors, employers, certification bodies and regulators and help to ensure consistency across the fire safety sector.