A collaborative review of fire investigation qualifications is underway, involving key players such as the London Fire Brigade, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, SFJ Awards, and the Fire Service College. This initiative seeks to align qualifications with current standards and improve safety outcomes in the UK, as reported by the International Fire & Safety Journal.
Focus on Existing and New Qualifications
The review focuses on the existing Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation, which is crucial for Tier 2 investigations. It is being assessed against the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Competency Framework for Fire Investigation and the NFCC Fire Investigation Code of Practice. Additionally, a new Level 5 Award in Fire Investigation is being developed to introduce the specialism and provide a progression route to the Level 5 Certificate.
Enhancing Professional Development
Darren Woodhams, Station Commander at London Fire Brigade, highlighted the flexibility these qualifications offer for learners and employers. By supporting different professional development needs, these qualifications enable employers to build capability across their workforce, reflecting operational roles and responsibilities.
David Higham, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, emphasised the importance of professional qualifications in maintaining standards and supporting workforce development. The review and new vocational pathway are designed to support learners at various career stages while addressing the demands of modern fire investigation practice.
Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement
The expert working group has completed the initial qualification design phase, and a public consultation is now open to gather stakeholder feedback. This consultation aims to ensure that the qualifications reflect current operational requirements and are aligned with industry needs.
Stakeholders interested in contributing to the development of these qualifications can participate via the SFJ Awards consultation.
Context and Implications
The review comes at a time when fire and rescue services in England attended more than 641,000 incidents in the year ending March 2026, including over 170,000 fires. Deliberate fires increased to more than 71,000 during the period, highlighting the need for robust fire investigation capabilities.
Practical Takeaways for UK Fire Safety Professionals
Review your team's current qualifications to identify opportunities for professional development.
Participate in the SFJ Awards consultation to influence the development of fire investigation qualifications.
Stay informed about updates to the NFCC Competency Framework and Code of Practice.
Sources
International Fire & Safety Journal
