Self-declared competence in fire risk assessment is finally coming to a much-needed end. For far too long, proving competence as a Fire Risk Assessor has been incredibly inconsistent, with legislation lacking a clear definition of who a ‘competent person’ is. The British Standards Institute has recently published a framework for assessing the competence of fire risk assessors. 

Introducing BS 8674:2025 – The New Competence Standard 

The new British Standard: BS 8674:2025 was released in August 2025, and sets out clear levels of competence for fire risk assessors. BS 8674 is a new nationally recognised standard that defines what ‘competent’ really means.

This new framework is driven by the need for clarity in the health and safety sector, as well as recommendations made in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report. The Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017 highlighted the urgent need for mandatory accreditation and qualifications for fire risk assessors.

What BS 8674 Will Include

This framework establishes a tiered model of competence for fire risk assessors. Each level demonstrates an assessor’s knowledge, skills, and experience, ensuring competence is measured consistently across the industry. 

Foundation
This is the basic level of competence and is suitable for new entrants to the field and those doing fire risk assessments on simple premises, e.g. low-risk environments like small offices or shops with minimal occupancy.

Intermediate
This is aimed at more experienced assessors who are responsible for buildings of medium risk or complexity, such as public venues or mid-rise residential properties.

Advanced
This is for highly experienced professionals and complex, high-risk environments like hospitals, large public venues or high-rise residential buildings.

These standards are applicable across all sectors, from education and healthcare facilities to residential and commercial properties.

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BS 8674 also outlines the specific expectations for Fire Risk Assessors at each level of competence. It focuses on non-invasive assessments based on visual examinations and relevant records, and aligns with BS 8670:2024 to provide greater consistency across the wider framework of fire safety.

BS 8674 does not include any information on how to perform a fire risk assessment, nor does it include information on the design, testing or maintenance of fire protection systems, as these are covered by other standards such as PAS 79-1 and BS 9792:2025.

Collaboration and Industry Backing

BS 8674 is the result of collaboration between the UK government, independent regulators, and stakeholders in the industry, as well as recent legislation like the Fire Safety Act 2021, the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. This collaboration provides a much-needed benchmark for duty holders, clients and health and safety professionals, allowing for career progression and more consistent professional practice.

Mandatory Competence and Accreditation

The Home Office has confirmed its plan to make competence mandatory. This means that fire risk assessors will need to be independently verified through a UKAS-accredited scheme such as the IFSM Tiered Fire Risk Assessor Register, of which our Fire Risk Assessors are members.

The Future of Fire Safety

It is clear that being accredited to the BS 8674 standard through a UKAS-accredited scheme will soon become the benchmark for fire risk assessor compliance, promoting higher standards, accountability, and trust across the health and safety sector.

This standard marks an important step in the right direction, but it is not the only framework guiding competence and good practice. Other key standards, such as PAS 79-1, which offers comprehensive guidance on conducting and recording fire risk assessments, and BS 9792:2025, which focuses specifically on fire risks in residential settings, also play an essential role in shaping consistent, high-quality fire safety management.

Together, these standards form part of a wider effort to professionalise the industry and ensure that every fire risk assessment, whether in a small business or a complex high-rise, is carried out with the highest level of expertise and integrity.

Our fire risk assessors are committed to upholding these standards, maintaining recognised accreditations, and continuing professional development to ensure every assessment meets the highest level of compliance and care. If you need a Fire Risk Assessor accredited under BS 8674, contact Optimum Safety today.