As 2024 draws to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with impactful events, significant milestones, and strengthened collaborations - all in the name of advancing fire engineering and safety worldwide. Here’s a recap of some of the key highlights that have defined our year:
Global engagement
This year, the IFE continued to expand its presence and engage with professionals around the world by participating in and hosting numerous high-profile events. From the Fire Safety Event and Emergency Services Show to our own FIRE Conference, we’ve championed critical discussions and innovations in fire safety.
We also made our mark internationally, attending the IFSJ Leaders Conferences in Dubai, IFE Singapore, and IFE Australia events, as well as the Tall Buildings Safety event in Indianapolis. These gatherings offer unparalleled opportunities to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and foster global connections. As the year concluded, we were excited to take part in London Build and Anticipate London, both being new events for IFE as we continue to promote the reach and relevance of the IFE with new audiences.
Grenfell Phase 2 Report: Collaborative leadership and reform
The release of the Grenfell Phase 2 report marked a pivotal moment for the fire safety sector. The IFE hosted a thought-provoking roundtable discussion, bringing together experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders. This ongoing conversation has showcased the power of collaboration in driving meaningful reforms and has underscored the importance of showcasing competency within our profession. We remain committed to playing a central role in advancing these discussions into 2025 and beyond.
Celebrating the IFE’s first woman presidency
Hayley Burgess’s tenure has been a defining moment this year, a milestone that symbolises progress and inclusivity within the sector. This historic moment is both a reflection of how far we’ve come and an inspiration for the path ahead, as we continue to foster a culture that values diverse voices and perspectives.
We express our warmest appreciation to Hayley for her remarkable tenure. Her tireless devotion and leadership has been key in expanding our global reach through her presence at events and thought leadership. We’re looking forward to continuing to work alongside Hayley and carrying on her vision.
Empowering future leaders: Early Careers Networking Group (ECNG)
In 2024, we proudly launched the ECNG, a dynamic platform that was designed to support the next generation of fire safety professionals. This new space is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent and providing early-career professionals with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The group has received an enthusiastic response from our community, and we look forward to growing this network further, and encourage all starting out in their career to join.
Charting a bold new course: our strategy
This year we worked alongside our members and external stakeholders to develop our new strategic vision. Our strategy, ‘Leading Fire Safety’, sets a clear direction for the IFE as we continue to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing world and aims to inspire excellence through knowledge, professional standards and collaboration.
Officially launching in January 2025, four key themes underline the strategy which includes: skills, development and innovation; trust and reputation; organisational sustainability and engagement; and global influence and advocacy. We thank everyone that took the time to contribute to the strategy and hope members will feel empowered by its content and we continue to navigate fire safety together.
Championing EDI: A step towards greater inclusivity
In partnership with EqualEngineers, we took significant strides in understanding and addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the fire safety sector. Our EDI survey revealed critical insights, including trends in women’s experiences and broader challenges faced by underrepresented groups. We extend our genuine thanks to everyone who participated in the survey; your honesty and openness are integral to building a more inclusive profession.
The findings give a complete view of the sector’s present state, and we want to use these insights to inspire genuine change. The next phases in this journey will begin in early 2025, with focus groups to enhance our understanding and design concrete routes to move forward. Stay tuned for an invitation to participate.
Looking ahead to 2025
As we close this chapter, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance fire safety and engineering across the globe. The events, initiatives, and collaborations of 2024 have set a strong foundation for the future, and we’re eager to build upon this momentum.
We thank our members, partners, and the broader fire safety community for your unwavering support, engagement, and dedication. Together, we’ve made significant strides this year, and together, we will continue to make an impact.