Steve Hamm, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), outlines new initiatives for 2026, reinforcing IFE’s mission to help fire professionals worldwide excel in their careers.
This year, we continue our commitment to progress, innovation, and inclusivity within the fire sector, with a specific focus on empowering and equipping fire professionals. From supporting early careers to championing lifelong professional development, IFE is dedicated to shaping a safer, stronger future for all.
Shaping the future landscape
The IFE technical team remains actively involved in consultations and working groups shaping reforms into 2026. Working alongside government, regulators, and professional bodies the team are influencing competence frameworks, regulatory models, and standards.
A core focus of the team continues to be the regulation of fire risk assessors driven by concerns about competence, oversight and consistency identified through the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The UK government’s position confirms that reliance on voluntary schemes alone is no longer seen as sufficient. A more formal regulatory framework, supported by defined competence standards and oversight, is now firmly part of the reform programme. The UK government is expected to consult on the phased approach for risk assessor competence in higher-risk buildings in early 2026.
Alongside this, the regulation of fire engineers has moved to the forefront of the team’s workstreams. The publication of The Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement represents a significant milestone, setting out a government-backed view of what fire engineers do is, who should undertake the functions, and the levels of competence required. This is an important step in clarifying professional boundaries and responsibilities, and in distinguishing fire engineers from related technician roles, other disciplines and advisory roles.
While the technical team ensures expert input on proposed changes, a strong professional voice depends on broad member participation. Reforms will impact fire engineers and technicians across design, construction, regulation, and risk assessment. Members are encouraged to engage in consultations, share experience, and join discussions - essential steps for achieving practical, effective regulations.
Supporting members navigate fire safety challenges
With our world changing and new challenges constantly emerging, the IFE recognises the need to further support our members. We stand at the forefront of shaping guidance and advancing knowledge across the sector and embrace the responsibility to not only recognise and adapt to progressive change, but to lead it. By influencing standards and driving change, we ensure fire engineers and technicians remain equipped, empowered, and ready to define the future of safety.
We are developing our tools and educational services to better support our members and empower professionals worldwide to meet evolving challenges and drive real change.
New launches and activity
Later this month, the IFE will launch a dedicated monthly CPD email for its members. Curated to ensure members never miss an opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge, it highlights upcoming events, new and featured content on the CPD Hub, and useful learning resources. It is our way of ensuring members are fully informed and empowered in their professional development, making continuous learning easier and more accessible. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource – check you have opted in to receive IFE communications here.
To empower fire safety professionals worldwide and advance industry knowledge, the IFE has strengthened its qualifications offering with the introduction of digital exams. We have been integrating online exams over the past two years to ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them. We’ll continue to expand our digital offering as well as introduce fire risk assessor exams to our suite.
Developing future talent is key to advancing fire engineering. For the third-year running, we will take part in the National Apprenticeship Week campaign to shine a spotlight on the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships bring to the fire engineering profession and delve into how IFE membership has supported those starting out in their career. We are also excited to celebrate Chartered Week and Careers Week for the first time to promote fire engineering as a career and feature the incredible success stories of our members. Together, we are shaping a safer, smarter future.
As our environment evolves the expertise of fire engineers has never been more vital. Their role is not only growing in importance but in influence. At this pivotal moment going into 2026, our mission is clear: to lead with vision, set uncompromising standards, and inspire confidence across an ever-changing landscape.