The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has a structured disciplinary process designed to uphold professional standards, promote ethical behaviour, and ensure the credibility of the profession.
Complaints are submitted in writing, using the required form, outlining alleged breaches of the IFE’s Code of Conduct. The complaints are reviewed to determine if it falls within its jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient prima facie evidence of a breach of the IFE Code of Conduct. Following initial review, where the complaint proceeds, it will be assessed by members of the IFE Ethics Panel through peer review. The panel comprises of fire engineering professionals who hold membership and/or registration with the IFE and Engineering Council. The role of the panel is to evaluate the facts, review evidence, and determine if there is a case to answer based on professional norms and standards.
The Ethics Panel oversees the investigation and assessment of complaints that relate to breaches of the Code of Conduct. This panel ensures that any alleged breaches of the IFE’s Code of Conduct are evaluated against ethical principles. Their role is to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation of the alleged misconduct and to determine if any sanction is required. Sanctions may range from warnings and retraining requirements to suspension or expulsion from membership.
The Professional Standards Committee (PSC) acts as the ultimate oversight body for disciplinary cases. Its responsibilities include:
- Reviewing findings from peer review and Ethics Panel oversight.
- Reviewing investigation outcomes and deliberating on sanctions if a breach is confirmed.
- Ensuring consistency, fairness, and alignment with IFE’s mission and standards.
Decisions regarding sanctions issued are published in accordance with the IFE policy to reinforce the IFE’s commitment to professional accountability.
The inclusion of Peer Review ensures decisions are grounded in technical and industry knowledge. Ethics Panel emphasises adherence to ethical principles critical to public trust in the profession. The PSC provides an impartial and formal platform to provide oversight to all cases, balancing fairness to the member and the need to uphold IFE professional standards.
This structured process ensures that the IFE can effectively address misconduct while promoting fairness, transparency, and the integrity of fire engineering as a profession.
The IFE Disciplinary Procedure can be found .
The IFE Policy for Publishing the Outcome of Ethics Disciplinary Cases can be found .
Decisions regarding sanctions issued are published in accordance with the IFE policy to reinforce the IFE’s commitment to professional accountability. Where it is in the public interest, the IFE also shares disciplinary sanctions, in confidence, with other relevant parties where appropriate.
We make every effort to follow up on sanctions to ensure compliance; however, we rely on being informed of any non-compliance and do not have the authority to enforce legal penalties.