The Engineering Council has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Single Construction Regulator Prospectus and the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel’s authoritative statement, setting out the principles that should underpin future regulation of fire engineering, including the title and role of fire engineer. This follows the Phase 2 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which made a number of important recommendations relating to the engineering profession.
The Engineering Council welcomes the Government’s commitment to strengthening public safety through the development of a highly skilled, sustainable fire engineering workforce, underpinned by robust standards of competence and professional accountability.
We exist to establish and raise standards across engineering sectors and industries to maintain a trustworthy and accountable engineering profession that is competent and committed to protect people, support responsible and sustainable development, and safeguard society and the environment, now and for future generations. In May this year we formally launched the Register of engineers and technicians professionally-qualified to the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB) to promote greater competence and compliance in the built environment.
We strongly support the Government’s expectation that fire engineering delivers safe buildings through a resilient and competent workforce that operates ethically, is accountable for the protection of life, and maintains the confidence of the public. This must be supported by clear and viable education and career pathways, enabling the profession to attract, develop and retain the skills needed both now and in the future.
We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and with our Licensed professional engineering institutions, including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), to support safe, high-performing built environments. This work is grounded in ensuring the competence, capacity and conduct of those working across the built environment, within a regulatory system that incentivises responsible behaviour and enables all actors in the building system to play their part in achieving positive outcomes. Above all, the system must give building users confidence that safety and the needs of occupants are prioritised.
Engineering Council CEO, Paul Bailey said:
"The publication of both the Prospectus for the Single Construction Regulator and the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel’s authoritative statement marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the systems that keep people safe. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, it is right that the Government sets clear expectations for competence, accountability and ethical practice, particularly for those whose work directly affects the safety of life.
Engineering exists to serve society. A strong, trusted fire engineering profession, supported by clear regulation and oversight across the whole construction system, is essential to delivering buildings that are safe, resilient and fit for the future. The Engineering Council looks forward to continuing to work with Government, regulators and our Licensed professional engineering institutions to ensure that high professional standards, robust education and clear accountability remain at the heart of the built environment, so that public trust is earned and maintained.”
The Government has indicated that it will consult on the outcomes and objectives for the future regulatory system through a call for evidence in 2026.
For press enquiries:
Helen Potts, Engineering Council – hpotts@engc.org.uk, 020 3206 0568
The Engineering Council holds the national Register of Engineering Technicians (EngTech), Incorporated Engineers (IEng), Chartered Engineers (CEng) and Information and Communication Technology Technicians (ICTTech). It also sets and maintains the internationally recognised standards of competence and ethics that govern the award and retention of these titles. By this means it is able to ensure that employers, government and wider society, both at home and overseas, can have confidence in the skills and commitment of registrants. For more information visit: www.engc.org.uk