When it comes to fire safety, one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner, landlord, or property manager is choosing who carries out your Fire Risk Assessment.
You might have already heard that the law requires a “competent person” to do it—but what does that really mean?
And how can you be sure the person you hire is genuinely qualified and capable?
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to choose a competent fire risk assessor—what to look for, what to avoid, and how to protect your people, property, and peace of mind.
Why Competency Matters
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person (that’s usually you) is required to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.
That assessment must be done by someone competent—which means they must have the training, experience, and knowledge to do it properly.
If the person you choose gets it wrong, you’re still legally responsible. So picking the right assessor isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential.
1. Check Their Qualifications
While qualifications aren’t legally required, they are the most reliable way to demonstrate competency—especially now that recent fire safety legislation strongly encourages using formally qualified assessors.
Look for someone who holds:
- A Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment (minimum standard)
- A Level 4 or Level 6 Diploma for high-risk or complex buildings
- Evidence of regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Up-to-date knowledge of the latest fire safety laws and regulations
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, all our fire risk assessors hold at least a Level 3 qualification, with many holding Level 6, giving our clients full confidence in our professionalism and expertise.
2. Look for Membership of a Professional Body
A great way to identify trustworthy and experienced assessors is by checking if they’re a member of a recognised industry organisation. Ideally, your assessor should be a member of:
- The Institute of Fire Safety Managers
- The IFE Register of Fire Risk Assessors and Auditors
- A UKAS-accredited or third-party certified body
These memberships show that the assessor is held to a code of conduct and subject to peer review and professional oversight.
At ESI, we’re proud to say our assessors are IFSM members, which reflects our commitment to excellence and keeping up with the highest standards in the industry.
3. Ask for Relevant Experience
Qualifications are essential—but experience counts too. Your assessor should have direct experience with the type of building you’re responsible for. Fire risks vary significantly between:
- Blocks of flats or HMOs
- Offices and shops
- Warehouses and industrial units
- Schools, nurseries, or care homes
- Community spaces and religious buildings
Ask for examples of recent assessments they’ve carried out in similar premises. A good assessor won’t mind sharing references or case studies.
4. Make Sure You Get a Written Report
Since October 2023, it’s now a legal requirement for all Fire Risk Assessments to be recorded in writing—regardless of business size or staffing levels. That means your assessor must provide a clear, comprehensive, and site-specific report.
Beware of assessors offering vague checklists or generic templates—they won’t meet legal standards and won’t help you in the event of an inspection or fire.
Your report should include:
- Identified fire hazards
- People at risk
- Evaluation of risk and recommended actions
- Priority levels and timescales
- A plan for review and maintenance
At ESI, all our assessments come with a full written report, presented in plain English with practical advice—not just pages of technical jargon.
5. Don’t Be Fooled by Cheap Prices
We understand cost matters—but when it comes to fire safety, cheaper isn’t always better.
If someone offers a fire risk assessment at a price that seems too good to be true, ask yourself:
- Are they qualified?
- Are they insured?
- Will the report stand up to scrutiny from the Fire and Rescue Authority or insurers?
Remember, a poor assessment can lead to enforcement notices, prosecution, or insurance issues—not to mention the risk to lives and property.
With ESI, you get fair pricing for fully qualified, insured, and experienced assessors—with no shortcuts or scare tactics.
6. Check for Insurance and Guarantees
Always check that your fire risk assessor has Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance. This protects you in the unlikely event something goes wrong.
At ESI, we’re fully insured, and we stand by the quality of our work. We’re also happy to answer any follow-up questions or provide additional support after the assessment—because fire safety is an ongoing responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a competent fire risk assessor isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about making sure your building, your people, and your reputation are properly protected.
To recap, a good assessor should be:
✅ Properly qualified
✅ Experienced with your type of building
✅ A member of a recognised professional body (like the IFE)
✅ Fully insured
✅ Able to provide a detailed, written, and legally compliant report
Need a professional fire risk assessment from a qualified team you can trust?
📞 Contact ESI today or book online. We work with landlords, businesses, and agents across Camberley, Farnborough, Guildford, Reading, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire areas—making fire safety clear, compliant, and stress-free.
