Jamie Morgan, Principal Fire Safety Consultant at ESI: Fire Safety, achieved Tier 2 registration on the National Fire Risk Assessors Register on 6 October 2025. The registration corresponds with the Intermediate competence level used within the developing national framework for individual fire risk assessors.
The achievement provides independent professional recognition of Jamie’s knowledge, experience and practical capability as a fire risk assessor. It followed a structured process that considered his qualifications, recent assessment work and professional experience, together with a knowledge-based examination.
For responsible persons, landlords and building managers, a professional register offers a useful way to check that an assessor has been reviewed by an organisation outside their own business. It does not remove the need to confirm that the assessor has suitable experience for the particular building, but it provides an additional layer of assurance.
What is the National Fire Risk Assessors Register?
The NFRAR is administered by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. The IFSM is a professional, non-profit body that promotes fire prevention, fire protection, professional competence and continued development across the fire safety sector.
The register is publicly searchable and is structured around levels of competence. Its current framework uses Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced categories, reflecting the assessor’s knowledge, experience and the complexity of buildings they are competent to assess.
At the time of Jamie’s registration, the relevant category was known as the Tier 2 Competent Fire Risk Assessors Register. Tier 2 was intended for assessors deemed competent to work on premises ranging from simple or less complex buildings to buildings of medium complexity and normal risk.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of practical fire risk assessment work and undertake a formal competency examination appropriate to the level sought. Intermediate registrants are also subject to continuing professional development and periodic review.
Independent recognition of fire risk assessment competence
“Being accepted onto the National Fire Risk Assessors Register at Tier 2 is an important professional milestone for me and for ESI: Fire Safety.
Fire risk assessment is not simply about completing a checklist or producing a report. It requires a proper understanding of buildings, fire development, escape routes, fire protection systems, management arrangements and the people who may be placed at risk.
Having my competence examined and recognised by an independent professional body gives clients additional reassurance that the advice they receive is based on suitable knowledge, practical experience and professional judgement.”
A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment must reflect the actual use and condition of the premises. It should identify hazards, consider the people at risk, evaluate the adequacy of existing precautions and provide a clear action plan where improvements are needed.
The work may involve fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire doors, compartmentation, extinguishers, evacuation procedures, staff training, housekeeping, electrical ignition risks, dangerous substances and the building’s overall fire strategy.
ESI: Fire Safety carries out fire risk assessments for businesses, landlords and property managers across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, London and the wider South East. The company also provides fire door inspections, DSEAR assessments and wider consultancy.
Alignment with BS 8674:2025
Jamie’s registration came shortly after the British Standards Institution published BS 8674:2025, Built environment. Framework for competence of individual fire risk assessors. Code of practice, on 15 August 2025.
The Standard established a common framework for assessing and assuring the competence of individuals carrying out general, non-invasive fire risk assessments in occupied buildings. It defines Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels to reflect different degrees of building complexity and risk.
BS 8674:2025 focuses on what an assessor needs to know and be able to do. It considers skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours rather than relying on attendance at a training course alone. It does not set out the fire risk assessment process itself and it does not provide organisational certification.
For clients, this distinction is important. A qualification demonstrates learning, but competence also requires practical experience and the ability to apply professional judgement to the circumstances of a particular building.
“The introduction of BS 8674:2025 is an important development for the fire risk assessment profession because it provides a clearer and more consistent benchmark for competence.
Clients should be able to understand not only whether an assessor has completed a training course, but also whether they have the practical experience, technical knowledge and professional judgement needed for the type and complexity of building being assessed.
My Tier 2 registration, Level 4 fire risk assessment training and ongoing professional development align with the principles of the Intermediate level described within the national framework.”
Why the right assessor matters
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person. Where that person appoints someone to assist with preventive and protective measures, the person appointed must be competent for the work they undertake.
Competence should be considered in relation to the building. An assessor who is suitable for a small office may not have the experience needed for a complex residential building, care environment, major industrial process or site involving specialist fire engineering issues.
The NFRAR advises clients to verify registration, qualifications, insurance and experience with similar premises. That final point remains essential. A register is a valuable indicator, but the appointment should still be matched to the use, risk and complexity of the building.
Continuing professional development
Registration is not the end of the process. Fire safety legislation, standards, guidance and building technologies continue to change. Competent assessors must maintain records of learning, review their work and recognise the limits of their own capability.
“Registration does not mean that professional development stops. I will continue investing in qualifications, technical study and practical experience so that the service we provide remains informed, proportionate and practical.
The aim is not simply to hold a place on a register. It is to keep improving the quality of the assessments and advice delivered to every client.”
Jamie’s professional background can be viewed on LinkedIn. To discuss a fire risk assessment or wider fire safety consultancy requirement, visit ESI: Fire Safety or call 01276 300351.
