Conference

UK&I Fire Safety Conference

Online

Overview

The fire safety landscape across the UK and Ireland continues to shift as the Building Safety Act, Gateway regimes and Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations reshape professional responsibility. The 2025 conference brought together hundreds of surveyors, fire engineers, building control teams, dutyholders and legal specialists to unpack how these changes are playing out on real projects. Through practical case studies, regulator insights and cross-disciplinary discussion, delegates gained clearer direction on compliance, risk management and the Golden Thread in action.

Building on these learnings, the 2026 conference will focus on what’s working, emerging challenges, and the next wave of competence and regulatory expectations. Expect deeper guidance on external wall assessment, enforcement trends, retrofit complexity and multi-team collaboration across the building lifecycle equipping you with the tools, clarity and confidence to deliver safer, more resilient buildings.

Key themes and takeaways from 2025

Fire Safety in the UK – Where Are We Now?- A high-level update on how the sector is responding to post-Grenfell reforms, rising expectations, and the cultural shift toward stronger accountability and competence.

The State of the Fire Safety System - An honest look at how far implementation has progressed, what barriers remain, and where collaboration between regulators, fire services and dutyholders still needs improvement.

Using AI to Enhance Collaboration and Competency - A forward-looking discussion on how AI and digital tools can improve clarity, support decision-making, and strengthen cross-discipline collaboration.

Fire Safety Regulation Across the UK – Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - A comparison of how each devolved nation is approaching fire safety, highlighting different frameworks, enforcement styles and upcoming reforms.

Who Really Owns Fire Safety in Complex Projects? - A session exposing blurred accountability on complex schemes and stressing the need for clearer roles, better communication and aligned responsibilities.

PAS 9980 in Practice – What’s Working, What’s Changing - A practical update on how PAS 9980 is being applied, the challenges professionals face, and where the guidance may evolve next.

The Golden Thread in Practice - A demonstration of how digital information is being managed across a building’s lifecycle, and the challenges of keeping records accurate and consistent.

Building Confidence in Fire Safety – Getting the Client–Professional Relationship Right - A discussion on strengthening client understanding of fire safety advice and improving collaboration to avoid unclear roles or blind delegation.

Understanding the New Gateway Regimes of the Building Safety Act - A step-by-step explanation of what each Gateway requires and how teams can better prepare documentation, competence evidence and coordination.

Fire Safety Skills and Capacity – Who Will Deliver Tomorrow’s Standards? - A call to address workforce shortages by building a stronger, future-ready pipeline of competent fire safety professionals.

Hear from previous attendees

“An excellent line-up with relevant, engaging topics and a great opportunity to network with peers.”

“Well organised, well attended and packed with topical subjects that will stay relevant over the next year.”

“A topical and worthwhile event with excellent sessions. It’s always good to connect with fellow professionals.”

Speakers

Dr Barbara Lane CEng FREng FRSE, Fellow, Arup
Nick Coombe, Head of Service Support Prevention & Protection, London Fire Brigade
Paul Nash, Director, Paul Nash Consultancy
David McCullogh FRICS, Building Safety Team, Balfour Beatty
Lucy Wild, Senior Associate, Walker Morris
Gary Strong FRICS, Global Director of Building Standards, RICS
Alan McAulay MRICS, Director, Scottish Building Standards Hub, Scottish Government
Michaela Perry-Kay MRICS, Senior Building Control Surveyor, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Suzanne Horsley MRICS, Executive Director of Property, MTVH
Aman Sharma MBE, CEO, Totus Digital
David Savage, Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys
Ray Quinn, Director, BB7
Ben Ralph, Director, Hollis
Aled Williams, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Director, UBE