In anticipation of a nationally recognised register of fire risk assessors, the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) has recommended its members to seek independent certification through a UKAS-accredited scheme.

Speaking at the Institute’s recent technical day in Birmingham, IFSM general secretary, Bob Docherty, outlined the moves towards a national register, and said the best way forward for its risk assessor members was to gain certification through a scheme such as that run by Warrington Certification and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Simon Ince of Warrington Certification highlighted the preliminary work on a joint venture being developed by the certification body and the IFSM which would offer members a reduced fee for the certification process.

The IFSM, Warrington Certification and RICS are all represented on a working group which is considering national competence criteria and a potential national register, and is being chaired by Iain Cox, chief officer of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.