Growing fire safety industry organisation Fire Aware is driving the move for cultural change by raising moral and ethical standards across the built environment sector through a code of conduct and series of charters.
By raising the consideration of responsible behaviour in all of those working in the supply chain, and in doing so helping to support technical knowledge wherever possible, it believes it can make a difference in delivering the cultural change in the construction industry demanded by Dame Judith Hackitt in 2018.
Gavin Skelly, CEO of Fire Aware, said: “We’re already seeing a lot of interest in our organisation and what we stand for. Membership is growing quickly and the organisations joining us want to adhere to all best practice. We are seeking to shift the culture of the built environment sector both morally and technically. We believe in setting standards.
“Importantly, the visible moral position of member companies can also be performance tested, ensuring the services they provide are in line with their moral undertakings. Under performance can be monitored by the Fire Aware organisation and agreed action taken in the event of consistent disregard for the safety of those who inhabit the buildings we create and manage.”
The 2018 Hackitt Review into building regulations and fire safety found that the industry had a tendency to focus on cost-saving rather than building safety, and it demanded that the onus for safety be placed on the entire industry, from design to completion and maintenance.
The Fire Aware Charter Conditions do not seek to override any legal obligations as specifically imposed by those of sector-specific professions. All members must abide and comply with the law and regulations that are relevant within their specialism in addition to the Fire Aware Code of Conduct, and relevant charter.
Supporting the code, Fire Aware’s series of charters apply to main contractors, property developers, building management, designers, local councils, specialist contractors and sub-contractors.
The charters ask the member business to consider the safety of the end user, and to go above and beyond minimum standards to promote an enthusiasm within the member business to identify itself as a business that cares. It also recognises those outside of the fire sector, who, while holding a duty of care are not specifically part of the fire sector.
Gavin Skelly added: “We and our members are addressing the wider issues of safety in the interests of those people using the buildings and spaces we create. We are asking any organisation considering how to improve their moral and technical standards of operating in the built environment to talk to us.”
Fire Aware is a growing, recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public.
