Recommendation P2-26: Establish mandatory fire risk assessor accreditation
From Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report, published 4 September 2024.
Recommendation
We therefore recommend that the government establish a system of mandatory accreditation to certify the competence of fire risk assessors by setting standards for qualification and continuing professional development and such other measures as may be considered necessary or desirable. We think it necessary for an accreditation system to be mandatory in order to ensure the competence of all those who offer their services as fire risk assessors. (113.41)
In brief (written by this site)
In September 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reported that it was analysing responses to a consultation on the fire risk assessor profession, intending to publish its response between October and December 2026 (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sep 2026). The department also stated in September 2026 that it plans to introduce primary legislation between 2027 and 2029 when parliamentary time allows, with a single regulator to be established and sector-specific accreditation requirements defined between 2028 and 2029 (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sep 2026).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
The government accepts this recommendation. We will legislate to make it a mandatory requirement for fire risk assessors to have the competence to perform this critical role independently verified by a UKAS-accredited Certification Body.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: This is the government's response to the Phase 2 report (CP 1248, published 26 February 2025). It prints each recommendation and then the response to it. Where the recommendation is addressed to a body outside government, the response prints that body's own acceptance (the Architects Registration Board and RIBA, HMICFRS, London Fire Brigade, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the British Standards Institution, the National Police Chiefs' Council), and the row is filed under that body.
Delivery
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says in progress (10 September 2026)
Timeline for delivery
2026
- Consultation launch. – Complete
- Publication of consultation response. – (Q4, Oct to Dec)
2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)
- Introduction of primary legislation.
2028 to 2029
- Single regulator established.
- Sector specific accreditation requirements defined.
Site note: This is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's progress report of September 2026 on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, fire and rescue services, the British Standards Institution or the Cabinet Office, it is the Ministry's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry.
Earlier statements on delivery (2)
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (10 September 2026)
On 26 March 2026, the government published a consultation on the fire risk assessor profession. The consultation closed on 18 June 2026 and we are currently analysing the responses received. We intend to publish the government’s response in Q4 (October to December) 2026.
Site note: This is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's progress report of September 2026 on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, fire and rescue services, the British Standards Institution or the Cabinet Office, it is the Ministry's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (25 February 2026)
Government accepted recommendation 26 of the Inquiry in full, committing to legislate to make it a mandatory requirement for those offering their services as fire risk assessors to have the competence to perform this critical role independently verified by an accredited Certification Body. We have developed cross-government, four nations and sector advisory groups which meet regularly to support delivery of this recommendation.
The British Standards Institution published ‘BS 8674:2025 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors - Code of Practice’ in August 2025. This British Standard is an important step forward for the profession, setting out industry’s expectations of fire risk assessors.
In the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus published in December 2025, we committed to consulting on proposals for the future of the fire risk assessor profession. We expect to publish this consultation in early 2026. Informed by consultation findings, we will introduce primary legislation when parliamentary time allows.
Site note: This is the annex of the government's Phase 2 annual report (CP 1512, published 25 February 2026) as GOV.UK publishes it, one page per theme: the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's account. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, the British Standards Institution, the Health and Safety Executive or the Cabinet Office, it is the report's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry. The status is what the passage says: completed only where it says the recommendation is complete or closed.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Mentions in Parliament
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Delivery statement