About the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Protection work
The NFCC’s Protection and Building Safety work all sits within the remit of the NFCC’s Protection and Business Safety (PBS) Committee.
Protection Policy and Reform Unit (PPRU)
Following funding secured from Home Office (HO) and Ministry of Housing and Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) the NFCC have established the Protection Policy and Reform Unit (PPRU) to provide the link between Fire & Rescue Services (FRSs) and Government by representing the collective views and expert technical advice of FRSs.
The PPRU reports into the Chair of the NFCC Protection and Business Safety Committee who in turn sits on the NFCC Steering Group. The Steering Group sets the strategic direction for the NFCC.
The overarching objectives and purpose of the unit is to:
- Promote a consistent and co-ordinated approach to fire safety legislation
- Support and promote the swift remediation of buildings
- Support the Government reform agenda
- Provide NFCC capacity to deal with new and emerging demands
For more information on NFCC Protection and Business Safety follow this link
Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Governments
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has established the Building Safety Programme to make sure that buildings are safe - and people feel safe - now, and in the future.
The government has banned combustible materials in the external walls of high rise residential buildings of 18 metres and over, and following a review into its effectiveness, is now consulting on extending the ban significantly further, including lowering the 18 metres height threshold to 11 metres.
With the support of local fire and rescue services and a panel of independent expert advisers, MHCLG is supporting building owners in taking immediate steps to ensure their residents’ safety and in making decisions on any remedial work that is necessary to do.
The programme is working with building owners, housing providers, schools, hospitals and the construction industry, including an Industry Response Group
For more information on MHCLG Building Safety programme follow this link
Health & Safety Executive
The Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the draft Building Safety Regulator Bill ahead of pre-legislative scrutiny, in which HSE is formally named as the new regulator.
The government has asked HSE to establish a new building safety regulator in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and following recommendations in the 'Building a Safer Future' report by Dame Judith Hackitt.
The new regulator will oversee the safe design, construction and occupation of high-risk buildings so that residents are safe and feel safe. It will be independent and give expert advice to local regulators, landlords and building owners, the construction and building design industry, and to residents.
For more information on Health & Safety Executive Building Safety follow this link
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS site contains advice for the public, building owners, landlords, corporate occupiers and RICS professionals and information on fire safety on buildings with external wall systems.
Amongst all of the information available on this page, RICS professionals can find the latest industry guidance and news on valuing properties with cladding and personal indemnity insurance.
Building owners and landlords can access information on requirements and standards related to fire safety.
Members of the public can understand more about the EWS process, find out how RICS is involved in global standards for fire safety, and access the latest Government advice
For more information on RICS follow this link