SSAIB News

SSAIB are delighted to confirm our attendance at this year’s Fire Industry Manufacturers’ (FIM) Expo, which is taking place on Wednesday October 16, 2019 at Bramall Lane; the home of Sheffield United FC.

SSAIB will be attending the event – which is open from 8:30am to 2:30pm and is free to attend - alongside BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), so any registered firms for our fire schemes – or any firms looking to join SSAIB for these certification schemes - will be able to discuss any queries that they have with our team at the event and get the answers to any questions they have there and then.


Organised by the Fire Industry Association (FIA), FIM Expo features many of the UK's leading fire detection and alarm manufacturers and focuses on showcasing the latest products and developments in this sector of the industry. With an average of 25 exhibitors over the last few years, FIM Expo has also grown to become the best local expo for the fire industry.

With a wide range of exhibitors confirmed so far, FIM Expo is for anyone working in this area - whether as an installer or maintainer of fire detection and alarm systems, a manager of such systems in commercial premises or as an architect or person specifying what type of fire protection systems should be installed in a building.

The FIA will also be hosting two free CPD-accredited seminars at the Expo. The subjects for both sessions are yet to be confirmed, but they will focus on key topics affecting the FD&A world.

The Fire Industry Association will also have a stand, so that those interested can meet the Membership Manager and enquire about the benefits of FIA membership (which includes discounts on fire protection training and qualifications, and the possibility of a stand at future FIM Expos.)

The shortlist has been announced for this year’s Women in Security Awards, which SSAIB are proud to be hosting in London next month alongside our own SSAIB 25 celebrations.

The sold-out black tie event, which is being held aboard the Dixie Queen riverboat on the River Thames on Thursday September 12, will see five Women in Security Awards presentations taking place for the first time ever – after WiS organisers Professional Security added a new Contribution to Industry category to the list of awards that recognises the achievements of females working in the security sector.

With nominations having closed just one week ago, the awards team have wasted no time in announcing the three finalists for each category; Security Manager, Frontline, Business Manager, Technical and Contribution to Industry.

For a full list of the shortlisted nominees, please visit https://www.professionalsecurity.co.uk/wis/.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, SSAIB has had no option but to cancel the planned regional meeting in Belfast next month.

The scheduled meeting was due to take place on Wednesday September 4 at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast, but we have now been made aware that this meeting is unable to go ahead at this time.

SSAIB will still be making the trip to the Northern Irish capital 24 hours earlier though, with the leading certification body for the security and fire industries being in attendance at Security TWENTY 19 Belfast at the Europa Hotel on Tuesday September 3. This is then quickly followed by a quick jump over the border for Security TWENTY 19 Dublin two days later (Thursday September 5.)

We would welcome any of our registered firms that had previously registered for our Belfast meeting to visit us at either of the Belfast or Dublin shows that week, where our team will be happy to discuss any enquiries or feedback you may have.

SSAIB can only apologise for any inconvenience that this cancellation has caused.

Due to the continued success of the ever-growing leading certification body for the security and fire industries, SSAIB are welcoming applications for the role of Management Systems scheme manager.

Full details for the role can be found here in our Employment Opportunities section, while anyone looking to apply should forward their CV to Karen Rowley ([email protected].)

BAFE, the independent register of quality fire safety service providers, have released the revised Scheme Document for their Fire Risk Assessment Scheme (BAFE SP205).

Following a thorough review process and a five week public consultation period, BAFE have launched the revised document for Fire Risk Assessment providers. A major point of the review was to maintain the robust certification process whilst acknowledging the large number of sole traders and in-house fire safety teams looking to gain this independent evidence of their competency.

With assessments delivered via UKAS-accredited certification bodies such as SSAIB, BAFE remains fiercely confident that the SP205 scheme continues to represent the best measures of competency in providing the vital service of fire risk assessment.

BAFE chief executive Stephen Adams explained: “After the Lakanal House fire in July 2009, BAFE and other organisations were asked by government to provide a competency scheme for fire risk assessments - which we delivered in 2012. This major review reflects our ongoing commitment to quality and safety regarding the importance of a Fire Risk Assessors competency to perform this task in the interest of life safety.

"As the Hackitt Review groups reach their conclusions, we will continue to review this scheme against new requirements that arise.”

Notable changes to the BAFE SP205 Scheme Document include:

- Revised, clearer Management System requirements for Sole Traders with guidance.

- A specific Sole Trader application process, acknowledging current membership status to a professional trade body and/or current certification.