Over the past 18–24 months, one topic has generated consistent discussion within the fire risk assessment profession:
Templates.
On the surface, it may seem like a technical issue: layout, formatting, document structure.
But in reality, it goes much deeper…
Templates shape how risk is recorded.
How professional judgement is expressed.
How findings are interpreted.
And ultimately, how defensible an assessment is.
For a profession built on responsibility, that matters.
The Background
In 2023–2024, industry working groups were actively discussing the future structure and standardisation of fire risk assessment templates, particularly in the housing sector.
The aim was clear:
- Improve consistency
- Raise professional standards
- Align documentation with modern legislation
- Support competence frameworks
However, the general election paused progress.
In the meantime, government guidance was released, including structured checklists and simplified formats aimed primarily at responsible persons.
While well intentioned, many professional fire risk assessors felt something was missing.
The Concern
The templates published in government guidance are largely designed for duty holders carrying out basic risk assessments.
They are not structured around:
- Complex residential buildings
- Higher risk premises
- Detailed narrative reasoning
- Professional defensibility
And they are not written specifically for qualified fire risk assessors operating within competence frameworks.
This creates a problem.
Because when simplified templates are publicly available, they can create the impression that a “tick box” approach is sufficient, even where professional judgement, nuanced reasoning and experience are required.
Fire risk assessment is not a checklist exercise.
It is an informed professional opinion.
Standards vs. Checklists
The introduction of updated British Standards (such as BS 9792 for housing) represents a positive step towards structured methodology and consistent documentation.
However, standards alone do not resolve the wider issue:
Who defines how professional fire risk assessment should be documented?
And are practising assessors meaningfully involved in shaping that structure?
Templates should not just capture information.
They should:
- Allow space for professional reasoning
- Reflect proportionality
- Support defensible conclusions
- Align with competence expectations
- Protect both residents and assessors
If the documentation structure is wrong, it influences how risk is perceived.
And that has consequences.
Why This Is a Professional Issue
This debate is not about paperwork preference.
It is about:
- Professional integrity
- Consistency of standards
- Public safety
- Legal defensibility
- The future credibility of the profession
When guidance is produced without fully reflecting the lived experience of practising assessors, gaps appear between policy and practice.
Those gaps are felt on site, not in committee rooms.
Where FRAU Stands
FRAU believes:
- Templates and standards should be shaped with input from practising, competent assessors
- Documentation should support professional judgement, not restrict it
- Simplified guidance should not undermine the complexity of competent assessment
- Collective feedback from assessors is essential when shaping industry standards
This is exactly why a professional community matters.
Individual voices can be overlooked.
Collective professional experience carries weight.
Moving Forward
The conversation around templates is not over.
As legislation evolves and scrutiny increases, how fire risk assessments are structured and recorded will remain under the spotlight.
The profession deserves:
- Clarity
- Representation
- Collaboration
- A structured voice
FRAU was not created to criticise.
It was created to contribute.
Because when standards are developed with the input of those applying them daily, everyone benefits, assessors, responsible persons and most importantly, residents.
Join the Conversation
If you are a fire risk assessor navigating these changes…
If you have views on templates, methodology or standards…
If you believe the profession should help shape its own future…
FRAU invites you to be part of that discussion.
Professional standards are strongest when professionals are involved.
Join FRAU. Connect. Contribute. Strengthen the profession.
FRAU is a professional organisation representing fire risk assessors, companies, and landlords across the United Kingdom. Established in 2024, FRAU brings together skilled professionals dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of fire safety in buildings nationwide. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, FRAU works to enhance fire prevention measures, support its members, and contribute to the improvement of fire safety standards across the UK.
Web: frau.org.uk
Phone: 0121 630 3442
Email: info@frau.org.uk
Address: Holbeche House, 437 Shirley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, B27 7NX
