In this edition of Fire Safety Matters' “Under the Microscope” feature, we profile Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Fire Safety Team, based in the West Midlands. Led by experienced healthcare fire safety professionals, the team specialises in fire safety management within complex mental health inpatient environments, including life safety Fire Risk Assessments and the development of Regulation 38 Fire Strategy documentation. In May 2025, the Trust achieved BAFE SP205 Fire Risk Assessment certification through SSAIB, demonstrating its commitment to competence, robust fire risk assessment management and independently audited standards.
This article explores some of the key challenges currently facing fire safety within the public healthcare sector, including shortages in specialist healthcare fire risk assessment competence, limited funding and the need for fire safety to be recognised as a distinct profession from health and safety. It highlights how Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is working to raise standards through BAFE SP205 certification, internal staff development and specialist expertise in complex healthcare environments. The team has also delivered bespoke CPD training to West Midlands Fire Service Inspectors and plans to extend this training to other Fire and Rescue Services across the country. Looking ahead, the Trust hopes to establish a national committee for BAFE SP205 certified NHS Trusts, collaborate with other healthcare organisations and help develop greater consistency and higher standards of fire safety competence across the NHS.
Link to full article (Found on page 70) - https://www.flipsnack.com/E59F88BBDC9/fsm-aug-sept-26-issue
