NFCC Protection Conference 2025: A Call for Clarity and Collaboration Amidst Change

This week, around 150 fire and rescue professionals gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon for NFCC’s Protection Conference. The event provided a vital platform for discussion on the evolving landscape of fire safety and protection, with key contributions from NFCC leaders, government representatives, and the wider sector.

NFCC’s new Protection Lead, Dave Russel, opened the conference by outlining his vision for Protection. He acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, describing the current climate as a “dust storm” of change and reform. He emphasised the need to maintain core Protection services while competing for national attention and aligning Protection with Prevention and Response.

Key government updates came from the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), who addressed the transition of fire safety responsibilities to the MHCLG, the government’s commitment to Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), fire risk assessor regulation, and the rollout of the Fire and Rescue Data and Performance (FARDAP) system. Representatives reinforced the Government’s commitment to placing residents at the heart of fire safety reforms. Discussions also covered regulatory strengthening, remediation guidance, and the need for sustainable funding to support fire services in implementing these changes effectively.

Throughout the conference, NFCC leaders emphasised the importance of organisational learning, workforce competence, and risk-based interventions. Further sessions explored the practical implementation of the Protection Fire Standard, the rollout of residential PEEPs, the balance between high-rise and high-risk considerations, and updates on risk-based intervention guidance. Delegates also heard from HMICFRS about progress in Protection since the first round of inspections in 2018, with improvements noted in consistency and staffing, but challenges remaining around training and capacity.

With major policy changes ahead and continued scrutiny on fire safety, the conference underscored the need for collaboration across government, fire services, and industry stakeholders. NFCC remains committed to ensuring that Protection keeps pace with reform while maintaining its core mission: keeping people and buildings safe.