New Standard Alert: BS 8674:2025

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released BS 8674:2025 – Built Environment: Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice.

So, what does this mean?

Raising the bar – For the first time, we now have a structured, measurable framework to define what a competent fire risk assessor looks like.

Supporting building safety reforms – The standard underpins the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022, ensuring consistency, accountability, and above all, safety.

Affects everyone – Whether you’re an assessor, an employer, or a client, this standard impacts the way fire risk assessments are delivered, procured, and reviewed.

What changes need to happen?

Organisations must align internal policies, contracts, and procurement to require compliance with BS 8674.

Assessors need to carry out a competence gap analysis, undertake CPD, and evidence skills, knowledge, and behaviours.

Clients and duty holders should be more rigorous in selecting assessors — asking for proof of compliance, not just past experience.

In short: BS 8674:2025 sets a new national benchmark. Competence is no longer a grey area — it’s now clearly defined, measurable, and essential for protecting life safety.

At Veritech we are here to support our customers and provide further advice on fire safety and ongoing changes in legislation and best practice. Our expertise regarding fire safety in secure environments is unmatched and ensures our customers stay ahead of changes before they are enforded.

I’d love to hear from others in the fire safety and built environment sectors — how do you see BS 8674:2025 changing your approach to fire risk assessment?

Stuart Wright
Director of Safety and Operations
CMgr FCMI, Cert IOSH, MIFSM