At present, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the ‘responsible person’ must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment (FRA) is carried out. However, there is no single prescribed qualification or register for assessors. The focus remains on ensuring that whoever conducts the assessment is competent.

• Legal duty: The responsible person must ensure the FRA is suitable and sufficient.
• Competence: Demonstrated through experience, relevant training, professional membership, or third-party accreditation.
• Best practice: Use accredited organisations (e.g., BAFE SP205) or individuals registered under schemes such as the IFSM Tiered Fire Risk Assessors Register.

The Building Safety (Wales) Bill marks a major shift in how fire safety, building safety, and assessor competence are regulated. Introduced in July 2025, it aims to bring Wales in line with post-Grenfell safety reforms while reflecting devolved governance.

• Regulated buildings: New categories (1–3) based on height and occupancy levels determine the level of safety oversight required.
• Competent person requirement: Fire risk assessments in regulated buildings must be completed by individuals or organisations that are demonstrably competent.
• Structural safety assessments: Category 1 & 2 buildings must also have structural risk assessments, requiring collaboration between assessors and engineers.
• Golden thread: Dutyholders must maintain accurate, digital safety information—including FRAs—throughout a building’s life cycle.
• Accountable person role: The Bill introduces statutory ‘accountable persons’ with legal duties to ensure competent professionals are appointed.

The Bill establishes the need for competency but leaves detailed requirements to future regulations. Welsh Government, in consultation with professional bodies, will set out a formal competency framework expected to include:

• Recognised qualifications and fire safety training standards.
• Evidence of relevant experience for the building type and complexity.
• Third-party certification (e.g., BAFE SP205) and ongoing CPD.
• Auditable records demonstrating competence and accountability.

• Begin reviewing your current FRA providers now and request proof of qualifications or accreditation.
• Expect increased costs for complex assessments due to new structural and documentation requirements.
• Keep detailed records of assessor competence and assessment history.
• Plan for transitional arrangements as the new framework is rolled out across Wales.

The transition to the new regime will be phased. Landlords and managing agents should start aligning their processes now to avoid non-compliance later. This includes adopting digital record systems, establishing clear contracts with assessors, and ensuring staff understand the new competency framework.