RQ1789704 – Fire Safety Advisor (PO1)

Job Details

Work Pattern: 36 hours per week

PAYE Pay Rate: £238.34 per day 

Main Purpose of the Role

To undertake comprehensive fire risk assessments across the Council’s residential housing portfolio, including complex buildings, High-Risk Buildings (HRBs) and sheltered accommodation. The role supports the Council in meeting its statutory fire safety obligations, identifying hazards, recommending appropriate control measures and providing specialist advice to ensure the safety of residents, staff and visitors.

Typical Day Overview

  • Conduct fire risk assessments across residential properties, including complex and non-complex buildings.

  • Inspect communal areas, fire doors, escape routes, compartmentation and fire safety systems.

  • Identify fire hazards, assess risks and recommend proportionate remedial actions.

  • Prepare detailed fire risk assessment reports with clear findings and recommendations.

  • Advise senior managers, housing teams and other stakeholders on fire safety matters.

  • Undertake site visits to assess building conditions and review existing fire safety arrangements.

  • Work with internal departments, external agencies and support providers to address identified risks.

  • Monitor fire safety improvements and contribute to ongoing compliance across the housing portfolio.

  • Ensure assessments reflect current legislation, national guidance and relevant competency standards.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

  • Fire Risk Assessments: Undertake assessments of residential buildings, including complex properties, HRBs and sheltered accommodation.

  • Fire Safety Legislation: Apply the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and relevant fire safety legislation.

  • Building Construction Knowledge: Understand construction methods, compartmentation, fire resistance and structural fire safety considerations.

  • Risk Identification and Management: Identify hazards, assess risks and recommend appropriate corrective and preventative measures.

  • Technical Reporting: Produce accurate, comprehensive fire risk assessment reports with prioritised recommendations.

  • Stakeholder Management: Provide competent fire safety advice to senior managers, housing officers, contractors and external partners.

  • Compliance Monitoring: Support the Council in meeting statutory obligations and maintaining effective fire safety management arrangements.

  • High-Risk Building Assessments: Demonstrate the appropriate technical competence to assess buildings according to their complexity and risk profile.

  • Service Improvement: Contribute to improved fire safety procedures, risk management practices and resident safety outcomes.

  • Communication and Advice: Explain technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Essential Qualifications and Requirements

  • Level 5 or higher qualification in fire safety or fire safety engineering from a recognised fire sector professional body, suitable for assessing complex buildings.

  • Graduate-level or higher membership of a recognised fire safety or construction professional body.

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience conducting fire risk assessments within the social housing sector, including complex buildings.

  • Proven experience assessing residential properties, including high-risk and sheltered accommodation.

  • Strong understanding of fire safety legislation, building construction methods and fire prevention measures.

  • Knowledge of fire safety management, compartmentation, means of escape and fire protection systems.

  • Excellent report-writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to provide specialist advice and communicate findings to senior managers and stakeholders.

  • Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and undertake regular site visits.

  • Demonstrable competence appropriate to the complexity and risk profile of the buildings being assessed.

  • Understanding of the competency framework outlined in BS 8674:2025 and relevant national guidance, including BS 9792:2025, as specified in the role requirements.