When choosing a Fire Risk Assessor, you must insist on seeing their Third Party Certification. Why? Third Party Certification offers independent verification and evidence that your Assessor is competent and working to the appropriate standards and best practice for the specific service you require.

The Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety by Dame Judith Hackitt, following the tragedy of Grenfell Towers, has increased the focus on fire safety responsibilities, particularly around the responsibilities of the person appointed for fire safety within a building* and actions they can take to mitigate fire risk to the best of their ability following national fire safety legislation.

First party referral 

This is simply a self-endorsement. This is when a provider tells you directly that they are good enough to fulfil your requirements with no evidence of their competency.

Second party referral 

This involves someone else, such as another customer, contractor register or trade association (without third party certification criteria for joining) stating that a provider can fulfil their requirements. However, there still may be little or no credible and independent evidence to prove their competency.

UKAS Accredited Third Party Certification 

This takes this to another level completely to ensure provider competence. This is when an independent Certification Body which is accredited by UKAS (the national accreditation body for the UK appointed by Government) sends trained assessors out to assess the provider. They confirm the provider is working to the latest appropriate standards and best practice for the specific service they deliver. They check and verify these required competencies and management systems to ensure that the provider can do what they say - and are checked annually.