The Building Safety Act raises the bar for competence across all fire safety disciplines. Understanding the new competence requirements is essential for the entire supply chain.. The Competence Challenge One of the central findings of the Hackitt Review was that lack of competence was a root cause of building safety failures. The Building Safety Act 2022 addresses this through comprehensive competence requirements. Competence Frameworks BSI Flex 8670 — Built Environment Competence Standard: Framework for assessing competence of those involved in design, construction, and management of higher risk buildings Three competence levels: Core, Designated, and Principal Covers fire safety, structural safety, and building services IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers) Registration: CEng (Senior Engineer) — highest level of fire engineering competence IEng (Incorporated Engineer) — intermediate level EngTech (Engineering Technician) — technician level MIFireE — Membership demonstrating fire engineering competence Who Needs What Competence? Fire Risk Assessors: Third party certification (BAFE SP205, IFE register) Sector specific competence (residential, commercial, healthcare) CPD requirements for ongoing competence Fire Engineers: MIFireE for fire strategy and fire engineering design Specific competence in CFD modelling, structural fire engineering, or smoke control Professional indemnity insurance Building Control: Registered Building Inspectors (Class 2F for fire safety) BSR building inspectors for higher risk buildings Ongoing competence assessment and CPD Contractors and Installers: Third party certification for fire safety installations FIRAS certification for fire stopping BAFE certification for fire detection and alarm LPS certification for passive fire protection The Gap The industry faces a significant competence gap: Approximately 2,500 qualified fire engineers in the UK Demand has increased 300% since Grenfell University programmes producing fewer than 100 graduates annually Average age of fire engineers is increasing For competent fire engineering services, contact Magnus Opifex. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.