BAFE SP205 Update: Strengthening competence and accountability in fire risk assessment

The BAFE SP205 scheme is widely recognised as the UK’s benchmark for Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment competence and has now been updated to Version 6.0. Published on 7 November 2025, with changes coming into effect on 31 March 2026, this revision represents a significant development for organisations responsible for delivering Fire Risk Assessments and for those who rely upon them.

What is BAFE SP205?

The BAFE SP205 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Scheme provides a robust framework for organisations offering Fire Risk Assessment services. It sets out clear requirements for management systems, quality assurance, and the competence of those undertaking and validating Fire Risk Assessments. Its status as a UKAS-accredited, third-party certification scheme continues to make it the most reliable indicator of organisational capability and independence in this field.

Key Updates in Version 6.0

The new edition introduces refinements that reinforce rigour, oversight, and clarity throughout the assessment process. These include:

Clearer Competence Expectations

The updated scheme places continued emphasis on organisations ensuring that their Fire Risk Assessors have the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to carry out Fire Risk Assessments effectively. While it does not mandate specific training or CPD activity, it does reinforce the need for organisations to manage, supervise, and evaluate assessors’ competence in line with recognised standards such as PAS 79-1, BS 9792, and BS 8674.

Strengthened management system controls

Version 6.0 builds on existing requirements by specifying more detailed expectations for internal oversight. Organisations must demonstrate effective management systems, supported by structured auditing and ongoing surveillance carried out by their Certification Body.

Greater transparency for clients

Duty holders are encouraged to verify an organisation’s current certification status directly through the BAFE website. This promotes transparency and helps ensure that those commissioning Fire Risk Assessments can confidently confirm a provider’s credentials.

Regular surveillance and review

The update reaffirms the requirement for continued compliance through:

• an initial surveillance audit at six months, and

• annual surveillance audits thereafter at all certificated locations.

This ongoing review process helps ensure that organisations maintain consistent standards over time.

What this means for duty holders and risk managers

For responsible persons and risk managers, Version 6.0 highlights the importance of choosing a provider with demonstrable, independently verified competence. A BAFE SP205-certified organisation offers assurance that Fire Risk Assessments are completed in accordance with recognised good practice, audited procedures, and the requirements of UKAS-accredited third-party certification.

RiskSTOP remains committed to supporting organisations through these changes, offering clear, practical guidance aligned with BAFE SP205 Version 6.0. Our aim is to help clients achieve compliance with confidence, supported by assessments that prioritise life safety and reflect the expectations of the updated scheme.

SP205 Version 6 is now available to download here.