Overview
- Client: Housing Association (confidential)
- Service: Fire Risk Assessments (Type 3) and Validation
- Contract Start: May 2024
- Contract Term: Ongoing to April 2029
- Value Delivered to Date: £400k
Clear Safety was engaged to support a large-scale Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) programme following the unexpected exit of an incumbent contractor. What began as a short-term intervention has evolved into an ongoing, high-volume delivery and validation partnership.
The Challenge
Our client needed urgent support to maintain compliance with their fire safety obligations, including delivery of approximately 140 FRA Type 3 assessments per month, covering a portfolio that included High-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
Key challenges included:
- Immediate mobilisation following contractor exit
- Limited internal resource with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience
- Tight KPIs for assessment and validation
- Complex access requirements to buildings and individual dwellings
- Risk of assessments falling out of compliance
Our Approach
Rapid Mobilisation and Programme Control
Leveraging our experience in delivering large-scale FRA programmes and our BAFE SP205 accreditation, we quickly established a structured delivery model.
We deployed:
- A dedicated Contract Manager to oversee performance
- A cloud-based system to track all assessments and validations
- Forward planning to maintain two-month scheduling visibility, ensuring no FRAs were missed
This system also supported quality assurance and validation, ensuring full compliance with BAFE requirements.
Access Management Strategy
We recognised that successful Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments depend heavily on achieving high levels of access to properties.
To address this:
- A dedicated fire administration contact was assigned
- Close coordination was maintained between our team, the client, and assessors
- Access arrangements (fobs, codes, appointments) were proactively managed
This structured approach was key to maximising completion rates.
Resourcing and Competency Assurance
To meet the required volumes without compromising existing client commitments, we implemented a blended resourcing model. Ensuring we were ahead of the curve and anticipating the new BS8674 competency standard before it came into force.
This included:
- Use of our own qualified Tier 2 & 3 Fire Risk Assessors
- Engagement of a trusted specialist partner
We maintained strict governance by:
- Creating a dedicated competency register
- Verifying qualifications, insurance, and competency framework alignment
- Monitoring CPD records for all assessors (reviewed every 6 months)
KPI Improvement and Delivery
The existing KPIs required:
- 10 days from assessment to submission
- 5 days from submission to validation
We implemented structured oversight and workflow management to ensure consistent achievement of these targets, even at scale.
The Outcome
- 1,000+ Fire Risk Assessments delivered within the first 10 months
- Programme extended beyond the initial two-month scope
- Continued delivery across standard and high-risk buildings
- Ongoing validation of both our own and the client’s internal assessments
- Emergency FRA capacity provided where required
Access Success Rates
- 97% access achieved on first visit
- 99%+ access achieved by second visit
This ensured near-complete coverage for Type 3 FRA delivery.
Ongoing Support
Clear Safety continues to support the client with:
- Fire Risk Assessments (FRA Type 3)
- Validation services
- Assessment coverage for High-Risk Buildings (HRBs)
- Quality assurance aligned to BAFE SP205 standards
Key Benefits
- Rapid mobilisation during critical service disruption
- High-volume FRA delivery without compromising quality
- Strong governance and competency management
- Industry-leading access success rates
- Scalable, system-driven programme management
