Since 2012, the Fire Sector Federation (FSF) has been working to shape future policy and strategy related the UK Fire Sector.
Over the last few months, the FSF has been developing a survey to understand the fire and construction industries’ views about the future of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) and is now releasing that survey.
The FSF commissioned NBS Research, an independent research organisation, in March 2017, to conduct the research that is carried out in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. Along with a 12-person strong Steering Group, the FSF planned for its launch in June 2017.
Given recent events, this research has taken on an additional importance and poignancy. The FSF knows that this is a sensitive time; however, it believes this survey will be used as an important and collective tool to gather specific feedback and views on the practical guidance in Approved Document B to meet the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England.
The survey findings will be analysed by NBS and the FSF. It will form the basis of a submission to the DCLG to help those responsible for making sure Building Regulations and AD B are as effective as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Approved Document B survey?
The Approved Document B (AD B) survey has been commissioned by the Fire Sector Federation (FSF) to understand the fire and construction industries’ views about the future of AD B (Fire Safety) which provides guidance on meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations.
The survey asks for views on:
- Whether or not a review of AD B should be carried out
- Whether the current technical scope and content of AD B is fit for purpose
- What improvements to AD B, if any, people would like to see, including how AD B can be ‘future-proofed’ to align with innovation and technological changes within today’s built environment.
The survey is open until August 2017 and can be accessed here COMPLETE THE SURVEY
Who will be asked to complete the survey?
This survey will be sent to a wide variety of stakeholders across the fire and construction industries and will be sent out by the FSF and its membership organisations.
Why is NBS carrying out this research?
NBS has an independent research team, NBS Research, who were commissioned by the FSF back in March 2017. NBS Research carries out research for others where it can bring sector experience. Previously, the team has been commissioned by professional bodies, construction product manufacturers and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
NBS Research projects are carried out by qualified professionals and in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct.
Is this survey in direct response to the recent tragedy at Grenfell Tower?
No. The FSF commissioned this research in March 2017 for a launch in June 2017. Together with NBS Research and a 12 – person strong Steering Group, the survey has been developed with aims of understanding the fire and construction industries’ views about the future of AD B.
The FSF knows that this is a sensitive time; however, it believes this survey was already needed to gather specific feedback and views from industry users on the practical guidance in AD B. Given recent events, this research has taken on an additional importance and poignancy.
Why have you decided to release the survey now?
The FSF planned the survey and sought approval from its Executive in 2016 and has been working with NBS on this research since March 2017. The decision to release the survey, given recent events, was taken by the FSF with the view that this survey will be used as an important and collective tool to gather specific feedback and views from industry users on the practical guidance in AD B, which provides advice on meeting the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England.
Does NBS believe that AD B needs to change?
NBS Research must remain impartial to the survey topic in order to ensure the survey is independent and doesn’t lead respondents to express one view over another.
NBS published AD B, so how is it able to conduct this research?
NBS has published AD B and other Approved Documents for a number of years. NBS Research has conducted previous research into various Approved Documents and so is able to bring this past experience, understanding and knowledge to benefit this current project commissioned by the FSF. NBS Research projects are carried out by qualified professionals and in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct.
Who will get to see the findings from the survey?
The survey findings will be analysed by NBS and the FSF. It will then form the basis of a submission to the DCLG to help those responsible for making sure Building Regulations and AD B are as effective as possible. At the same time the findings from the survey will be made publicly available.
When will the research be complete?
The survey will be open until the end of August 2017 and NBS Research expects to deliver the findings to the FSF at the end of September 2017.
For further enquires relating to this survey, please contact Jennifer Scullion – jennifer.scullion@theNBS.com or Celestine Cheong – ccheong@thefpa.co.uk
The survey is open until end of August 2017
