Partner Article

ORMSKIRK-BASED ENDEAVOUR GROUP LAUNCHES NEW QUALIFICATION FOR HIGHER-RISK BUILDINGS

Endeavour Group has launched a new UK qualification for professionals working on higher-risk buildings, in response to the demands introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022.

The Ormskirk-based fire safety, training and compliance specialist has worked with ProQual, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, to develop the Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Fire Safety Design and Building Risk Management.

It draws on the company’s work across higher-risk residential buildings and regulated environments, including projects where third-party activity can directly impact fire safety systems and building performance. The qualification addresses a gap between traditional fire risk assessment and the level of assurance now expected on higher-risk buildings.

Managing Director James Doyle said: “We’ve reached a point where expectations have moved on, but the qualifications haven’t kept pace. There hasn’t been a route that covers this level of responsibility, particularly for people working on higher-risk buildings where decisions need to stand up to scrutiny.

“It’s no longer just about identifying issues on the day. It’s about understanding how a building was designed to perform, what has changed over time, and whether the information in front of you is enough to support safe occupation.”

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed 72 lives, exposed how failures can build over time through a combination of design decisions, construction changes, missing information and weak oversight. In the years since, expectations on those responsible for buildings have shifted significantly.

This new qualification responds to that shift, taking a wider view of how buildings operate as a whole. It covers design intent, construction, changes over time and how different systems interact, from compartmentation and external walls through to evacuation strategy and ongoing management.

James added: “One of the biggest issues we see is around design intent. Buildings are designed to work in a certain way, but over time that can be lost through changes, poor records or decisions made without the full picture.

“When that happens, risk builds up across the building, not just in one place. People need to be able to recognise that and understand how different systems work together. 

“We’ve always taken the view that raising competence across the sector benefits everyone. A lot of this comes from what we see day to day, and wanting to get it right, not just commercially, but because the standard across the industry matters.”

The course is aimed at experienced practitioners already working in fire safety, building safety management and design review, who now need to demonstrate competence at a more advanced level.

Endeavour Group supports clients across the UK with fire safety consultancy, training and building compliance, including safety case development for higher-risk residential buildings. The business works with dutyholders, contractors and third-party providers, including those delivering installation and infrastructure works within occupied buildings, where understanding fire safety systems and building performance is critical.

As an approved ProQual training centre, Endeavour has delivered regulated qualifications since 2018 using assessment based on real workplace activity, allowing learners to demonstrate competence through their day-to-day roles.

James said: “Alongside the qualification, we’ve also introduced a higher-risk buildings masterclass, with our first session recently held in London. The masterclass is designed to support wider understanding across the sector, including specific applications within industries such as telecommunications, where installation activity within occupied buildings can affect fire safety systems, access, and programme delivery.”

The ProQual Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Fire Safety Design and Building Risk Management is now open for enrolment, with delivery taking place nationally. More information is available at https://endeavourgroup.co.uk/ or by contacting 01695 667441.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Oliver Thomas .