The Fire Safety Report 2026 commissioned by NSI and BAFE

Independent research by Sapio Research for NSI and BAFE published in 1 May, 2026 shows that buyer expectations in fire safety procurement are shifting faster than many suppliers realise, with growing emphasis on demonstrable competence, independent assurance, and decisions that can be defended under scrutiny.

A key message being “In today’s market, it is no longer enough to say you are competent. You need to show it, prove it, and have it verified independently.” A change which the report refers to as 'The post-Grenfell mindset shift'; as expectations rise, providers able to evidence independently verified certification and support informed decision-making will be best placed to meet the evolving needs of the UK fire safety market.

The 20‑page graphic report finds that 94% of decision‑makers say proof of competence matters more than cost when choosing a provider, challenging the view that procurement is still mainly price‑led. Trust is increasingly tied to independent evidence: 79% rank independent auditing and certification among the strongest signals of trust, 83% see third‑party certification as the way to demonstrate fire assessor competence, and 81% say certified providers are worth the extra cost.

Together, these findings indicate buyers are moving beyond reputation or relationships and prioritising accountability, reassurance, and verifiable competence. Almost six in ten buyers (59%) describe their current investment in fire protection as high;16% say very high and 77% expect investment in fire safety to increase over the next five years, and nearly two in five (39%) anticipate a significant increase.

The report also highlights rising scrutiny of fire safety decisions, with 79% expecting investment to increase over the next five years (39% foreseeing a significant rise). Overall awareness and strategic focus have grown: 93% report greater focus and action on fire safety than five years ago, 89% see it as more of a strategic business priority, and 97% note clear benefits from certified providers, with 70% viewing them as a trusted solution and 69% confident they reduce risk to life.

The report notes three key takeaways:

• Expectations are rising faster than confidence: Awareness of fire safety has increased significantly in recent years and investment is expected to rise in the years ahead. At the same time, many organisations remain uncertain about their responsibilities, how to assess competence and how to evidence their due diligence. This creates a gap between expectation and confidence - and a clear opportunity for service providers.
• Buyers value reassurance: Buyers are placing increasing emphasis on proof of competence over cost. They value certification, reputation and independent assurance, and many are looking for providers who can help them navigate their legal duties with confidence. Those carrying direct responsibility for fire safety often feel this pressure most acutely. They tend to place greater emphasis on reassurance, professional credibility and decisions that can be clearly evidenced if required.
• Independently verified certification supports fire safety assurance: Success is no longer defined by price alone. It increasingly depends on trust, evidence and the ability to demonstrate competence in a way that stands up to scrutiny. Providers who support clients in understanding their responsibilities, explain risk clearly and can evidence independently verified third-party certification are better positioned to help meet the fire safety market’s growing expectation for robust, demonstrable assurance.

In concluding "Fire safety expectations are rising, even if operational priorities have not yet fully caught up. Investment is increasing, scrutiny is gradually sharpening and those responsible for fire safety are under growing pressure to justify their decisions."

• For Responsible Persons, this means placing greater emphasis on how fire safety provider competence is assessed and evidenced. It is becoming an increasingly important part of responsible and defensible fire safety management to be able to demonstrate:
  • Why a provider was selected, and
  • How their capability has been independently verified
• For fire safety service providers, the direction of travel is equally clear:
  • Wait for regulation or market pressure to force change, or
  • Act now to strengthen credibility, trust and independently-verified competence