FIA announces first new council in over a decade

FIA announces creation of technology council

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced plans to create a new Technology Council for the UK fire safety sector.

According to the FIA, the council will focus on evaluating emerging technologies, improving system integration, and promoting secure data use across the industry.

The organisation said this is the first time in more than ten years that it has formed a new council.

It explained that the Technology Council will include up to 15 members, with nominations opening to FIA members in September ahead of its Annual General Meeting.

The FIA confirmed that the council’s first meeting will involve selecting a Chair from the elected members.

Purpose and scope of the technology council

The FIA said the new council will assess which advancements will improve existing systems, simplify processes, and ensure reliability in fire safety technology.

It noted that while existing standards and regulations must be met, these should not prevent adoption of better methods.

The organisation added that current FIA technology working groups, such as those on Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber security, have shown there is strong member interest in technical development.

The FIA explained that the Technology Council will provide a formal structure for these discussions and ensure coordination between stakeholders.

Objectives for technology adoption

According to the FIA, the council will encourage access to real-time site data for organisations of all sizes.

It will aim to improve system interoperability, enable data-led responses, and support immediate communication between stakeholders.

The organisation said the group will also work to promote use of virtual collaboration tools, create learning platforms for sharing best practice, and strengthen relationships between clients and providers.

Planned initiatives

The FIA reported that the council will work with standards bodies to promote open data exchange protocols and system interoperability.

It stated that the group will assess new technologies, recommend adoption strategies, and develop training for FIA members on emerging tools.

The association explained that it intends to launch pilot projects to test new solutions, create guidance on cyber security, and engage with regulators on technology-related issues.

Expected benefits for members

The FIA said that members could expect better risk reduction through faster action, streamlined processes, and reduced costs.

It stated that the council aims to encourage technical innovation, improve communication between stakeholders, and position FIA members as early adopters of proven technologies.

The organisation confirmed that it sees the council as a way to strengthen collaboration in the fire safety industry.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The creation of the FIA Technology Council is intended to give fire safety professionals a structured platform for influencing the development and adoption of new technologies.

The council’s work on standards, interoperability, and cyber security could directly affect how systems are designed, integrated, and maintained in the UK.

Participation will allow practitioners to contribute to pilot projects, gain early insight into emerging tools, and help shape industry guidance.

This initiative also provides an avenue for aligning technological development with operational needs, ensuring new solutions deliver practical benefits.

FIA forms technology council for UK fire safety industry: Summary

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced plans to create a new Technology Council for the UK fire safety sector.

The organisation said the council will focus on evaluating new technologies, improving integration, and promoting secure data use.

It stated that this is the first time in over ten years that the FIA has formed a new council.

The council will have up to 15 members, with nominations opening in September ahead of the FIA Annual General Meeting.

The first meeting will involve electing a Chair from the elected members.

The FIA explained that the group will aim to improve real-time data access, system interoperability, and communication.

It will also develop learning resources, virtual collaboration tools, and stronger client-provider relationships.

The organisation said the council will work on open standards, technology assessments, training, pilot projects, and cyber security guidance.

Expected benefits for members include faster risk reduction, lower costs, and stronger collaboration.

The FIA stated that it hopes the council will encourage innovation and position members as early adopters of effective technologies.