The examinations held in March seem only like yesterday, but already we are in the planning stages for the October examinations which are to be held on Monday, 3 October 2022. Once again, we are looking to hold the examinations at the Tyco Training Centre in Media City, Dubai. Many thanks go out to Johnson Controls and in particular Jason Mather for their on-going support and use of their training facilities. The Level 2 & 3 Certificate for Passive Fire Protection remains popular with candidates and we hope to see a steady increase in candidates sitting these examination papers.
Market update
Although market conditions in the region remain challenging, there have been recent announcements from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE of their planned 2022 government spending which will be a catalyst to drive growth in the region. This is in addition to the $156bn worth of projects awarded during 2021 across MENA regions as widespread enhancements to the construction sector and digital transformation continue to drive growth. It appears that the pandemic has prompted a change in mindset and clients and developers alike are looking for a change in their project processes, which in turn will lead to new or revived strategies to promote project successes. The continuation of business and leisure activities to pre-pandemic levels will no doubt further encourage economic growth within the region.
International General Assembly update
Within this update it is important to give a wider overview of what is happening across the international front. A recent IGA workshop (in person and virtual attendance) was held on 16 May 2022 followed by the formal IGA meeting with IFE Board attendance on 17 May 2022. The meeting was chaired by Ed Claridge (New Zealand Branch) and a very informative presentation was given by Debbie Cammies (Volunteer and Branch Support Manager). The IFE Board recognises the importance of volunteers supporting the IFE and Debbie has been driving this initiative from the HQ and global perspective. Further details on supporting the IFE can be found on the corporate website volunteering hub (https://www.ife.org.uk/Volunteering). Debbie updated the workshop attendees on progress to date and planned objectives, which included defining the structure and definition of various volunteers, creating guidance and establishing processes for onboarding and volunteer recognition options. In addition, Debbie gave an overview on the development of a branch toolkit which will provide more clarity around branch Trustee responsibilities, templates, guidance, licencing etc. The workshop also engaged on topics such as the visibility of branches, technical developments, how the IGA fits within the IFE’s governance structure and international opportunities.
IFE Board Trustee and Malaysia Branch Hao-giang Tay provided an insight into the IFE’s involvement with the International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Decade of Action for Fire Safety project. The goal of the project is ‘to stabilize and then reduce the forecast level of fire fatalities, injuries, economic cost and environmental impact around the world by 2032 as global population increases’. Further information on this project can be found on the IFSS website (https://ifsscoalition.wordpress.com/).
IFE Chair of the Board of Trustees – update from Mark Chubb (USA Branch)
Mark provided a valuable update to the IGA members including a brief update on the second 2021–2022 board meeting held on 16 May 2022. The key updates included:
- The IFE’s Auditor attended the board meeting and confirmed a clean audit and unqualified audit opinion for the 2021 Financial Statements.
- The International President will inaugurate a new Caribbean branch being established in June 2022.
- HQ reports were received with updates on operational activities and projects such as the CRM cloud migration and later this year will see the kick-off of automating individual examination applications via the portal. Membership numbers are stable and whilst March exam bookings are down; it is hoped there will be an increase in the October sitting.
- The Ethics Committee provided a report and have agreed to develop some KPIs to provide further assurance to the board in terms of the number of cases and timescales etc. whilst remaining an independent committee.
- Trustees approved an initial set of 15 KPIs for HQ to regularly report on to the board.
- Peter Wilkinson (Technical Director) is part of a working group set up to improve the IFE’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI); the working group are in the early days of benchmarking and scoping requirements.
Chief Executive – update (Steve Hamm)
Steve updated the IGA on staff changes at HQ and emphasised the structure is now stable to drive forward many initiatives planned. Particular thanks and appreciation were expressed to Vicki Ball who is moving to a part-time Education Advisory position from July. Steve also acknowledged the work being carried out by Debbie Cammies in developing the volunteer network and noted this has been a positive initiative for the IGA. The update mentioned some of the IT investment agreed for this year which includes automating individual exam bookings and the recent approval of a ‘user experience project’, which will see changes to the content of the website mapped to formal member journeys, this will commence in 2022. In addition, the Marketing team are working on a campaign this year where they will be specifically targeting TIFireE’s and EngTechs, and also work in extending the IFE reach to international industry magazines.
Steve also emphasised that HQ would share an approved disclaimer which must be used at all branch/group events and any recorded videos. The disclaimer is essential to ensure participants are clear that the views and opinions of speakers do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the IFE. Steve reminded the meeting of the importance of sharing CPD events for the CPD Hub to extend reach of these technical focal points; this is a primary member benefit and essential for fire professionals.
IFE HQ update
With ever-increasing changes across the globe gathering pace the importance of addressing climate change and sustainability is growing in importance. Like most countries the Middle East is adopting alternative fuel types which all can have implications for the fire industry. This brings a responsibility to the IFE, as an international professional body, to assess these changes, identify their impacts and educate our members. To assist with this aim the IFE HQ has introduced a new dedicated alternative fuels coordinator. The alternative fuels coordinator Paul Trew joined the IFE technical team earlier in the year and moving forward he will be the IFE’s alternative fuels coordinator. Paul will be pulling together the knowledge bank, which will explore alternative fuels and energy storage systems, including hydrogen, electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. Input and feedback from expertise from local branches, special interest groups and members around the world will assist in this goal. Particularly in the Middle East and on the global platform as we move away from fossil fuels, new technologies and innovations will no doubt present new challenges for engineers, designers and the emergency services. It is important that the IFE is seen and recognised as providing support to members and the sector in understanding the impact on fire engineering. This work will ensure a flow of knowledge which is critical in our sector, and in turn will enable members to advance their knowledge, improve their competence and will raise standards across the industry.
For more information, go to www.ife.org.uk/GCC-UAE
About the Author
Branch President, GCC Branch – The Institution of Fire Engineers.
