The EWS1 (External Wall System) form is a critical component in assessing fire safety risks in residential buildings. Introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, this certification is essential for property transactions, ensuring that buildings meet stringent fire safety requirements. However, not all fire safety inspections are created equal. The expertise and credibility of the consultancy conducting the EWS1 assessment are crucial in obtaining a reliable and compliant report. Here’s why choosing a trusted fire safety consultancy is essential for your EWS1 inspection. Compliance with regulatory standards Fire safety regulations and EWS1 requirements are continuously evolving, making it essential to work with experts who stay up to date with the latest industry standards. A trusted fire safety consultancy ensures that your building is assessed in line with the latest guidance from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), and other relevant regulatory bodies. Qualified and experienced professionals The EWS1 process requires assessments by competent professionals, typically chartered fire engineers or surveyors with extensive experience in fire risk evaluation. A reputable fire safety consultancy employs fully accredited professionals who can identify potential hazards accurately and provide well documented, legally sound reports. Avoiding delays and inaccurate assessments An inexperienced or unqualified assessor may produce an inaccurate report, leading to costly delays in property sales, mortgage applications, or remedial work. Trusted consultants have the expertise to conduct thorough inspections efficiently, minimising disruption and ensuring a smooth certification process. Risk mitigation and liability protection A poorly conducted EWS1 assessment can result in legal and financial liabilities for property owners, managers, and leaseholders. Trusted consultancies follow rigorous procedures to mitigate risks, ensuring that reports are backed by solid evidence and professional indemnity insurance. Comprehensive fire safety advice Beyond the EWS1 certification, a reliable fire safety consultancy can offer broader risk assessments, guidance on remediation, and fire safety strategies to enhance the overall safety of your building. Their expert recommendations can help prevent costly future issues and ensure long-term compliance with fire safety regulations. Market credibility and mortgage approvals Lenders and insurers trust reports from well-established fire safety consultancies, which can significantly impact mortgage approvals and property valuations. A report from a lesser-known or unqualified entity may be rejected, causing unnecessary complications in property transactions. Choose the right fire safety consultancy for your EWS1 inspection Selecting a trusted fire safety consultancy is not just a formality-it is a crucial decision that affects the safety, value, and compliance of your property. Look for firms with proven experience, professional accreditations, and a track record of delivering high-quality EWS1 assessments. At Peak Fire Safety we are dedicated to accuracy, compliance, and ultimate safety. If you require an EWS1 inspection contact us today .

At Peak, we view the introduction of BS 8674 as a significant step in the right direction for addressing fire risk assessor competence. We’re eager to see the final standard and are encouraged by the development of a framework that will help elevate the entire industry. One of the most pressing challenges within our sector is the lack of consistent support available to fire risk assessors. Many work as subcontractors or in isolation within larger internal teams, making mentorship, shadowing, and collaboration difficult to implement effectively. However, we believe it's up to all organisations—whether they employ assessors directly or contract them externally—to take an active role in nurturing, supporting, and enhancing their teams. This is particularly critical at the foundation level. Here are some of the initiatives we’re implementing to ensure our assessors continue to excel: Creating tailored competency roadmaps : Each of our assessors has a customised development plan to ensure they are consistently progressing and expanding their knowledge base. Increasing the frequency of shadowing and joint site visits : We believe in hands-on learning. More opportunities to work alongside seasoned professionals are being created to improve skill transfer and confidence. Strengthening our quality assurance processes : We’ve enhanced our QA procedures to ensure assessors receive regular feedback and benefit from lessons learned, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Investing in ongoing professional development : We offer internal and external training opportunities, ensuring our whole team stays at the forefront of industry standards and best practices. Building a culture of collaboration : We actively promote collaboration within our teams, creating an environment where assessors feel supported and have access to technical guidance and peer-to-peer learning. Facilitating access to mentorship programs : We have formalized mentorship initiatives to connect less experienced assessors with seasoned professionals for guidance and growth. Utilising technology to streamline learning : Digital tools and platforms are integrated into our processes to enable assessors to access resources and training anytime, anywhere. We are thankful to  RiskBase  for supporting our ambitious plans for software utilisation.  By taking these steps, we are not only supporting our assessors but also playing our part in raising the standards for fire risk assessment across the industry. We are proud of our SP205 Life Safety Assessment accreditation which has provided us a structured framework for delivering quality services however we believe in being at the peak.  If you would like to talk to us about your requirements, how we deliver our services or perhaps you want to join our team reach out to us  info@peakfire.co.uk