Assessing the level of fire safety in built environments.
The occupation of Fire Safety Inspector can be found in the Fire and Rescue sector. The fire and rescue sector is formed of three elements, prevention, protection and response. The occupation of fire safety inspector is a specialist role within the protection element, linking closely with the other two elements of prevention and response.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to assess the level of fire safety in the built environment in their area and instigate improvements, where necessary, to preserve life, to reduce damage to property and the environment and to support economic growth.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts effectively with partner agencies, particularly local regulatory services teams to join up enforcement work.
They will also provide support and technical expertise to colleagues and other departments, including mentoring and training, to ensure effective sharing of knowledge.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for providing advice, participating in consultations, the enforcement of legislation relating to fire safety and supporting investigations and prosecutions. Fire Safety Inspectors inspect complex premises and support businesses by giving advice on how to comply with regulations. Fire Safety Inspectors work at supervisory/managerial level within the fire sector, but they may not necessarily supervise or manage others.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the fire safety inspector, the qualification required is:
Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Inspectors)
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 3.25 hours. They will ask you at least 8 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Long written test
You will complete a test requiring long written answers. It will be open book, meaning you can have access to some books or reference materials.
The test will have 9 long response written questions. You will have 180 minutes to complete it.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Fire Engineers for Associate / Member
Please contact the professional body for more details.
Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | End-point assessment and funding band revised. | 24/02/2023 | Not set |
1.0 | Approved for delivery | 20/11/2019 | 23/02/2023 |
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