If you’re a business owner, landlord, or managing agent in Surrey — whether you’re in Epsom, Caterham, Godalming, or Haslemere — finding the right Fire Risk Assessor isn’t something to take lightly.
The quality of your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) can make or break your compliance.
A good one keeps your people safe, your property legal, and your insurance valid.
A bad one? It could leave you exposed to enforcement action — or even criminal liability.
But with so many “assessors” advertising online, how can you tell who’s genuinely competent?
Let’s cut through the noise and look at what the law says, what competence actually means, and how to choose a professional who’ll keep your Surrey property safe and compliant.
Why Choosing the Right Assessor Matters
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes it clear:
The Responsible Person (that’s you) must ensure the Fire Risk Assessment is carried out by a competent person.
But here’s the catch — the law doesn’t define competence in one sentence. It’s not about holding a single certificate or ticking one box. It’s about the right mix of knowledge, experience, qualifications, and understanding of fire safety legislation and building types.
If the assessment is poor, incomplete, or done by someone without the right expertise, you are still legally responsible for any failings.
That’s why Surrey Fire & Rescue Service strongly recommends using third-party certified fire risk assessors — not unqualified general contractors or “template fillers.”
You can find their guidance here:
👉 Surrey Fire & Rescue – Business Fire Safety
What “Competent Person” Really Means
The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council (FRACC) defines a competent fire risk assessor as someone who:
- Understands the Fire Safety Order 2005 and related legislation.
- Can identify fire hazards and evaluate risk in a range of premises.
- Knows relevant British Standards (BS 9999, BS 9991, BS 5839, BS 5266).
- Has relevant qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD).
- Has appropriate insurance (professional indemnity and public liability).
In short: they must be able to prove both technical expertise and practical experience.
The Risk of Using an Unqualified Assessor
Sadly, the fire safety industry isn’t fully regulated — meaning anyone can print a business card calling themselves a “fire risk assessor.”
That’s led to plenty of horror stories:
- Cut-and-paste reports that don’t even match the building.
- Missed hazards that later caused enforcement notices.
- Assessments with zero legal references or technical reasoning.
If a fire occurs and your FRA is found to be inadequate, Surrey Fire & Rescue can hold you liable for appointing someone incompetent.
So it’s not just about getting it done — it’s about getting it done right.
What to Look for in a Competent Fire Risk Assessor
Here’s how to vet your assessor before hiring them:
✅ 1️⃣ Qualifications and Accreditations
Look for assessors with recognised fire safety qualifications or memberships, such as:
- Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) – Member (MIFireE) or Technician (TIFireE) level.
- Fire Sector Federation Competence Register – lists verified, competent fire professionals.
- BAFE SP205-1 Scheme – certification for organisations providing life safety fire risk assessments.
- FRACS (Fire Risk Assessment Certification Scheme) – third-party verified competence.
- IFSM Register of Fire Risk Assessors (Institute of Fire Safety Managers).
If they’re not part of one of these, ask why.
✅ 2️⃣ Experience with Your Type of Building
Different buildings = different risks.
Ask if they have experience with your specific property type:
- Offices or retail units in Epsom
- HMOs in Caterham
- Commercial warehouses in Godalming
- Historic or listed buildings in Haslemere
A good assessor tailors their approach — they won’t treat a heritage property the same as a hair salon.
✅ 3️⃣ References and Reputation
Ask for case studies or testimonials.
If they’ve worked with local councils, housing associations, or Surrey businesses, that’s a strong sign they’re reputable.
You can also check whether they’ve been subject to any enforcement or complaints by searching their company name online with keywords like “fire risk assessment notice” or “prosecution.”
✅ 4️⃣ Insurance and Professional Indemnity
Any competent assessor should carry Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI) and Public Liability Insurance.
If they don’t — walk away.
This protects both parties if errors occur or reports are challenged.
✅ 5️⃣ Clear, Detailed Reporting
A quality Fire Risk Assessment should be:
- Site-specific — not a copy-and-paste template.
- Structured — including photos, diagrams, and risk ratings.
- Transparent — showing legal references and relevant standards.
- Actionable — with prioritised recommendations.
A “one-page summary” is not an FRA.
You should come away with a professional, comprehensible document that helps you plan maintenance and investment priorities — not a confusing checklist.
Red Flags to Avoid
🚫 “We can do it cheap” — Fire safety isn’t the place to save £100.
🚫 No qualifications listed on their website.
🚫 No insurance or accreditations.
🚫 Reluctance to share previous work examples.
🚫 Reports delivered the same day without a site visit.
🚫 No mention of British Standards or fire safety legislation.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost in Surrey?
Pricing depends on your property’s size, layout, and complexity, but here’s a realistic local range:
| Property Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small shop or office | £250–£500 |
| HMO or small block of flats | £350–£900 |
| Medium commercial property | £500–£1200 |
| Large or complex site (warehouse, school, care home) | £1,000+ |
If someone offers a price far below this, be cautious — it’s likely a “tick-box” report that won’t hold up in court or to Surrey Fire & Rescue scrutiny.
What Surrey Fire & Rescue Look For
During audits, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service check the quality and validity of your Fire Risk Assessment.
They expect to see:
- A professional, current FRA dated within the past 12 months.
- Evidence that recommendations have been actioned.
- The assessor’s name, credentials, and company details.
- References to current legislation and standards.
If your assessor isn’t qualified, or your FRA is generic, you could receive an Enforcement Notice requiring a full reassessment by a competent professional.
How ESI Helps Businesses and Landlords in Surrey
At ESI: Electrical and Fire Safety Specialists, we’ve been helping Surrey businesses and property owners stay compliant for over 20 years.
Our qualified assessors are registered, insured, and experienced across every type of property — from HMOs and offices to listed buildings and industrial sites.
We work to all relevant British Standards including BS 9999, BS 9991, BS 5839, and BS 5266, and we’re familiar with local enforcement requirements from Surrey Fire & Rescue.
When you choose ESI, you get:
- A thorough, site-specific Fire Risk Assessment.
- Clear, prioritised recommendations.
- Full documentation suitable for audits and insurers.
- Ongoing support to help you stay compliant all year round.
If you’ve received a fire safety notice, are unsure about your current FRA, or want peace of mind before inspection — we can help.
Book your Fire Risk Assessment in Surrey today and get compliance you can trust from experts who know the law, the standards, and your local area.
