Annual Report and Financial Statements 2025
IFE is the leading professional body for fire, with foundations firmly rooted in 1918. For over a century, we have evolved globally, shaping the future of fire safety. Through knowledge, innovation and leadership, we continue to set the standard and drive progress in fire engineering worldwide.
Contents
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01 | About IFE 04 02 | Chair’s foreword 09 03 | International President’s welcome 16 04 | Worldwide membership and 20 Engineering Council registrants
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05 | Our 2025 highlights 22 06 | Member engagement 30
07 | Global events and activities 37 08 | Governance and leadership 40 09 | Trustees report 41 10 | Risk management 51 11 | Future plans 54 12 | Financial statements 58 13 | Past Presidents and awards 86
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♦
16,850 members worldwide ♦ OUR I ~~MPACT PAGE -~~ HS TO COMPLETE 1,108 Engineering Council registrants
186
Fire risk register assessors
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471
global volunteers
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4,500+
exams delivered in 41 countries
90+
events delivered around the world
75,000+
Social media followers
16,000+
e-newsletter subscribers
80+
authored articles featured in the media
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About IFE
The IFE is a global leader in advancing and improving the knowledge, practice and recognition of all fire professionals. We do this through education and maintaining high standards of competency and ethical behaviour in our members, ensuring membership grades and qualifications are recognised internationally and by leveraging the collective expertise of our members to develop world-class insights and influence positive change to policy and regulations to shape a fire safe world.
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As outlined in our Articles
of Association, the Institution exists to:
Promote, encourage and improve the science and practice of fire extinction, fire prevention and fire engineering and all operations and expedients connected therewith, and to give an impulse to ideas likely to be useful in connection with or in relation to such science and practice to the members of the Institution and to the community at large.
A three pillar approach sits at the centre of our activities:
Leadership Equilibrium
Advantage
Provide leadership Establish equilibrium in debate, advocacy, in representation, professionalism communications, and across all delivery, services communications and expertise in all sectors, geography and membership
Demonstrate the advantages of IFE membership in all aspects of professionalism of the sector. Leverage the currency of knowledge and the role IFE plays in future-proofing the sector
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Member spotlightMember spotlight
Member spotlight
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Tracy Pang CEng MIFireE, Hong Kong
“The IFE provides a wealth of opportunities to learn the latest technical knowledge and provides a platform to connect with the industry. I join in with IFE overseas events to connect with the fire safety industry outside Hong Kong/Macau, which is really helpful for exploring what is going on in other parts of the world.”
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Chair’s foreword
The year 2025 saw the launch of our new strategy ‘Leading fire safety’ which set the tone for our focus as the Institution of Fire Engineers. Comprising of four key themes – skills, development and innovation; trust and reputation; organisational sustainability and engagement; and global influence and advocacy - the strategy renews our drive to inspire excellence through knowledge, professional standards, and collaboration.
As the global body for fire safety, we stand at the forefront of shaping professional guidance and advancing knowledge across the sector. With this position comes a responsibility not only to recognise and adapt to progressive change, but to lead it. By influencing standards and driving innovation, we ensure fire professionals remain equipped, empowered and ready to define the future of fire safety.
Skills, development and innovation
We strive to keep developing our tools and educational approaches to better support our members, empowering professionals worldwide to meet evolving challenges and deliver meaningful change.
We expanded our comprehensive exam suite with new online assessments and continue to add further
options as the suite develops. Additional topics are already in development as we work to further strengthen the learning experience for candidates.
This forward-thinking approach provides greater flexibility and inclusivity. People around the world can complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them. By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient and future ready.
Supporting members with CPD opportunities is of utmost importance to the IFE; we understand the enormous value that is placed on learning and development. The IFE CPD Hub is an exclusive resource available to our members, designed to support ongoing professional development. It features a rich library of webinar and event recordings from worldwide IFE branches and groups, covering a
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range of topics from emerging technologies and regulatory updates to more niche subjects such as fire safety in heritage buildings. Members can access these resources anytime, enabling flexible learning that fits around busy schedules.
Over the past year, we have continued to expand the resources available through the hub, which is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for members. In 2025 alone, the CPD Hub received more than 17,000 views, with webinar content emerging as the most frequently accessed and highly valued resource. Towards the end of the year, work started on the next phase of the hub which will be launched in 2026.
Events remain a central part of our work, enabling the exchange of knowledge, strengthening professional connections and supporting innovation across the fire safety sector. Our branches and groups continue
to deliver an impressive and diverse programme of activities worldwide, each contributing to the shaping of local and global fire safety conversations. A snapshot of this broad and dynamic events portfolio can be found on pages 38–39, highlighting the scale of our international reach and the commitment of our volunteers to providing meaningful learning and engagement opportunities for members.
Building on this, we launched the International President’s Technical Conference in June. The event showcased an exceptional line-up of sector experts and delved into some of the industry’s most complex technical challenges, presenting forward-thinking, practical solutions on topics including external fire spread, evacuation guidelines for fire and rescue services during fire emergencies and fire evacuation modelling. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and community advocates, the conference created a powerful platform for collaboration and helped shape the direction of future fire safety practice and policy.
Trust and reputation
Fire engineering is a profession defined by purpose: protecting lives, property, and communities. As an Institution, it is our responsibility to ensure members can place their trust in us and rely on our leadership to uphold the profession’s integrity and reputation. Through our ongoing campaigns to promote fire engineering and related professions as respected and vital disciplines, we play a crucial role in reinforcing public confidence and professional pride.
In early 2025 we reached a major milestone with the number of IFE members registered with the Engineering Council exceeding 1,000. This truly represents the sheer passion and professionalism of our members who are committed to ensuring public safety, resilience, and ethical practice across the globe.
Our work with the Engineering Council progressed further in May with the launch of the new UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment Contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB) for engineers and technicians. The IFE was confirmed as the professional engineering institution responsible for assessing applicants
against the Fire Discipline Annex, placing us at the centre of implementation for fire professionals under the new standard. Successful registrants will demonstrate the technical and professional competence required to evaluate fire safety risks, develop effective mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and standards. This enhanced capability not only strengthens confidence in individual practitioners but also contributes to the trust, credibility, and international reputation of fire engineering as a discipline.
As the professional body for fire safety, we recognise our duty to raise the profile of our profession to upand-coming fire professionals and showcase the
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Our strategy at a glance
Our vision
To enable fire professionals to shape a fire-safe world.
Working to four key themes our long-term strategy ‘Leading
Fire Safety’ aims to create a safer world, led by well-informed,
competent and supported fire professionals.
Organisational sustainability Trust and reputation
We will engage with We will elevate
members to ensure
fire engineering
the IFE continues internationally
to deliver with strong through professional
governance and standards and
leadership, providing ethics, setting a
the guidance, support benchmark for quality.
and networks required
to drive change.
Skills, development
Global influence
and innovation and advocacy
We will enable a platform Our activities will continue
for learning and ongoing to drive global change,
development underpinning
influencing agendas
the knowledge and and empowering the
expertise of fire fire sector to make
engineers. a positive difference
towards a fire-safe world.
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respect, reputation and diversity of the sector.
Using expertise from around the world, we launched our engaging fortnightly Elevate webinar series in April 2025. We want to support the next generation and help equip fire safety professionals to understand a range of topics from across the sector. Our free interactive programme is hosted by our IFE Early Careers Networking Group (ECNG) is proving an invaluable resource. The series equips early-
career professionals with the tools and knowledge to excel in the varied nuances of fire safety, harnessing the confidence to explore the career paths available. Organisations are also able to integrate the programme into their ongoing training strategies, and by doing so, they can enhance their internal development programmes for employees, ensuring personnel are well-versed in current best practices and innovations within fire safety.
2025 also marked the return of two of the IFE’s most prestigious events: the Rasbash Lecture and the
Graduate Lecture. The Rasbash Lecture honours a distinguished presenter recognised for their outstanding contributions to fire safety engineering and the impact of their work over the course of their career. In contrast, the Graduate Lecture showcases the research, insight and ambition of fire engineering students, highlighting the rising talent shaping the future of our sector. Together, these events promote fire engineering as respected, meaningful and diverse with each playing a crucial role in championing excellence and celebrating the determination that continues to drive our profession forward.
Organisational sustainability and engagement
The IFE made huge strides during the year to adhere to modern governance practice. Following member’s approval of a Special Resolution in 2024, July saw our first hybrid AGM, a pivotal moment not
just in terms of technology and logistics, but in our ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and global engagement. It was a critical step to enable members from all over the world the opportunity to participate, contribute and feel connected to the work and direction of the Institution.
As part of the Special Resolution, members approved the IFE’s ability to co-opt additional Trustee Directors to the Board—an important step that further strengthens our governance, enhances strategic capability, and ensures any critical skill
gaps can be effectively addressed. Following the 2025 AGM, Jacqueline Lewis was co-opted to serve for three years and brings a strong legal background, which adds valuable expertise to the board’s governance and oversight functions.
The new appointed board reflects our commitment to strong governance, strategic growth, and inclusive leadership. Each trustee brings a unique perspective and a shared passion for advancing our goals and serving our community with integrity and vision.
The year also saw the re-introduction of the International President Elect, a critical move to expand the presidential team, allowing for a
smoother transition between presidential terms, and providing greater support to the International President. The IFE presidential team hold prominent roles, acting as ambassadors for the Institution on the international stage, fostering engagement across the fire sector, and supporting the continuity and delivery of the IFE’s strategic aims.
Both the trustees and presidential team take on these roles as voluntary positions, and I want to take a moment to appreciate the individuals who give so much of their time to their professional body. Our global bank of volunteers is something we are incredibly proud of. Their contributions extend beyond governance: from sharing specialist
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Member spotlight
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Awwal Salisu IEng MIFireE, United Kingdom
“IFE membership is more than an affiliation; it’s a seal of professional recognition. For anyone serious about a career in fire engineering, it provides credibility, structure, and a community of peers who share a passion for excellence and safety”
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expertise and delivering world-class qualifications, to supporting various application processes and running successful branches and groups.
This unique structure means our strategic direction is shaped by professionals who live and breathe fire safety every day. This approach guarantees that everything we do is rooted in real-world experience and remains focused on advancing the profession for the benefit of all.
I extend my sincere thanks to our volunteers, whose commitment and dedication distinguish the IFE and underpin our strength as a genuinely international member-led organisation.
Global influence and advocacy
A key component of our strategy is increasing awareness of the tangible impact of fire safety on our communities, infrastructure, and environment. Through thought leadership, collaboration, and technical guidance and support, we not only elevate the profession but also contribute to safer communities and more resilient built environments across the globe.
IFE contributed to the global fire safety agenda through international event presence, securing speaker opportunities and participation in panel discussions to influence and drive change. We were represented at Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Fire Safety Event in the UK, London Build Expo, European Fire Safety Week 2025, IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference in Dubai, the Irish Association for Passive Fire Protection’s (IAPFP) Passive Fire Safety Conference in Dublin and the International Tall Building High Rise Fire Safety Conference in Indianapolis.
In parallel to this, our work with government and regulators to shape fire safety standards and legislation heightened. The pace of reform in building and fire safety continues to accelerate, and 2025 marked a significant moment in the UK government’s response to the Phase 2 Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The publication of the UK government’s progress report, alongside the consultation on a Single Construction Regulator and the Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement, signals a shift from policy intent towards structural and professional reform.
The IFE Technical Team were embedded in many of the
consultations, working groups and discussions shaping these reforms throughout 2025 and the work will continue into the next year. This includes engagement with the UK government departments, regulators and other professional bodies to influence competence frameworks, regulatory models and professional standards which will drive change all over the world.
The recommendation to legally protect the term “fire engineer” prompted significant engagement with our registrants. We convened a dedicated group to explore potential solutions for the regulation and protection of the title and function, with the outcomes of this work subsequently presented as formal advice to government officials and the relevant teams within the devolved administrations, reinforcing our role as a trusted voice in shaping the future of fire safety regulation.
Towards the end of the year, we launched our 12 Days of Fire Safety campaign, aimed at increasing public awareness of both fire safety practices and the wider role of the IFE and its members. This initiative represented a deliberate and important shift in our communications approach; while our marketing
traditionally targets fire safety professionals, engaging the general public forms a key part of our broader mission and is an area we intend to strengthen as we build greater advocacy for the profession.
The campaign delivered a different fire safety message each day in the lead-up to the festive period and was supported by a downloadable compilation of all guidance. By extending our reach beyond the professional community, the campaign highlighted the expertise of our members and reinforced the positive impact they make in promoting a fire-safe world.
A great deal of progress was achieved throughout 2025, yet this represents only the foundation of our long-term strategy. We are firmly on a journey to build a safer world - one shaped by well-informed, competent and fully supported fire professionals - and I look forward to driving the next phase of this work. My sincere thanks go to our volunteers, members and staff, whose commitment and collaboration have been essential in advancing each element of this strategy.
Paul Stollard CEng MIFireE Chair of the Board of Trustees
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International President’s welcome
recommendation to legally protect the term ‘fire engineer’. This work remains ongoing, and the IFE will play an instrumental role in shaping its future direction, ensuring that public safety and the interests of our members remain at the forefront.
It is a special privilege and delight that I introduce you to the 2025 IFE annual report as your International President.
Thinking back to my acceptance speech during the 2025 AGM, I spoke about the need for change. We need to restore trust in the wider fire sector and in construction. Much of my work during the first half of my tenure has focused on this.
Towards the end of the year, I engaged with the Fire Forward Collective (FFC) at one of their events, using my role as International President to strengthen collaboration with groups across the sector. This engagement enabled us to align efforts on the core issues of fire engineer registration and the protection of the title, and to support coordinated dialogue with the specialist advisory group to government. By working closely with organisations such as the FFC, I am helping to ensure that collective expertise, and the voice of our membership, is directed towards tackling the fundamental challenges facing the profession.
I took part in a roundtable discussion at our Stratfordupon-Avon headquarters, convened to meet with government representatives and attended by IFE Chartered Engineer registrants representing a wide cross-section of expertise from industry and fire and rescue services. Together we explored the implications of the Grenfell Tower Phase Two inquiry report and the collective responsibilities of the engineering community. It was refreshing to have such open dialogue about the need for change as we delved into what the skills and knowledge should be; how this can be evidenced and what disciplines within the spectrum of fire safety should be covered.
Events and outreach
Not long into my role, the presidential team attended the annual IFE Ireland Conference hosted by our Republic of Ireland branch. Focusing on the theme ‘Fuelling progress - engineering the future of fire
I’ve also been involved in the IFE’s work on the
on Competence, Certification and Accountability in the Building Safety Era alongside other industry representatives. The event explored the implications of the Building Safety Act and the practical guidance needed for contractors and businesses to ensure their buildings remain safe and compliant including for fire safety. It was a delight to support IMechE, and I hope to see more collaboration between our two institutions moving forward. Working with other organisations and taking part in their discussions is key to raising awareness and the success of fire safety. We do not exist within a bubble and so now and in the future, we need to continue to reach out to others for the benefit of everyone.
safety’ the event featured a day of case studies, presentations and research delivered by sector experts. We also received an invite to attend and speak at the IFE Australia branch conference which International President Elect, Mark Reilly, attended to explore the theme ‘From local to global: leveraging systems, capability, and connection’.
I’ve since travelled to Edinburgh to attend the IFE Graduate Lecture, an event that plays an important role in supporting young engineers as they enter the profession. The lecture provides early-career professionals with the opportunity to hear from leading experts, develop their technical insight, and build valuable connections as they begin their careers. It was encouraging to see so many aspiring engineers engaging enthusiastically with the content and demonstrating the strong emerging talent within the sector.
As International President, one of the most energising aspects of my year has been championing the International President’s Technical Conference. It has grown into a standout moment in our calendar providing members with a high-impact event that brings together exceptional expertise from across our sector. The 2026 programme offered delegates two content streams which focused
I also took part in the Building Safety Conference 2026 hosted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) when I took part in a panel discussion
In his first duty as International President, James Lane (right) presents the Rasbash Medal to 2025 recipient, Martin Shipp, in July 2025.
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on the overarching themes of solving today’s problems and emerging technologies. We delved into topics such as evacuation lifts, façade design innovation, balcony fires research, and the impact of residential sprinklers on lithium-ion battery fires.
Technical discussions and content sit at the heart of this event, and it has been a pleasure to see the conference thrive for a second year. Thanks to the dedication of the programme committee, who worked with exceptional commitment to shape the content and secure an outstanding line-up of speakers, this year’s conference showcased the innovation and excellence within our profession.
Moving forward
During my tenure, we have witnessed the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, Hong Kong, and the blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. These tragedies are a stark reminder that those affected need time to process what has happened.
There will always be a danger of fire in the future, but we must stand firm and continue to develop ways alongside others to mitigate the risk and adverse effects of fire. Our members and volunteers around the world work tirelessly towards strengthening legislation and other frameworks to build resilience.
commitment. CROSS provides a trusted, independent and confidential reporting system through which professionals across the built environment can raise concerns about fire and structural safety issues. By supporting and promoting CROSS, we help ensure that critical insights and lessons learned are shared across the sector, strengthening ethical practice and fostering a culture in which transparency and safety remain paramount. We are grateful to publish CROSS articles in our IFP journal and e-newsletter that helps enrich our members’ knowledge.
This report highlights our need to continue with our endeavours, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to you all for continuing to support us in your own way. It is through everyone coming together that we can make a real difference in the lives of all and the sector of fire engineering.
This year the role of International President will pass over to our President Elect, Mark Reilly CMIFireE who has been exemplary in his career. This role has been re-introduced to expand the leadership capacity of our team, providing greater support and a smoother transition between presidential terms. I have no doubt that Mark will be an excellent International President and take the role with enthusiasm. I know that the future is in safe hands.
James Lane CEng FIFireE
Our partnership with CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) further reinforces this
International President 2025-2026
James Lane (left) pictured with Sean McEleney, IFE Republic of Ireland Branch President, at the branch’s annual conference in October 2025.
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Worldwide membership and Engineering Council registrants
Members
| Members | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORLDWIDE MEMBERSHIP | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Life Fellow (FIFireE (Life)) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Fellow (FIFireE) | 496 | 480 | 462 | 457 | 438 |
| Member (MIFireE) | 2,922 | 2,851 | 2,778 | 2,723 | 2,686 |
| Associate (AIFireE) | 1,869 | 1,970 | 2,026 | 2,275 | 2,418 |
| TOTAL CORPORATE | 5,293 | 5,307 | 5,272 | 5,461 | 5,547 |
| Graduate (GIFireE) | 3,013 | 2,821 | 2,625 | 2,533 | 2,398 |
| Technician (TIFireE) | 580 | 657 | 758 | 824 | 859 |
| TOTAL NON-CORPORATE | 3,593 | 3,478 | 3,383 | 3,357 | 3,257 |
| TOTAL VOTING | 8,886 | 8,785 | 8,655 | 8,818 | 8,804 |
| Affliate | 2,360 | 2,448 | 2,347 | 2,048 | 2,170 |
| Affliate Organisation | 268 | 269 | 281 | 301 | 337 |
| Student | 372 | 345 | 1,769 | 3,587 | 5,539 |
| TOTAL NON-VOTING | 3,000 | 3,062 | 4,397 | 5,936 | 8,046 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 11,886 | 11,847 | 13,052 | 14,754 | 16,850 |
Re istrants g
| Registrants | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINEERING COUNCIL REGISTRANTS | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Chartered Engineer (CEng) | 307 | 323 | 332 | 337 | 362 |
| Interim Registrant | 113 | 124 | 155 | 203 | 268 |
| Incorporated Engineer (IEng) | 31 | 30 | 35 | 37 | 37 |
| Engineering Technician (EngTech) | 283 | 279 | 296 | 359 | 441 |
| TOTAL | 734 | 756 | 818 | 936 | 1,108 |
Janine Kayode CEng MIFireE, United Kingdom
“Being a Chartered Engineer through the IFE has given me credibility with clients and regulators, strengthened my CPD, and connected me to a wider professional community. The process itself was also a valuable opportunity to reflect on my career and articulate how I apply judgement in practice.”
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Our 2025 highlights
This year has been defined by progress, resilience, and meaningful impact. From advancing key strategic initiatives to strengthening our operations and governance, we continued to build momentum across the organisation. We’ve seen significant achievements that not only reflect our commitment to excellence but also position us strongly for the year ahead. The highlights that follow showcase the innovation, collaboration, and dedication that have shaped our success and reinforced our role as a trusted leader within the sector.
Strategy launch
IFE started 2025 with the launch of its new strategy, ‘Leading Fire Safety’. Developed in collaboration with members, the strategy sets a clear direction for inspiring excellence through knowledge, professional standards and meaningful collaboration. At its heart, the strategy strives to empower members to influence how fire safety is understood and managed, ensuring they play a key role in driving necessary change.
A milestone hybrid AGM
For the first time in our history, the IFE hosted its AGM in a hybrid format with members joining inperson and online from around the world. The event marked a pivotal moment for the Institution - not just in terms of technology and logistics, but in our ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and global engagement. It was a critical step for the IFE, ensuring that all members, regardless of location, had the opportunity to participate, contribute, and feel connected to the work and direction of the Institution.
Shaping competence
Throughout the year, IFE played a key role in supporting the work of the Sector Led Group 16 (SLG 16) formed under the restructured Industry Competence Steering Group. SLG 16 is dedicated to enhancing the competence of fire risk assessors by developing a methodology and framework with defined standards and assessment criteria for undertaking general fire risk assessments across all premises. Through our expertise and active engagement, the IFE has helped shape the future of fire safety competence and contributed to the development of frameworks that define what good looks like in fire safety roles.
Beyond SLG 16, the IFE has also been instrumental in SLG 3, which focuses on engineers across the built environment. SLG 3 is responsible for developing the UK Standard for Engineer Competence, a framework that defines the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours required for engineers to demonstrate competence in their roles. For the IFE, this means ensuring that fire engineers are properly represented within the wider engineering competence framework. Their expertise in designing safe buildings, developing fire strategies, and advising on compliance is critical and must be embedded in national standards.
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Empowering early careers
Following the creation of the Early
Careers Networking Group in 2024, the Elevate webinar series launched in April. An innovative professional development series, this resource provides early career fire professionals with a structured learning pathway to help bridge the industry skills gap. Proving incredibly popular, the series has included subjects such as operational firefighting, methods of fire stopping, human behaviour in fire and PAS 9980 methodology with the
series continuing into 2026. All Elevate recordings are available to IFE members to watch on demand via the CPD Hub.
Scan to join IFE’s Early Careers Networking Group
Yorkshire and Humberside branch resurgent
Online exam expansion
Throughout 2025, the IFE expanded its digital exam offering over the course of the year. This forward-thinking approach ensures greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling candidates across the globe to complete their qualifications at a time and place that suits them. By removing barriers to access, the IFE is making professional development more convenient, equitable, and future-ready.
The IFE Yorkshire and Humberside branch relaunched at the start of the year with a busy CPD and events programme. Hosting a monthly webinar, the branch provided sessions on a range of fire safety topics with time dedicated to early-careers to support those starting out in the sector. This free to attend resource is hosted by industry experts and provides a regular way to add to CPD and learn about the latest sector insights.
This continued investment in digital assessment also reflects the organisation’s commitment to modernising the learning experience and meeting the evolving expectations of professionals at every stage of their careers. As the demand for accessible, high-quality learning increases, the IFE remains firmly focused on expanding opportunities, enhancing standards, and supporting the next generation of fire safety professionals worldwide.
Return of the Rasbash Lecture
The year saw the return of the Rasbash Lecture, a prestigious event in the IFE’s calendar to celebrate an individual’s contributions to the fire safety field. In 2025, the lecture returned to coincide with the IFE’s AGM with our global membership able to watch the presentation both online and in-person. The lecture is hosted by the Rasbash winner who is selected on the basis of their eminence in the field of fire safety engineering. The event concludes with the presentation of the Rasbash Medal.
Expanded professional registration remit
The IFE’s work with the Engineering Council progressed further in May with the launch of the new UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment Contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB) for engineers and technicians. The IFE was confirmed as the professional engineering institution Scan to learn about responsible for assessing HRB registration applicants against the Fire Discipline Annex, placing us at the centre of implementation for fire professionals under the new standard.
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Scan to watch the
Rasbash Lecture
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Continued collaboration with BSI
The IFE continued its joint webinar series with the British Standards Institution (BSI) hosting a session focused on the changes to BS 9991:2024. The free webinar provided delegates with a deeper understanding of this standard with experts on hand to provide information about the changes, their implications and emerging trends in fire safety management. Members can still access this resource through the IFE CPD Hub.
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Influencing change
Global technical forum
The IFE introduced the International President’s Technical Conference in June, an event dedicated to delving deep into technical subjects from across the fire engineering spectrum. Gathering industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and community advocates, the event provided a platform for delegates to forge global partnerships, share insights and engage in-depth discussions to build a fireresilient world. Following its success, the event returns in 2026 at the University of Wolverhampton.
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Supporting future fire professionals
The IFE reintroduced its Graduate Lecture in 2025 held at the University of Lancashire. This event celebrates the next generation of fire professionals – students whose research is driving progress and redefining what is possible in fire engineering – whilst also providing crucial networking opportunities for our future fire engineers to meet with employers from across the sector. Following a motivational speech from Dr Barbara Lane, six students took to the stage to present their final year research. Members can access the full event report in the August 2025 IFP journal, hosted on the digital library on our website. Visit www.ife.org.uk/myife.
Following the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations, the IFE established a dedicated Grenfell Response Group of Chartered Engineers and industry specialists to coordinate action on the most critical recommendations. Alongside this, the IFE worked closely with the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel, providing technical expertise that directly informed the development of the panel’s Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement, published at the end of the year.
guiding training providers to deliver programmes aligned with recognised global benchmarks.
The IFE has contributed to strengthening governance and quality-assurance arrangements for fire risk assessors, offering expertise on certification pathways, qualification expectations and mechanisms that promote transparency and trust in professional practice. Our technical insight has informed the development and refinement
The IFE has played a significant role in shaping fire risk assessor competency through our work as part of SLG 16 (see page 23) alongside our contributions to the refinement of the BS 8674:2025 framework. This is a key British Standard published in August 2025 that establishes performance-based criteria for assessing the competence of fire risk assessors. The final standard reflects IFE’s influence in defining the threetier competence structure—Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced—supporting the professionalisation of fire risk assessors across the built environment.
of guidance used by fire and rescue services, regulators and safety professionals internationally, helping ensure consistency in both operational and protection-related decision-making.
We have contributed to cross-industry committees focused on building safety, where the IFE has ensured that fire engineering perspectives remain central to the development of safe design, construction and maintenance practices. The Institution has supported ongoing work to enhance competence in passive fire protection and has provided technical leadership to standards development relating to evacuation and firefighting lifts, helping to improve life-safety measures in complex and high-rise buildings.
The IFE has continued to influence the advancement of fire safety competence across the built environment internationally. Through participation in a range of multi-disciplinary working groups, we have helped shape modern approaches to training, assessment and professional standards for fire safety professionals. This work has included shaping the development of apprenticeship pathways, supporting the practical implementation of competence frameworks, and
Together, these activities demonstrate the IFE’s sustained global influence in raising professional standards and supporting greater alignment in fire safety competence across the sector.
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Advancing our EEDI work
Fire Resistance SIG collaborates with IStructE
In 2025, the IFE progressed its Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work in partnership with Equal Engineers by delivering a series of member led focus groups informed by the 2024 survey findings. These sessions provided deeper insight into members’ experiences and priorities, helping the Institution to identify practical actions to strengthen inclusion across governance, membership and volunteering.
The IFE Fire Resistance Special Interest Group (SIG) has continued to support the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) in strengthening competency and raising awareness of fire-related structural design.
In 2025, the SIG was invited by IStructE, via CROSS-UK, to undertake an independent review of IStructE’s forthcoming guidance on “Compliance approaches and the role of the structural engineer” in relation to structural fire design. The SIG was pleased to contribute to this work, which is expected to provide valuable support to structural engineers and enhance wider industry practice and building safety.
The learning from this engagement has informed the development of a structured EEDI action plan, setting clear priorities to embed inclusive practice more consistently across the organisation and support positive change within the wider fire sector and global fire safety professionals. These priorities are embedded into the IFE’s organisationwide strategy with key performance indicators attached to measure progress.
This working relationship will continue into 2026 with the SIG supporting IStructE’s training programme, “Fire design principles for structural engineers” to deliver a recorded module covering fire development, building system response, the concept of fire resistance, and its application in structural design.
IFE USA branch supports the development of NFPA 1850
The IFE USA branch has been engaged in the advancement of the NFPA 1850 standard. NFPA 1850 focuses on fire department responsibilities by providing a comprehensive framework for managing PPE across its full lifecycle, including two key roles: the Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) Manager and the PPC Technician. While the standard outlines their duties, it does not yet establish formal professional qualifications for these positions. The USA branch in concert with Fire Industry Education Resource Organisation (F.I.E.R.O) has been working closely with the NFPA, certification bodies and industry partners to support the development of professional qualifications for the PPC Manager and Technician to ensure consistent competency across the fire service.
Throughout the year, the IFE provided expert input to a range of consultations, drawing on member knowledge to shape emerging policy and standards including:
Members can view live and past consultations on the IFE website. Scan to log in:
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♦ Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025
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♦ BS EN 12939 EN 12939 Thermal performance of building materials and products. Determination of thermal
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♦ PAS 9980 consultation
resistance by means of guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods. Thick products of high and medium thermal resistance
♦ Through the IFE Hong Kong branch, we contributed to the “Fire safety design guide for caverns” which was launched by several government departments in Hong Kong. The consultation aimed to formulate a fire safety design strategy and the requirements of caverns for storing historial archives due to inadequate space in the country.
PFAS in firefighter foam restriction proposal
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The reform of fire and rescue authorities in Wales 2025
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♦
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♦ A consultation to gather views on the Building Safety Regulator
BS ISO 7240-33 ISO 7240-33 Fire
- ♦
detection and alarm systems. Part 33: Thermal imaging fire detectors
♦ Draft guidance on Fire Safety Measures for Persons with Duties: healthcare premises and also those with duties for office and shops
♦ Guide to Fire Safety Measures for Persons with Duties: theatres, cinemas and similar premises and also those with duties for transport premises and facilities
♦ BS ISO 13785-1 Reaction-to-fire tests for façades — Part 1: Intermediate-scale test
♦ BS EN 13501-2:2023/A1 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. - Part 2: Classification using data from fire resistance and/or smoke control tests, excluding ventilation services
♦ BS EN 12667 EN 12667 Thermal performance of building materials and products. Determination of thermal resistance by means of guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods. Products of high and medium thermal resistance
Electric vehicle charging: changes to permitted development rights consultation
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♦ BS EN 12664 EN 12664 Thermal performance of building materials and products. Determination of thermal resistance by means of guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods. Dry and moist products of medium and low thermal resistance
- ♦ BS EN 12259-12:2023/A1 Fixed firefighting systems - Components for sprinkler and water spray systems. - Part 12: Pumps
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06
Member
engagement
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As the international professional body for fire safety, the IFE continues to champion the sector on a global stage by promoting excellence through education, professional development, and strong ethical standards. This year, we remained focused on providing high-quality resources and guidance to ensure our members are informed and equipped to uphold these standards.
Member engagement remained central to our work, with activity across events, consultations, volunteering, and day-to-day interactions. Through these channels, we connected with members and supported their professional journeys, which reinforced our commitment as a responsive and member-driven organisation.
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Shaping the future
We continue to engage members on the latest, relevant
consultations and
encourage participation to help shape guidance, policy positions, and thought leadership. By contributing insights our members ensure responses reflect the realities of frontline practice. Learn more about the consultations we’ve promoted on page 29.
Empowering members through flexible learning
Learning and development remain central to member engagement. Our programme of webinars, events, and digital resources offer flexible ways for members to build their knowledge and stay up to date with industry developments. By providing accessible, high-quality learning, we support members to enhance their practice, maintain competence, and stay connected to the wider professional community.
Strengthening engagement through volunteering
Volunteering remains a key indicator of meaningful member engagement, providing members with a direct and practical way to contribute to, and shape, the organisation. During the year, over 400 members were actively involved across committees, working groups and branches, supporting activity in more than 100 countries and reinforcing our global, member-led approach.
enabling a broader range of members to get involved, supporting our ambition to widen participation and ensure a more diverse and representative volunteer community.
Volunteering also plays an important role in deepening member connection over time. Many members progress from initial engagement into more sustained involvement, including leadership and governance roles. This progression supports succession planning while maintaining a strong link between our governance structures and the membership we represent.
Through volunteering, members are not only participating, but actively influencing outcomes. Their insight and experience inform decisionmaking, shape professional and technical activity, and strengthen connections between the organisation and the wider membership. This ensures that our work remains relevant, responsive, and grounded in the needs of the profession.
Our ongoing focus is to strengthen the volunteer experience — through clearer pathways into involvement, improved onboarding, and better recognition of contribution — ensuring that members feel supported, valued, and able to engage in ways that are meaningful to them.
We continue to see increasing engagement through more flexible and accessible opportunities. Shorter-term and project-based roles are
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Kelly Geraghty AIFireE, Canada
“I’ve benefited so much from IFE over the years — networking, learning, and growing in my career, especially early on. I wanted to help others experience the same. Volunteering felt like a natural way to pay it forward to the community that supported me and to help strengthen both the fire safety and building industries.”
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Worldwide networking
Our expanded schedule of events create valuable global networking opportunities, enabling members from across regions to connect, share insights, and learn from one another. Our Early Careers Networking Group and Women’s Networking Group continue to grow, fostering inclusive spaces for members to engage with peers, exchange experiences, and develop their network. Together, they help build a collaborative and internationally connected membership network.
International engagement through the IGA
The International General Assembly (IGA) continues to play a vital role in enabling meaningful member engagement across our global network. Bringing together representatives from branches and Special Interest Groups, the IGA provides a structured forum through which members actively contribute to organisational dialogue and development.
Through regular consultation and open discussion, members have shared regional insights, highlighted emerging priorities, and contributed to shaping key areas of activity. This ensures that diverse perspectives are reflected in decisionmaking and that our work remains responsive to the needs of a global membership.
The IGA also supports greater connection across the network. By fostering collaboration and shared learning between branches and groups, it enables members to engage beyond their local context and contribute to a broader professional community.
We continue to refine how the IGA operates to maximise participation and impact, focusing on accessibility, clear purpose, and ensuring members can see their input reflected in outcomes. This is key to strengthening representation, enhancing transparency, and reinforcing our position as a truly member-led organisation.
Global advocacy
Throughout the year, we worked closely with external stakeholders, regulators and industry bodies to ensure our members’ professional voices were heard where it matters most. Our presence across key forums enabled us to represent the breadth of our membership and contribute constructively to discussions shaping the future of the sector. We also represented members to international audiences, helping influence global conversations on behalf of the profession. These engagements not only promoted our values and priorities, they also highlighted the depth, diversity and expertise within our membership. We remain committed to championing the relevance of our work internationally and ensuring that the perspectives of our global community continue to shape industry dialogue.
Keeping our members informed
We keep members informed through a range of communication channels designed to provide timely, relevant and accessible on Linkedin for the latest updates. Regular e-newsletters updates and insights deliver organisational news, industry developments and upcoming opportunities, while the quarterly IFP journal provides in-depth technical content from across the global profession. Targeted email campaigns ensure members receive
Stay connected - follow IFE on Linkedin for the latest updates and insights
information tailored to their interests and membership stage. Our website and MyIFE member area serve as central hubs for guidance, resources and announcements, supported by active social media channels that enable quick dissemination of news and real-time engagement. Together, these platforms ensure members remain well-informed, connected and supported.
Day-to-day support and member feedback opportunities
IFE has a dedicated HQ team that provides support to members. Through continuous communication, tailored advice and responsive services, we remain committed to guiding members throughout their professional journeys, ensuring they have access to the information and resources they need at every stage. We encourage members to share their views via quick‑access feedback links included in our communications to ensure members have a consistent and accessible way to provide comments, suggestions, or raise any concerns.
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Marianne Foley AIFireE, Australia
Member spotlight
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“The greatest benefit I get is from the knowledge sharing across the broader fire safety community. I am a better fire engineer when I can see things from a wider perspective and I learn a lot from talking to firefighters and fire service management, as well as engaging with engineers in fire testing. The IFE brings these broad fire safety professions together, and that makes us all better.”
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Global events and activities
34 worldwide branches
9 Special Interest Groups and networking groups
Advancing the profession together
Across the IFE’s international network, our branches and groups continue to deliver an impressive range of activities and events, fostering the sharing of knowledge and shaping the fire safety conversation locally and globally.
Member-led activity continues to play a central role in shaping the fire profession. From technical training and standards development to international conferences and local networking, the breadth of engagement ensures that fire professionals worldwide have access to relevant, high-quality opportunities to learn, collaborate and contribute to the advancement of the sector. We are grateful to all those who dedicate their time and expertise, and we look forward to building on this collective impact in the year ahead.
From major conferences, technical webinars and informing policy and regulations, together we are the leading voice for the sector.
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Our branches and groups continue to provide vital support and guidance to members worldwide. Below is a selection of activities delivered over the past year, recognising that many more initiatives were carried out by our dedicated volunteer network across the globe. Stay informed about upcoming events at www.ife.org.uk/events.
Highlights:
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♦ The USA branch pushed its CPD production further online in 2025, with multiple webinars in their Lunch ‘n’ Learn series covering topics such as tornado outbreaks and ensuring excellence and best-practice in a team. The branch continued its support of the F.I.E.R.O symposiums and Vision 20/20, a US initiative advancing Community Risk Reduction across the fire and emergency services.
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♦ The Canada branch hosted a number of events over the course of the year, among them being the Canadian Fire Engineering Summit 2025. Once again hosted in collaboration with the Canadian Fire Alarms Association and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (Southern Ontario Chapter), the summit provided delegates invaluable access to panel discussions, seminars, and networking opportunities.
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♦ The CASA branch hosted its Women in Service Retreat back in March, the first of an annual 7-day event aimed at strengthening collaboration and developing skills through workshops.
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♦ The South Africa branch hosted their 73rd AGM in September, alongside their conference with the theme of ‘Key Insights from Local and Global Fire Safety Challenges’.
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♦ The Mid-Western branch hosted an in-person plenary on car park fires. The session covered recent developments in car park fires and how they are fought, drawing from direct discussion of the 2023 Luton Airport fire to cover guidance and future development.
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♦ The Australia branch produced the IFE 25 National Conference at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre in August, drawing in delegates with keynote speakers from across the emergency services sector, and a wide variety of practical workshops.
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♦ The New Zealand branch worked in collaboration with the Fire Protection Association (New Zealand), and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (New Zealand Chapter) to host FIRENZ 2025. The conference included both local and international keynote speakers and provided delegates with insight and learning across its two days.
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♦ The Thames Valley branch hosted a CPD event day at the Kents Hill Convention Centre covering the Luton Airport car park fire, the Manchester Arena attack, and how to apply for Engineering Council membership.
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♦ The Heritage SIG hosted a seminar covering the ‘Challenges of Managing Fire Safety in Historic Buildings’ in September. Delegates learned the difficulties of developing a fire strategy that considers existing conditions, prevention, detection, communication, containment, suppression and disaster recovery all while facing the unique barriers and requirements of historic buildings.
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♦ The Early Careers Networking Group launched the Elevate professional development series in April, providing fortnightly webinars on topics spanning fire safety. The series has enjoyed incredible success, with over 5,000 bookings. The group is continuing the series throughout 2026, providing CPD and learning opportunities to the next generation of fire engineers worldwide.
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♦ The Trinidad and Tobago branch hosted webinars attended by IFE members from across the world, covering firefighting in high rise buildings, and the fundamentals of BESS.
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♦ We exhibited at industry events throughout the year, including the Fire Safety Event, The Women in the Fire Service National Training and Development event, and London Build. With support from volunteers, IFE was also represented at the Naval Damage Control conference in Southampton and the IAPFP Passive Fire Safety Conference in Dublin.
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♦ The FIRE Conference returned in 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. With the theme of ‘Futureproofing our built environment’, the conference provided ample plenaries, panel discussions, and workshops to over 500 delegates both in-person and online. The conference had significant global outreach, with speakers from the international fire community including from Australia, the USA, and more, discussing how their local regulations and systems work to combat growing fire safety threats. Topics included: The Los Angeles wildfires, construction products, and a case study of the Moss Landing battery fire.
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♦ The BSI and IFE collaborated on a webinar on building works issues in occupied buildings, and PAS 8673.
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♦ The Norfolk and Suffolk branch hosted quarterly webinars, including coverage of the updates to BS 9991:2024, and ensuring PV fire safety on roofs through experiments.
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♦ The return of the Graduate Lecture took place at the University of Lancashire in May, once again providing fire engineering students the opportunity to be recognised for their ground-breaking research. Delegates heard an insightful keynote speech from Dr Barbara Lane, before listening to the presentations from fire engineering students from across the country as they explored research on fire brands, the mechanical characteristics of timber, and more.
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♦ The Yorkshire and Humberside branch launched a CPD series in April, presenting a two-part webinar per month. The series includes an early-careers session covering topics that are particularly valuable to those starting out their careers, with the remainder of each session focusing on topics such as the fire safety of lightning protection, and the government response to the Grenfell Tower phase 2 inquiry.
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♦ The Hong Kong branch represented the IFE at various international events including the 16th International Conference and Exhibition on Fire Science and Engineering in Interflam, London, SIDEX 2025 - International Disaster and Emergency Management Expo, Singapore, China International Fire Protection Equipment Technology Conference and Expo, Beijing, and AFAC 2025 Conference and Exhibition, Perth. The branch also attended a Hong Kong Fire Services Department event to deliver a presentation on the topic ‘Fire safety and rescue strategy of an incineration plant in an isolated island’ which was attended by eight countries.
♦ The Scotland branch looked at Battery Energy Storage Systems and intumescent coatings in webinars during the year. With speakers from the University of Primorska (Slovenia), and the IFE Norfolk and Suffolk branch, the webinars provided analysis of these ever-developing issues.
♦ The Singapore branch continued its run of CPD courses and events, covering a range of topics including tunnel fires, fire extinguisher competency, and water mist. These in-person seminars, courses, and webinars have provided practical and effective learning opportunities for IFE members both local and worldwide.
♦ The North-Western branch hosted a plenary session at the University of Lancashire to discuss ‘Shaping the future of façade fire testing’. The plenary session was followed by a fire instructor day at the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre in Chorley where delegates learned how to improve their organisation and operational response.
♦ The South-Western branch hosted a CPD day in October, discussing smoke and fire curtains, leadership journeys, and updates from CROSS. The day ended with an open forum and Q&A with the expert speakers.
♦ The Republic of Ireland branch hosted its annual conference at the Carlton Hotel in Dublin in October. The event brought together professionals, researchers, and policymakers to explore the future of fire safety, prevention, and emergency response. Conference topics included: the Luton Airport car park fire, fire safety evidence basis, and fire protection innovations.
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♦ The inaugural International President’s Technical Conference launched at the University of Lancashire in June to great success. Orchestrated by International President 2024-2025 Trent Fearnley, the conference looked to the future with the theme ‘Taking the next steps: A collaborative path to a fire safe future’. Both local and international speakers provided their expertise through a variety of topics, including sustainable construction, external fire spread, and thermo-mechanical analysis. The two-day conference also included the International President’s dinner, a cordial evening meal including a dinner speech from Red Deer Fire Chief Ken McMullen on the importance of international collaboration.
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♦ The Midlands branch hosted their AGM and CPD day in May where the branch deliberated on member engagement and heard from speakers on Engineering Council registration, Fire Risk Assessor competency, and fire protection liability.
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♦ The GCC UAE branch once again provided their support for the IFSJ Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference 2025 in May. The event brought together leadership from around the world to discuss the future of fire safety and the values of collaboration.
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♦ The Northern Ireland branch hosted a heritage fire day at Castle Ward. Speakers discussed fire risk management at the National Trust, the intricacies of historic doors, and fire strategy for heritage buildings.
The CPD Hub contains recordings from conferences, webinars, and more. Visit www.ife.org.uk and click on MyIFE.
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08
Governance and leadership
Trustees
Christopher Bilby GIFireE
Elected by the International General Assembly, resigned 16 July 2025 Elected by voting members, re-appointed 24 October 2024 Elected by the International General Assembly, appointed 16 July 2025 Elected by voting members, appointed 17 October 2023 Elected by voting members, appointed 24 October 2024 Co-opted, appointed 16 July 2025
Hayley Burgess EngTech MIFireE Ryan Cleggett AIFireE Nick Collins FIFireE Angela Fearnley AIFireE Jason Hill MIFireE
James Lane CEng FIFireE Jacqueline Lewis Roy Little CEng MIFireE
Elected by Engineering Council registrants, resigned 16 July 2025 Co-opted, appointed 16 July 2025
Elected by Engineering Council registrants, appointed 16 July 2025
Shephard Ndlovu FIFireE
Co-opted, re-appointed 24 October 2024
Parina Prior (Patel) CEng MIFireE Paul Stollard CEng MIFireE Hao Giang Tay CFIFireE Peter Wilkinson CEng CFIFireE
Elected by voting members, resigned 16 July 2025
Co-opted, appointed 1 April 2024
Elected by the International General Assembly, resigned 16 July 2025 Elected by voting members, resigned 17 May 2026
Presidential Team
James Lane CEng FIFireE International President 2025-26 Mark Reilly CMIFireE International President Elect 2025-26
Corporate Management Team
Stephen Hamm CEng FIFireE Chief Executive Officer, resigned 15 May 2026
Paul Adams Chief Executive Officer, appointed 18 May 2026
Member and Education Services Director
Joanne Tedd Claire Bevington
Finance and Corporate Services Director Technical Services Director, from 1 December 2023
Paul Trew GIFireE
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Trustees report
The Directors, who are also the Trustees of The Institution of Fire Engineers for the purposes of charity law, have pleasure in presenting their report together with the audited group financial statements of the Institution for the year ended 31 December 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS102) in preparing their report and the financial statements.
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Name and status
elected. At the time of appointment all Board members receive training, mentoring support and the Trustee welcome pack which includes guidance on the roles and duties of Trustees and follows guidance from OSCR.
The Institution of Fire Engineers (Institution), also known as the ‘IFE’, is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in 1924 otherwise than for profit. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, with the latest amendment being adopted on 24 October 2024. It is exempt from the requirement to use the word “limited” and is recognised by HM Revenue and Customs as a charity for the purposes of Part II Corporation Tax Act 2010. It is entitled to describe itself as a Scottish Charity and is included on the Register of Scottish Charities maintained by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). The Institution has followed best practice by adopting the provisions of “Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS102)”. The liability of each member is restricted to twenty-five pence. The company registration number is: SC013267 and the Scottish charity number is SC012694.
Trustees
The Board of Trustees (the Board), with the exception of co-opted Trustees, are elected by ballot in accordance with regulation 19 of the Institution’s Bye-Laws. All Trustees are volunteers, and the Board is made up of both elected and co-opted members, providing the basis for greater diversity and a broader mix of skills and experience. Trustees who are elected take office at the AGM and serve for a period of three years. Two members of the Board (not including co-opted Trustees) are required to retire from the Board each year but may be re-
Structure and governance
Trustees retain responsibility for approving matters that influence the overall direction and risk profile of the Institution, as well as key items such as the annual budget, performance objectives, and the published accounts.
Trustees are supported by a range of committees that ensure effective governance and oversight. These include:
- ♦ The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, responsible for financial oversight and risk management.
The Board meets at least three times a year and maintains ongoing electronic communication between meetings. Prior to each Board meeting, Institution staff prepare briefing papers covering major operational activities, enabling Trustees to monitor progress and ensure compliance with external regulatory requirements, including those set by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and the Engineering Council.
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♦ The Appointments Committee, which oversees Board appointments and succession planning.
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♦ The Professional Standards Committee, which develops and upholds policies that embed ethical values and professional standards across the membership.
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♦ The Membership and Registration
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supports its members by fostering local networks
Committee, which oversees membership policies, registration processes,
Related parties
and the administration of the Institution’s membership framework.
- ♦ The Education and Qualifications Committee, which ensures the integrity and quality of the Institution’s qualifications.
The Institution has one wholly owned subsidiary, The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited, through which trading activities are pursued and a regular membership journal is produced in support of the Institution’s charitable objectives.
- ♦ The Technical Committee, which offers expert guidance and acts
as a sounding board on the Institution’s technical priorities.
The International General Assembly (IGA) is a member-led forum hosted by the Institution to promote multilateral and cross-sector dialogue, encourage collaboration, and bring together diverse technical perspectives.
The Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) remuneration is set by the Board; whilst responsibility for determining remuneration at all other levels is delegated to the CEO. In all instances, remuneration is reviewed with the intent of encouraging high performance in a fair and responsible manner, whilst ensuring affordability within the overall budget approved by the Board.
As a registered charity, the Board is committed to continually strengthening its governance framework. It adheres to best practice within the charity sector and, where relevant, has regard to the Scottish Governance Code for the third sector. The Board considers the IFE’s governance arrangements to be broadly aligned with the Code’s five core principles and remains committed to achieving exemplary standards.
Detailed disclosure of transactions with related parties is given in note 24.
Public benefit
and continuous professional development, ensuring the sharing of best practices and the maintenance of up-to-date knowledge and skills
As a charitable body the Institution exists to deliver benefits to the public. The benefits arising from the Institution’s activity are widespread.
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♦ Our membership grades and professional qualifications are highly esteemed by employers and recognised internationally. Commercial organisations benefit from employing members with these respected credentials, which in turn enhances public safety and contributes positively to the economy through the expertise of trusted professionals
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♦ The general public throughout the world benefit from a safe and well-designed infrastructure provided by the highly skilled members of the Institution. Members of the Institution actively promote and inspire advancements in the research, science and practice of fire engineering. By disseminating knowledge and education, they play a crucial role in creating a safer world, significantly reducing the risk and impact of fires
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♦ Policy-makers worldwide benefit from our institution’s collaboration with highly skilled members, leveraging their expertise to influence positive changes in codes, standards, and regulations through effective participation in public consultations
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♦ Public benefit is achieved through the commitment of all members to uphold high standards of professional and ethical conduct. The institution
Developing a resilient and competent fire engineering profession
Fire safety is a critical global priority, particularly within the built environment, where the consequences of failure can be significant and far-reaching. Emerging challenges, including the accelerating impacts of climate change, increasing urban density, and the growing demands of the sustainability agenda, are reshaping the risk landscape and placing new pressures on fire safety systems and practices. In this evolving context, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled fire engineering professionals has never been more essential.
The IFE plays a leading role in strengthening this global capability. Through its guidance, professional standards, and internationally recognised qualifications, the IFE supports the development of a competent and resilient fire engineering workforce. The Institution also brings together employers, regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to foster shared responsibility for fire safety and to promote consistent, evidence-based practice across sectors and borders. By championing professional excellence, encouraging collaboration, and advocating for the systems that underpin competency, the IFE helps ensure that fire safety remains embedded in every stage of planning, design, construction, and ongoing management.
Our collective commitment as a global community of professionals, is fundamental to ensuring that people, property, and the environment can be protected as effectively as possible from the risk of fire.
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Financial Review
The Institution delivered a robust financial performance throughout 2025 while continuing to invest in enhanced CPD and technical activities.
11%
The Group recorded a net surplus of £56,787 for 2025 compared to £104,807 in 2024. Total income rose by £236,234 (11%) to £2,337,191, up from £2,100,957 in 2024.
13%
Expenditure increased by £284,254 (14%) to £2,280,404, compared with £1,996,150 in the previous year. As of 31 December 2025, the Institution held total funds of £2,176,605, comprising £89,621 in restricted funds and £2,086,984 in unrestricted funds. Further details are provided in Note 21.
5%
Membership income remained steady with an increase of 5% to £1,162,094 in 2025. Employer Partner agreements grew significantly, with income rising 49% to £365,581, driven by a growing number of organisations investing in professional development for staff. Further growth is anticipated as this initiative matures.
14%
Examination income grew by 14% to £368,618, supported by the expansion of digital qualifications. Work continues to increase our digital exam offering ensuring qualifications are more inclusive and accessible.
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Expenditure overview
Investment policy
The Group’s principal expenditure areas remain consistent with prior years. Key costs included staff salaries (see note 8), IT infrastructure and digital development, volunteer out-of-pocket expenses, and production of the International Fire Professional (IFP) journal. These investments underpin the Institution’s operational capability and support the ongoing enhancement of services to members and the wider fire sector.
Having careful consideration of the business plan and preserving working capital requirements, the Trustees have agreed that investments are to be cash based and low risk only. To spread risk, available free reserves are
Fundraising
placed with multiple UK banks with varying fixed terms to balance the need for possible access with higher rates of return. Investments are kept under review.
The Institution had no fundraising activities requiring disclosure under Section 162A of the Charities Act 2011.
Grant making activities
The Institution does not ordinarily make grants from its unrestricted funds. During the year, however, a one-off grant of £45,000 was awarded, payable over three years, to support an initiative consistent with its charitable objectives. Grant-making does not form part of the Institution’s ongoing activities.
Reserves
£89,621 (2024: £89,101) ; further details of which can be found in note 21. During 2025, the Trustees set aside a designated fund of £652,900 (2024: £426,300) , for planned expenditure on the Institution’s Strategy, Technical Services, Internal Reviews and upcoming IT projects. Expenditure of the fund during 2025 was £307,289 (2024: £377,000) and the balance on the fund at the year end is £652,900 (2024: £426,300) . See note 21. Trustees have set the free reserves level for the year at a range between £500,000 to £1,000,000 reflecting contractual contingencies and allowing flexibility for the investment needs to further the Institution’s charitable aims. The level of free reserves at the end of 2025, before capital commitments stood at £637,553 (2024: £648,115) which is within the target.
IFE’s mission is long-term and whilst all funds are expended towards the Institution’s objectives within a reasonable timeline, it is also prudent to maintain a reserve of free funds to protect the long-term viability as the Institution and external environment changes over time. The level of reserves is regularly monitored by the Trustees and is determined by considering forecasts of the Institution, its future needs, opportunities, contingencies and possible risks.
Free reserves are calculated using the total funds, less designated funds, restricted funds and fixed assets. The Institution’s total unrestricted funds at 31 December 2025 was £2,086,984 (2024: £2,030,717) , and restricted funds at 31 December 2025 was
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Member spotlight
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Rob Brittain AIFireE, United Kingdom
“As I took on increasingly senior roles and specialist responsibilities in nuclear and mission critical projects, I wanted to align myself more closely with the IFE’s professional community. Membership provides access to a network of peers, resources, and professional recognition, which supports continuous development, knowledge sharing, and engagement with best practices across the field”
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Going Concern
The Trustees have carefully considered the
respond promptly to any emerging issues. In 2025, the Institution delivered a strong financial performance, sustaining investment to support its ongoing programmes and initiatives.
Institution’s ability to continue as a going concern. This assessment included reviewing financial forecasts, projected cash flows and anticipated expenditure, taking into account both operational plans and potential risks. Projections have been prepared using past performance trends, current commitments and reasonable assumptions about future income.
On the basis of this review, the Trustees are satisfied that the Institution has sufficient reserves to meet its obligations as they fall due and to fund its planned activities. Accordingly, they are confident that the group will continue to operate on a going concern basis.
Key financial and operational indicators are monitored regularly, allowing the Trustees to
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Risk management
The Trustees have ultimate responsibility for overseeing the risks facing the Institution. Risk is managed through a multi-layered approach, with identification and monitoring occurring at Board, committee and departmental levels.
The Institution is willing to take well-managed risks where innovation and transformational initiatives can deliver public benefit, long-term value and strategic opportunities. At the same time, it maintains a low tolerance for risks that could compromise professional ethics or harm the Institution’s reputation.
Insights from this risk management framework directly inform strategic decision-making and operational oversight, helping the Trustees ensure that opportunities are pursued responsibly and aligned with the Institution’s objectives.
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The principal risks affecting the Institution are:
| Risk description | Risk management |
|---|---|
| Customers and market position: Failure to attract and retain members and customers resulting in reduced income and constrained delivery of services |
♦Strengthened Board and committee oversight of performance and trends ♦Coordinated marketing, communications and PR activity to support recruitment and retention ♦Regular member surveys and engagement activity to inform service development ♦Active relationships with volunteers and sector stakeholders to anticipate emerging needs ♦Monitoring of key performance indicators, including renewals, applications and conversion rates ♦Structured pre- and post-lapsing engagement processes ♦Continuous improvement of systems and services, including targeted IT investment ♦Sustained compliance with the requirements of the Offce of Qualifcations and Examinations Regulation and the Engineering Council ♦Horizon scanning of regulatory and sector developments to anticipate changes affecting qualifcations and professional registration ♦Investment in the development of branches and groups to strengthen local and international deliveryand relevance |
| People, volunteers and leadership capacity: Reduced volunteer or organisational capacity — including executive leadership continuity — affecting delivery of core activities, governance and strategic progress |
♦Targeted initiatives to recruit, develop and retain volunteers across branches, groups and committees ♦Regular engagement with key volunteers to maintain strong relationships and anticipate emerging challenges ♦Clearer role profles, support materials and recognition mechanisms to strengthen volunteer effectiveness ♦Workforce and succession planning for critical roles, including executive leadership ♦Review of Board composition, skills and succession planning through the Appointments Committee to ensure trustees collectively have the capability to lead the Institution effectively ♦Board oversight of executive performance, development and remuneration ♦Periodic review of organisational structure and management capacity to ensure alignment with strategicpriorities |
Risk description Risk management
-
♦ Ongoing strengthening of governance processes, role clarity and support mechanisms to reinforce Board effectiveness and succession planning
-
Information, security ♦ Maintained and regularly reviewed data protection policies and procedures and data protection: ♦ Mandatory data protection training for staff and volunteers
-
A significant data protection or cyber ♦ Compliance with recognised standards, including Payment Card Industry Data security incident Security Standard and Cyber Essentials resulting in loss ♦ External penetration testing, independent security reviews, business continuity
-
of data, service and disaster recovery arrangements
-
disruption or reputational damage. ♦ Layered IT controls, including multi-factor authentication, malware protection, firewalls, patch management and secure back-ups
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♦ Continued investment in modern, secure technologies to improve data management, enhance reporting capability and support effective information sharing across the Institution
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♦ Due diligence and ongoing monitoring of key third-party providers
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Future plans
The year ahead marks a significant moment for the IFE as we sharpen our focus on elevating the fire engineering profession and showcasing the realworld impact of our members’ work. Across the built environment and in communities worldwide, our members play a vital role in protecting people, property and infrastructure. In the year ahead, we will place greater emphasis on sharing member stories and case studies, celebrating the breadth, professionalism and global impact of our community.
Building on this strengthened narrative, we will
introduce a series of refreshed marketing initiatives designed to broaden our visibility and engage new
audiences. For the first time, we will participate in major awareness events such as Chartered Week and National Careers Week, alongside our established programmes for National Apprenticeship Week and Volunteers’ Week. These activities will not only promote the profession but also enhance the visibility and recognition of our members, helping to attract new talent and strengthen professional standing across the sector. Through a more cohesive and outward-facing approach, we aim to deepen understanding of fire engineering’s contribution to society and reinforce our position as the leading voice for fire professionals worldwide.
supporting global participation. Building on the significant expansion delivered in 2025, further development is planned for 2026 as we continue to grow and diversify our digital exam portfolio.
This expansion will include a new suite of fire risk assessment qualifications, developed in collaboration with professionals from across the private and public sectors in response to the UK government’s competency framework. Aligned to BS 8674, these qualifications will be offered at foundation, intermediate and advanced levels, providing clear and recognised pathways for demonstrating competence, supporting career progression, and meeting evolving regulatory expectations.
Building competence through new qualifications
Alongside this, a comprehensive review of the IFE qualifications suite will continue to ensure that our offering remains current, relevant and fit for purpose. Over the next three years, this evaluation will inform targeted improvements, supporting the ongoing development and professional progression of our members.
A key focus for the year will be strengthening our education offering, with particular emphasis on expanding the availability of online exams. This inclusive approach enables candidates around the world to sit assessments at a convenient time and location, improving accessibility and
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role in supporting long-term professional growth.
Enhancing member CPD
Knowledge and competence remain at the heart of empowering our members. In 2026, the online CPD Hub will be further developed into a more user-friendly resource, with enhanced search functionality and easier access to relevant content. A new monthly CPD email will also be introduced, highlighting upcoming events, featured resources and learning opportunities, ensuring members are fully informed and able to make the most of available development opportunities.
Alongside these developments, the newly formed IFE CPD Panel will begin its work in full, meeting regularly to review and strengthen our approach to continuing professional development. Members will receive updates on its progress and outcomes through established communication channels, ensuring transparency and ongoing engagement.
Ongoing learning through events
IFE will continue to deliver a comprehensive programme of events to support members in meeting their CPD requirements. This will include the Graduate Lecture and Rasbash Lecture, the fortnightly Elevate webinar series, the International President’s Technical Conference, FIRE Conference, and a wide range of events delivered by our global branches and groups. Together, these opportunities provide practical insight, share best practice and enable members to stay current with industry developments, remain connected to the global community, and enhance their professional competence.
Alongside our focus on learning and development, we will introduce more structured career progression pathways aligned to membership grades and professional registration. These pathways will provide clear, supported routes for advancement at every stage of a member’s career, reinforcing the IFE’s
Championing inclusivity
Building on insights from our recent member engagement work, our Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) working group will focus on translating commitment into meaningful action. This will include embedding inclusive practices across IFE’s operations and communications, as well as developing practical resources and guidance to support members in applying inclusive approaches within their own professional environments.
Influencing change
Our industry continues to face a period of significant change, with evolving legislation, standards and increasing public scrutiny. By working closely with government, regulators and advisory bodies, the IFE will continue to provide expert insight to ensure that policy and practice are informed by professional expertise and grounded in evidence. This work ensures that the knowledge and experience of our members helps shape the future of the profession, while keeping them informed and equipped to respond to change.
Looking ahead, we will also work with stakeholders and partners to explore emerging challenges associated with environmental and climate-related risks. By gathering and sharing robust data, and commissioning research into the impact of fire safety on communities, infrastructure and the environment, we will strengthen the evidence base underpinning professional practice. These insights will support members in anticipating and managing evolving risks, helping to ensure safer and more resilient communities worldwide.
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Financial statements
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also directors of The Institution of Fire Engineers for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
then apply them consistently;
-
♦ observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP);
-
♦ make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that period.
-
♦ state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
♦ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- ♦ select suitable accounting policies and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the provisions of the charity’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Institution and the group and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Institution’s auditor is aware of that information
At the Annual General Meeting there will be a resolution proposing the appointment of the auditor from the conclusion of that meeting until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting in 2025.
Approved and signed on behalf of the Board on the 16th June 2026 including, in their capacity as a Director and Trustee, approving the Trustees’ and Strategic Report contained therein and signed on its behalf by:
The Trustees confirm that:
-
♦ so far as each Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Institution’s auditor is unaware
-
♦ the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as Trustees in order to
Paul Stollard CEng MIFireE Chair of the Board of Trustees
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Independent Auditor’s report to the members and Trustees of the Institution of Fire Engineers
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of the Institution of Fire Engineers (the “charitable company”) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, Charity Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Charity Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Charity Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
♦ give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of the group’s incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
-
♦ have been properly prepared in
-
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
♦ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation
of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on
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the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit
-
♦ the information given in the Trustees’ report, which includes the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
♦ the directors’ report included within the Trustees’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the charitable company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we
have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report included within the Trustees’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
♦ the parent company has not kept adequate accounting records; or
-
♦ the parent company financial
-
statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
♦ certain disclosures of Trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
-
♦ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 58, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the company operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006, The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, together with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 2019.
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In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charitable company’s and the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company and the group for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and the Engineering Council.
We identified the greatest risks of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the timing of recognition of significant risk income streams consisting of: exam fees, accreditation and approval fees, register of fire risk assessor income, and the engineering council income, as well as the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, performing sample testing around the completeness and timing of significant risk income streams as outlined above, sample testing on the posting of journal, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, review of meeting minutes of those charged with governance and reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Charity Commission, the Engineering Council and Ofqual.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
These inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud
as this may involve sophisticated schemes designed to avoid detection, including deliberate failure to record transactions, collusion or the provision of intentional misrepresentations.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members and Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Helen Blundell LLB FCA FCIE DChA Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of
Crowe U.K. LLP Statutory Auditor Fourth Floor St James House St James Square Cheltenham GL50 3PR
Date: 20 June 2026
Crowe U.K. LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
(incorporating an income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 December 2025
| NOTES | UNRESTRICTED FUNDS £ |
RESTRICTED FUNDS £ |
TOTAL 2025 £ |
TOTAL 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
INCOME FROM:
----- Start of picture text -----
Donations 4,057 - 4,057 1,602
Charitable activities 2,306,775 4,615 2,311,390 2,068,806
Other trading activities 842 - 842 1,592
Investments 12,175 421 12,596 15,116
Other 8,306 - 8,306 13,841
TOTAL INCOME 3 2,332,155 5,036 2,337,191 2,100,957
----- End of picture text -----
EXPENDITURE ON:
| Raising funds | (16,951) | - | (16,951) | (19,484) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable activities | (2,251,643) | (11,810) | (2,263,453) | (1,976,666) | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 5 | (2,268,594) | (11,810) | (2,280,404) | (1,996,150) |
| NET INCOME | 4 | 63,561 | (6,774) | 56,787 | 104,807 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfers between funds | (7,294) | 7,294 | - | - | |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | 56,267 | 520 | 56,787 | 104,807 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 1 | 2,030,717 | 89,101 | 2,119,818 | 2,015,011 |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 21,22 | 2,086,984 | 89,621 | 2,176,605 | 2,119,818 |
The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 70 to 85 form an integral part of these financial statements.
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Consolidated and Charity Balance Sheet
Charity Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL TOTAL
NOTES FUNDS FUNDS 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
INCOME FROM:
Donations 4,057 - 4,057 1,602
Charitable activities 2,278,589 4,615 2,283,204 2,041,590
Investments 12,175 421 12,596 15,116
Other 28,531 - 28,531 36,740
TOTAL INCOME 2,323,352 5,036 2,328,388 2,095,048
----- End of picture text -----
EXPENDITURE ON:
| EXPENDITURE ON: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable activities | (2,258,839) | (11,810) | (2,270,649) | (1,986,996) | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | (2,258,839) | (11,810) | (2,270,649) | (1,986,996) | |
| NET INCOME | 4 | 64,513 | (6,774) | 57,739 | 108,052 |
| Transfer between funds | (7,294) | 7,294 | - | - | |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | 57,219 | 520 | 57,739 | 108,052 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 2 | 2,014,497 | 89,101 | 2,103,598 | 1,995,546 |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 21,22 | 2,071,716 | 89,621 | 2,161,337 | 2,103,598 |
Registered Number: SC013267
For the year ended 31 December 2025
| NOTES | GROUP 2025 £ |
GROUP 2024 £ |
CHARITY 2025 £ |
CHARITY 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIXED ASSETS: | |||||
| Intangible fxed assets | 10,11 | 268,497 | 414,791 | 268,497 | 414,791 |
| Tangible fxed assets | 12,13 | 528,034 | 541,511 | 528,034 | 541,511 |
| Investments | 14 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| Social investment | 14 | - | - | 100 | 100 |
| Total Fixed Assets | 811,531 | 971,302 | 811,631 | 971,402 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||
| Stocks | 15 | 5,147 | 7,276 | - | - |
| Debtors | 16 | 394,524 | 132,329 | 456,547 | 228,432 |
| Cash in bank and in hand | 2,179,467 | 1,970,612 | 2,101,669 | 1,854,652 | |
| Total current assets | 2,579,138 | 2,110,217 | 2,558,216 | 2,083,084 | |
| LIABILITIES: Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear |
17 | (1,199,064) | (961,701) | (1,193,510) | (950,888) |
| Net current assets | 1,380,074 | 1,148,516 | 1,364,706 | 1,132,196 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year |
19 | (15,000) | - | (15,000) | - |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 2,176,605 | 2,119,818 | 2,161,337 | 2,103,598 | |
| FUNDS OF THE GROUP: | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 2,086,984 | 2,030,717 | 2,071,716 | 2,014,497 | |
| Restricted funds | 89,621 | 89,101 | 89,621 | 89,101 | |
| TOTAL GROUP FUNDS | 21,22 | 2,176,605 | 2,119,818 | 2,161,337 | 2,103,598 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 16th June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Paul Stollard CEng MIFireE
Chair of the Board of Trustees
The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 70 to 85 form an integral part of these financial statements.
The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 70 to 85 form an integral part of these financial statements.
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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2025
Charity Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2025
| NOTES | 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||
| Net income for the reporting period | 56,787 | 104,807 | |
| Adjusted for: | |||
| Amortisation | 10 | 199,924 | 118,513 |
| Depreciation | 12 | 20,284 | 19,047 |
| Interest income | (12,596) | (15,116) | |
| Decrease in stock | 2,129 | 446 | |
| Increase in debtors | (262,195) | 30,999 | |
| Increase in creditors | 252,363 | 135,018 | |
| Loss on the sale of fxed assets | 936 | 1,725 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 257,632 | 395,439 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Interest income | 12,596 | 15,116 | |
| Purchase of intangible fxed assets | 10 | (53,630) | (135,321) |
| Purchase of tangible fxed assets | 12 | (7,743) | (15,882) |
| Proceeds from disposal of tangible fxed assets | 12 | - | - |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (48,777) | (136,087) | |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period | 208,855 | 259,352 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January | 1,970,612 | 1,711,260 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December | 2,179,467 | 1,970,612 | |
| ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,179,467 | 1,970,612 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,179,467 | 1,970,612 |
The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 70 to 85 form an integral part of these financial statements.
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
NOTES
£ £
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income for the reporting period 57,739 108,052
Adjusted for:
Amortisation 11 199,924 118,513
Depreciation 13 20,284 19,047
Interest income (12,596) (15,116)
Increase in debtors (228,115) 12,582
Increase in creditors 257,622 131,031
Loss on the sale of fixed assets 936 1,725
Net cash provided by operating activities 295,794 375,834
----- End of picture text -----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
| Interest income | 12,596 | 15,116 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase of intangible fxed assets | 11 | (53,630) | (135,321) |
| Purchase of tangible fxed assets | 13 | (7,743) | (15,882) |
| Proceeds from disposal of tangible fxed assets | 13 | - | - |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (48,777) | (136,087) | |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period | 247,017 | 239,747 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January | 1,854,652 | 1,614,905 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December | 2,101,669 | 1,854,652 |
ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
| ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,101,669 | 1,854,652 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,101,669 | 1,854,652 |
The principal accounting policies and notes on pages 70 to 85 form an integral part of these financial statements.
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Principal accounting policies For the year ended 31 December 2025
The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the charitable financial statements:
have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have reviewed the forecasts for the financial year 2026 and performed some scenario planning on reduced income levels and there is sufficient cash within the group in all scenarios and, therefore, the group will continue as a going concern. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements as outlined in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities on page 58.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Income
Income from membership fees, engineering council fees, recognition fees, the register of fire risk assessors and auditors and corporate account fees are recognised in the period to which the membership or registration period relates. Examination fees are recognised in the period in which the examinations take place. Fees received in advance are included in deferred income.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA), Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows consolidate the financial statements of the Institution and its wholly owned subsidiary undertaking The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line-by-line basis.
Grants and donations received are credited to
income when receivable.
The Institution of Fire Engineers meet the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
Investment and other income is recognised on an accruals basis.
Assessment of going concern
Expenditure
The Trustees have determined that there are no material uncertainties over the group’s ability to continue as a going concern. In arriving at this decision, the Trustees have taken into account the group’s financial performance, budgets, forecasts and reserves position. The result is that the Trustees
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
Raising funds expenditure is the cost of publications
and promotional goods. All other expenditure of the Institution is included within charitable activities expenditure including direct costs, staff costs and support costs.
Governance costs are those of a constitutional and statutory nature incurred in the general running of a charitable company.
Support costs include central function costs. Where such costs relate to more than one function cost category, they have been appropriated on either staff time spent, or on the best estimate of management, as appropriate.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted general funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects, details of which are set out in note 21.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purpose within the objects of the Institution. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The details of which are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Intangible assets and amortisation
Intangible assets, costing more than £250, are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. Amortisation has been computed to write off the cost of intangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives using the following rates:
- ♦ Website - 42% straight line
♦ Software - 25% to 33.3% straight line
♦ Database - 10% to 71% straight line
Assets under construction are not amortised until the project is complete and the asset is in use.
Tangible assets and depreciation
All tangible fixed assets, costing more than £250, are capitalised and recorded at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation has been computed to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives using the following rates:
♦ Fixtures and fitting - 25% straight line
- ♦ Computers - 25% straight line
♦ Property - 2% straight line
Freehold land is not depreciated. President chains/ badges are presumed to have an infinite useful life and are not depreciated. These were last valued in 2020.
Assets under construction are not depreciated until they are brought into use.
Investment policy
All investments are included at cost, less any impairment.
Debtors
Short term debtors are measured at their settlement value.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the Institution has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Short term creditors are measured at settlement value.
Financial instruments
The Institution only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial
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instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction.
Operating leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straightline basis over the period of the lease.
Branches of the Institution of Fire Engineers
As at 31 December 2025, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) operated through a network of 34 branches. These branches operate on a federated basis, as independent organisations affiliated to the IFE and licensed to use its brand.
Branches play an important role in member engagement, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of good professional practice at a local level.
For members based in the UK, and those outside the UK who are not affiliated to a branch, membership fees are paid directly to the IFE International Head Office. For members affiliated to international branches, fees are collected locally, with an agreed proportion retained by the branch. This supports local delivery of member services, including professional development and the maintenance of professional standards.
All branches adopt a model constitution approved by the Institution’s Board, while retaining the ability to manage their own affairs within this framework. Branch trustees are responsible for their local governance and operations.
Branches are financially independent. In the event of a branch winding up, the Institution has no legal entitlement to the funds held by that branch, and branch finances are not consolidated within these financial statements.
Taxation
As a registered charity, the Institution is entitled to taxation exemptions on all its income and gains, as long as they are properly applied for its charitable purpose. The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited has made a loss and, therefore, no tax liability is due (2024: £nil) .
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions.
Critical accounting estimates and areas of
judgement
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements and estimates. Trustees consider that there are no material judgements in applying accounting policies or key sources of estimation uncertainty.
Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2025
- Consolidated statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2024 (prior year)
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Income from: Donations Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Other Total income |
1,602 2,068,806 1,592 14,479 13,841 |
- - - 637 - |
1,602 2,068,806 1,592 15,116 13,841 |
| 2,100,320 | 637 | 2,100,957 | |
| Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure |
(19,484) (1,974,053) |
- (2,613) |
(19,484) (1,976,666) |
| (1,993,537) | (2,613) | (1,996,150) | |
| Net income and movement in funds | 106,783 | (1,976) | 104,807 |
| Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
1,923,934 | 91,077 | 2,015,011 |
| 2,030,717 | 89,101 | 2,119,818 |
- Charity statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2024 (prior year)
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Income from: Donations Charitable activities Investments Other Total income |
1,602 2,041,590 14,479 36,740 |
- - 637 - |
1,602 2,041,590 15,116 36,740 |
| 2,094,411 | 637 | 2,095,048 | |
| Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure |
(1,984,383) | (2,613) | (1,986,996) |
| (1,984,383) | (2,613) | (1,986,996) | |
| Net income and movement in funds | 110,028 | (1,976) | 108,052 |
| Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
1,904,469 | 91,077 | 1,995,546 |
| 2,014,497 | 89,101 | 2,103,598 |
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3. Analysis of total income
| 3. Analysis of total income | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
|
| Donations: Charitable activities Membership fees Employer Partner Engineering Council fees Register of fre risk assessors Register of fre risk auditors Examination fees Recognition fees Journal sales Publications Conferences and exhibitions Lecture income |
4,057 1,162,094 365,581 173,841 59,195 34,362 368,618 75,208 1,761 23,611 42,504 4,615 |
1,602 1,108,854 245,565 161,611 62,643 57,593 324,028 82,898 2,002 23,612 - - |
| 2,311,390 | 2,068,806 | |
| Other trading activities: Promotional goods |
842 | 1,592 |
| Investments | 12,596 | 15,116 |
| Other Miscellaneous income |
8,306 | 13,841 |
| Total income | 2,337,191 | 2,100,957 |
4. Net income for the year
| 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Net income is stated after charging: Depreciation and amortisation of owned assets Operating lease payments Auditors’ remuneration (excluding VAT) Audit services Non-audit services Loss on disposal of fxed assets |
220,208 4,565 17,325 3,785 936 |
137,560 10,542 16,500 2,522 1,725 |
| Membership and registration fee income attributable to areas outside the UK is 20%(2024: 19%). |
5. Analysis of total expenditure
| Staff costs £ |
Direct costs £ |
Support costs £ |
Total 2025 £ |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raising funds Promotional goods |
1,369 | 10,476 | 5,106 | 16,951 | 19,484 |
| 1,369 | 10,476 | 5,106 | 16,951 | 19,484 | |
| Charitable activities: Membership Corporate agreements Engineering Council Register of fre risk assessors Register of fre risk auditors Examinations Recognitions Conferences, exhibitions and publications Grants, lecture, scholarships and prizes Governance costs Total expenditure |
590,859 57,889 176,362 18,081 16,715 299,575 28,915 50,397 6,057 34,487 |
75,105 9,828 8,061 736 703 85,576 230 18,192 50,753 70,276 |
287,056 29,188 79,493 8,111 7,508 166,015 12,563 29,565 - 45,157 |
953,020 96,905 263,916 26,928 24,926 551,166 41,708 98,154 56,810 149,920 |
701,859 83,310 233,642 35,317 25,633 612,703 23,128 18,988 2,613 239,473 |
| 1,279,337 | 319,460 | 664,656 | 2,263,453 | 1,976,666 | |
| 1,280,706 | 329,936 | 669,762 | 2,280,404 | 1,996,150 |
Grants to Institutions
During the year, one organisation was awarded a grant of £45,000, to be paid over three years. Details of the grant awarded in the year, including value and recipient, is disclosed within note 24.
6. Governance costs
| 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Staff Board meetings International General Assembly meetings International President’s expenses Legal and professional fees Printing, postage and stationery Audit Insurance Other expenses Support costs |
34,487 13,718 5,162 11,461 20,142 590 17,325 1,299 579 45,157 |
119,870 16,276 13,629 7,069 6,215 1,152 16,500 1,192 459 57,111 |
| 149,920 | 239,473 |
7. Support costs
| 7. Support costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
|
| Establishment expenses Accountancy Legal and professional fees Offce expenses |
27,003 2,346 110,383 530,030 |
22,858 2,522 54,855 395,195 |
| 669,762 | 475,430 |
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8. Staff costs and key management personnel
Staff costs, including executive director remuneration during the year amounted to:
| 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Pensions – contributions to defned contribution scheme Other staff costs – training and management consultancy |
713,263 74,979 50,717 441,747 |
714,194 65,515 49,180 452,586 |
|
| 1,280,706 | 1,281,475 | ||
| The number of employees, including contractors, whose remuneration (excluding employer national insurance contributions) for the year exceeded £60,000 were as follows: |
|||
| £60,001 - £70,000 £130,000 - £140,000 |
- 1 |
1 1 |
|
| 1 | 2 | ||
| The headcount number of employees during the year was 30_(2024: 26). The average number of full-time equivalent employees for the year was 22(2024: 21); which includes 6(2024: 5)_part-time employees. |
|||
| Defned contribution pension plans Employer contributions to defned contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense when these are due. IFE contributes 7% of pensionable earnings for participating employees. The amount charged to the Statement of Financial Activities during the year was £50,717 (2024 £49,180). There were no contributions payable at the year end date_(2024: £nil)_. |
|||
| Key management personnel Key management personnel of the Group comprise the Trustees and the Corporate Management Team (see page 40) |
|||
| Key management personnel compensation | 324,362 | 328,381 |
9. Trustee remuneration and expenses
The legal authority for Trustee emoluments is contained within the Institution’s Articles of Association and the contract of employment. No Trustee received any remuneration for their services as a Trustee.
During the year, out of pocket expenses reimbursed to 9 Trustees (2024: 8 Trustees) amounted to £15,261 (2024: £5,838) in respect of travel, accommodation and subsistence.
10. Intangible fixed assets (group)
| Software £ |
Database £ |
Website £ |
Asset under construction £ |
Total £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals Transfers At 31 December 2025 |
4,896 - - - |
561,807 7,701 - - |
191,628 - - - |
3,260 45,929 - - |
761,591 53,630 - - |
|
| 4,896 | 569,508 | 191,628 | 49,189 | 815,221 | ||
| Amortisation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 December 2025 |
4,896 - - |
315,472 120,628 - |
26,432 79,296 - |
- - - |
346,800 199,924 - |
|
| 4,896 | 436,100 | 105,728 | - | 546,724 | ||
| Net book value at 31 December 2025 Net book value at 31 December 2024 |
- - |
133,408 246,335 |
85,900 165,196 |
49,189 3,260 |
268,497 414,791 |
11. Intangible fixed assets (charity)
| 11. Intangible fxed assets (charity) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software £ |
Database £ |
Website £ |
Asset under construction £ |
Total £ |
|
| Cost At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals Transfers At 31 December 2025 |
4,896 - - - 4,896 |
561,807 7,701 - - 569,508 |
191,628 - - - 191,628 |
3,260 45,929 - - 49,189 |
761,591 53,630 - - 815,221 |
| Amortisation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 December 2025 |
4,896 - - |
315,472 120,628 - |
26,432 79,296 - |
- - - |
346,800 199,924 - |
| 4,896 | 436,100 | 105,728 | - | 546,724 | |
| Net book value at 31 December 2025 Net book value at 31 December 2024 |
- - |
133,408 246,335 |
85,900 165,196 |
49,189 3,260 |
268,497 414,791 |
Capital commitments
Contracts for capital expenditure on intangible assets which has been authorised but not provided for in these financial statements amount to £41,011 (2024: £nil) . This relates to the implementation of SharePoint and cloud services.
12. Tangible fixed assets (group)
| Fixtures and fttings £ |
Computers £ |
Freehold property £ |
Presidents’ chain £ |
Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals At 31 December 2025 |
56,688 - (1,961) |
87,955 7,743 (4,967) |
607,269 - (936) |
11,800 - - |
763,712 7,743 (7,864) |
| 54,727 | 90,731 | 606,333 | 11,800 | 763,591 | |
| Amortisation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposal At 31 December 2025 |
56,355 286 (1,961) |
67,064 8,863 (4,967) |
98,782 11,135 - |
- - - |
222,201 20,284 (6,928) |
| 54,680 | 70,960 | 109,917 | - | 235,557 | |
| Net book value at 31 December 2025 Net book value at 31 December 2024 |
47 333 |
19,771 20,891 |
496,416 508,487 |
11,800 11,800 |
528,034 541,511 |
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- Creditors (amounts falling due within one year)
13. Tangible fixed assets (charity)
| Fixtures and fttings £ |
Computers £ |
Freehold property £ |
Presidents’ chain £ |
Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals At 31 December 2025 |
54,020 - (1,961) |
77,981 7,743 (4,967) |
607,269 - (936) |
11,800 - - |
751,070 7,743 (7,864) |
| 52,059 | 80,757 | 606,333 | 11,800 | 750,949 | |
| Amortisation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposal At 31 December 2025 |
53,687 286 (1,961) |
57,090 8,863 (4,967) |
98,782 11,135 - |
- - - |
209,559 20,284 (6,928) |
| 52,012 | 60,986 | 109,917 | - | 222,915 | |
| Net book value at 31 December 2025 Net book value at 31 December 2024 |
47 | 19,771 | 496,416 | 11,800 | 528,034 |
| 333 | 20,891 | 508,487 | 11,800 | 541,511 |
14. Investments
| 14. Investments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
| Unquoted investments at cost National Savings Bond Social investments The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited |
15,000 - |
15,000 - |
15,000 100 |
15,000 100 |
On the basis that its activities have been confined to charitable trading within the objects of the charity, the investment in the subsidiary The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited is classified as a social investment. See note 23 for the subsidiary summary results for the year. All investments are held in the United Kingdom.
15. Stocks
| 15. Stocks | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
| Finished goods and goods for resale | 5,147 | 7,276 | - | - |
| 5,147 | 7,276 | - | - |
16. Debtors (receivable within one year)
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade debtors Amounts due from subsidiary company VAT Recoverable Prepayments and accrued income |
277,677 - 5,372 111,475 |
43,083 - 5 89,241 |
261,954 79,061 5,372 110,160 |
31,025 109,339 5 88,063 |
| 394,524 | 132,329 | 456,547 | 228,432 |
| 17. Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
| Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Accruals Deferred income (note 18) VAT liability Provision for Corporation Tax |
112,653 81,335 165,465 839,611 - - |
107,676 62,332 49,297 742,396 - - |
112,419 81,335 160,221 839,535 - - |
105,786 62,332 40,448 742,322 - - |
| 1,199,064 | 961,701 | 1,193,510 | 950,888 |
In the prior year, the charity disclosed a contingent liability in respect of an HMRC enquiry. This enquiry has now been closed and the assessment for VAT owed has been recognised as a current liability at the reporting date.
18. Deferred income
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January Released during the year Income received in advance Balance at 31 December |
742,396 (742,396) 839,611 |
637,304 (637,304) 742,396 |
742,322 (742,322) 839,535 |
627,233 (627,233) 742,322 |
| 839,611 | 742,396 | 839,535 | 742,322 |
Deferred income relates to membership and examination fees received in advance of the period they relate to.
19. Creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year)
| 19. Creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
| Accruals | 15,000 | - | 15,000 | - |
| 15,000 | - | 15,000 | - |
20. Operating lease commitments
| 20. Operating lease commitments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 2025 £ |
Group 2024 £ |
Charity 2025 £ |
Charity 2024 £ |
|
| Expiry date: Within 1 year Between 1 and 5 years More than 5 years |
4,564 9,576 - |
9,904 10,214 1,916 |
3,288 4,788 - |
3,277 5,107 958 |
| 14,140 | 22,034 | 8,076 | 9,342 |
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21. Statement of funds 2025 (group)
| 21. Statement of funds 2025 (group) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January £ |
Income £ |
Expenditure £ |
Transfers £ |
31 December £ |
|
| Unrestricted funds Accumulated fund Designated funds Projects |
1,604,417 426,300 |
2,332,155 - |
(2,014,934) (253,660) |
(487,554) 480,260 |
1,434,084 652,900 |
| Total unrestricted funds | 2,030,717 | 2,332,155 | (2,268,594) | (7,294) | 2,086,984 |
| Restricted funds: David Rasbash memorial 75th anniversary scholarship Fire check consultants fre engineering degree/scholarship Fire Service Research TrainingTrust |
1,947 69,460 13,735 3,959 |
6 415 4,615 - |
(862) - (10,948) - |
- - 7,294 - |
1,091 69,875 14,696 3,959 |
| Total restricted funds | 89,101 | 5,036 | (11,810) | 7,294 | 89,621 |
| Total funds | 2,119,818 | 2,337,191 | (2,280,404) | - | 2,176,605 |
During 2025, Trustees set aside £652,900 (2024: £426,300) as a project designated fund.
Statement of funds prior year 2024 (group)
| Statement of funds prior year 2024 (group) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January £ |
Income £ |
Expenditure £ |
Transfers £ |
31 December £ |
|
| Unrestricted funds Accumulated funds Designated funds Projects |
1,533,434 390,500 |
2,100,320 - |
(1,993,537) - |
(35,800) 35,800 |
1,604,417 426,300 |
| Total unrestricted funds | 1,923,934 | 2,100,320 | (1,993,537) | - | 2,030,717 |
| Restricted funds David Rasbash memorial 75th anniversary scholarship Fire check consultants fre engineering degree/scholarship Fire Service Research TrainingTrust |
1,932 68,941 16,245 3,959 |
15 519 103 - |
- - (2,613) - |
- - - - |
1,947 69,460 13,735 3,959 |
| Total restricted funds | 91,077 | 637 | (2,613) | - | 89,101 |
| Total funds | 2,015,011 | 2,100,957 | (1,996,150) | - | 2,119,818 |
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Statement of funds 2025 (charity)
| Statement of funds 2025 (charity) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January £ |
Income £ |
Expenditure £ |
Transfers £ |
31 December £ |
|
| Unrestricted funds: Accumulated fund Designated funds Projects Total unrestricted funds |
1,588,197 426,300 |
2,323,352 - |
(2,005,179) (253,660) |
(487,554) 480,260 |
1,418,816 652,900 |
| 2,014,497 | 2,323,352 | (2,258,839) | (7,294) | 2,071,716 | |
| Restricted funds: David Rasbash memorial 75th anniversary scholarship Fire check consultants fre engineering degree/scholarship Fire Service Research Training Trust |
1,947 69,460 13,735 3,959 |
6 415 4,615 - |
(862) - (10,948) - |
- - 7,294 - |
1,091 69,875 14,696 3,959 |
| Total restricted | 89,101 | 5,036 | (11,810) | 7,294 | 89,621 |
| Total funds | 2,103,598 | 2,328,388 | (2,270,649) | - | 2,161,337 |
Statement of funds prior year 2024 (charity)
| Statement of funds prior year 2024 (charity) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January £ |
Income £ |
Expenditure £ |
Transfers £ |
31 December £ |
|
| Unrestricted funds Accumulated funds Designated funds Projects |
1,513,969 390,500 |
2,094,411 - |
(1,984,383) - |
(35,800) 35,800 |
1,588,197 426,300 |
| Total unrestricted funds | 1,904,469 | 2,094,411 | (1,984,383) | - | 2,014,497 |
| Restricted funds David Rasbash memorial 75th anniversary scholarship Fire check consultants fre engineering degree/scholarship Fire Service Research Training Trust |
1,932 68,941 16,245 3,959 |
15 519 103 - |
- - (2,613) - |
- - - - |
1,947 69,460 13,735 3,959 |
| Total restricted funds | 91,077 | 637 | (2,613) | - | 89,101 |
| Total funds | 1,995,546 | 2,095,048 | (1,986,996) | - | 2,103,598 |
Restricted funds
David Rasbash Memorial Fund
This fund was opened in 1997 with an amount of £5,000 being the sum left to the Institute of Fire Safety in the will of the late David Rasbash. It was handed to the Institution of Fire Engineers in view of the impending absorption of the Fire Safety funds into this Institution, the final transfer having been made in 2003. The purpose of the fund is to support an annual lecture in his name.
75th Anniversary Scholarship Fund
This fund is held as a Charitable Education Foundation to fund eligible scholarships and was established in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the Institution of Fire Engineers. No grants were awarded during the year.
Fire Check Consultants Fire Engineering Degree/Scholarship Fund
This fund was instigated in 1994 by the then President of the Institution, the late Mr. A.C. Parnell. Only interest earned on the fund can be used in support of the annual Graduate Lecture.
Fire Service Research and Training Trust
This fund consists of grants received from the Fire Service Research and Training Trust, which are used in support of educational scholarships, grants and bursaries. No grants were awarded during the year ( 2024: £nil ).
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- Analysis of net assets between funds
| 22. Analysis of net assets between funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Total 2025 £ |
||
| Group Intangible fxed assets Tangible fxed assets Investments Current assets Liabilities |
268,497 528,034 15,000 2,489,517 (1,214,064) |
- - - 89,621 - |
268,497 528,034 15,000 2,579,138 (1,214,064) |
|
| 2,086,984 | 89,621 | 2,176,605 | ||
| Charity Intangible fxed assets Tangible fxed assets Investments Current assets Liabilities |
268,497 528,034 15,100 2,468,595 (1,208,510) |
- - - 89,621 - |
268,497 528,034 15,100 2,558,216 (1,208,510) |
|
| 2,071,716 | 89,621 | 2,161,337 | ||
| Comparative information for prior year: | ||||
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Total 2024 £ |
||
| Group Intangible fxed assets Tangible fxed assets Investments Current assets Current liabilities |
414,791 541,511 15,000 2,021,116 (961,701) |
- - - 89,101 - |
414,791 541,511 15,000 2,110,217 (961,701) |
|
| 2,030,717 | 89,101 | 2,119,818 | ||
| Charity Intangible fxed assets Tangible fxed assets Investments Current assets Current liabilities |
414,791 541,511 15,100 1,993,983 (950,888) |
- - - 89,101 - |
414,791 541,511 15,100 2,083,084 (950,888) |
|
| 2,014,497 | 89,101 | 2,103,598 |
23. Investments in subsidiary
The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited
The Institution owns the whole of the issued ordinary share capital of The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company registration number 02646003). The principal activities of the subsidiary is to undertake commercial activities in furtherance of the charitable activities of the Institution including the publication of books, the management of the International Fire Professional journal and the organising of conferences. Any taxable net profit achieved by this company are retained for further investment. At 31 December 2025, the Institution owned the entire issued share capital of 100 ordinary shares of £1 each in The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited. A summary of the results and financial position of the subsidiary at 31 December 2025 is shown overleaf.
| 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Summary statement of income: Turnover Cost of sales Gross proft Administrative expenses Loss on ordinary activities before taxation Tax on proft Loss on ordinary activities after taxation Gift aid distribution to the Institution Loss for the year |
82,386 (53,095) |
94,656 (50,854) |
| 29,291 (30,243) |
43,802 (47,047) |
|
| (952) - |
(3,245) - |
|
| (952) - |
(3,245) - |
|
| (952) | (3,245) | |
| Summary statement of fnancial position: Assets Liabilities Total net assets Representing: Called up share capital Retained earnings |
99,983 (84,615) |
136,472 (120,152) |
| 15,368 | 16,320 | |
| 100 15,268 |
100 16,220 |
|
| 15,368 | 16,320 |
24. Related parties and connected organisations
IFE has one wholly owned subsidiary The Institution of Fire Engineers (Global) Limited which is used to support the charitable activities of the IFE. During the year, sales of £42,619 (2024: £35,576) were made and a management fee of £52,880 ( 2024: £58,834 ) was charged to IFE. A management fee of £20,703 (2024: £29,913) was charged to the subsidiary from IFE. The outstanding balance owing to IFE at 31 December 2025 is £79,061 (2024: £109,339).
The Institution’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Hamm FIFireE is a Director of Critical Resilience Solutions. £134,393 (2024: £139,872) was paid to Critical Resilience Solutions for consultancy services received during the year. The balance outstanding at 31 December 2025 was £nil (2024: £nil).
The Institution’s Technical Services Director Paul Trew GIFireE is a Director of Acanthus Fire Safety Consultancy. £57,163 (2024: £60,040) was paid to Acanthus Fire Safety Consultancy for consultancy services received during the year. The balance outstanding at 31 December 2025 was £2,040 (2024: £nil) .
Paul Stollard CEng MIFireE is a director of IFE and a Non-Executive Director of Structural-Safety Ltd (SSL).
During 2025, the Board of Trustees approved a three-year grant totalling £45,000 payable over three years to support the funding of CROSS-UK.
Pyrology Limited is a related party as Peter Wilkinson CEng FIFireE is a Director of IFE and of Pyrology Limited. During the year Pyrology Limited carried out the IFE’s annual Fire Risk Assessment free of charge.
Transactions and services with related parties that are provided on the same terms as other beneficiaries are exempt from disclosure.
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Past Presidents
| 1918-24 | H Neal | 1977 | P Watters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925-26 | A Pordage | 1978 | J Anderson |
| 1927 | G A Oakes | 1979 | H J Porter |
| 1928 | F Cade | 1980 | R A Haley |
| 1929 | A R Corlett | 1981 | A B C Hogg |
| 1930 | H Neal | 1982 | K Hayton |
| 1931 | H Burrows | 1983 | D F Robins |
| 1932 | J W Dane | 1984 | T McCarthy |
| 1933 | A Andrew | 1985 | G B Scotford |
| 1934 | B A Westbrook | 1986 | A C Parnell |
| 1935 | T Breaks | 1987 | G Karran |
| 1936 | A Girdwood | 1988 | D T Davis |
| 1937 | T H Mather | 1989 | N Wallington |
| 1938 | F P Mills | 1990 | J R Pearson |
| 1939-40 | A H Johnstone | 1991 | P A D Sheen |
| 1941 | F W Delve | 1992 | D J Williams |
| 1942-44 | T A Varley | 1993 | G J Wrigley |
| 1945 | A B Craig | 1994-95 | K J Lloyd |
| 1946 | A P L Sullivan | 1996 | G H Almond |
| 1947 | E McKinnell | 1997 | P M Holland |
| 1948 | J E Farrell | 1998 | P Young |
| 1949 | A H Nisbet | 1999 | R W Docherty |
| 1950 | E S Calvert | 2000 | J H Herrick |
| 1951 | W E Greenhalgh | 2001 | P Woods |
| 1952 | H W Coleman | 2002 | D B Smith |
| 1953 | E T Hayward | 2003 | J P Judd |
| 1954 | A S Pratten | 2004 | W Peterson |
| 1955 | R L Leach | 2005 | D A Charters |
| 1956 | L Garside | 2006 | W C Cox |
| 1957 | K Hoare | 2007 | C Chu |
| 1958 | W B Muir | 2008 | P K Richardson |
| 1959 | R R Lloyd | 2009 | W A Stewart |
| 1960 | A J Frame | 2010 | J H Woodcock |
| 1961 | J Garside | 2011 | H G Tay |
| 1962 | J A Broadbent | 2012 | R W Bishop |
| 1963 | E R Ashill | 2013 | G N Lupton |
| 1964 | H F Chisnall | 2014 | N Gibbins |
| 1965 | F Rushbrook | 2015 | S D Hamm |
| 1966 | D Blacktop | 2016 | B W Davey |
| 1967 | N F Richards | 2017 | M P Shipp |
| 1968 | A H Warren | 2018 | R T Fowler |
| 1969 | K L Holland | 2019 | B Varner |
| 1970 | J J Unsworth | 2020-21 | A Sharrad |
| 1971 | W M Ward | 2022-23 | P J Wilkinson |
| 1972 | J W Stonehouse | 2023-24 | H Burgess |
| 1973 | T D Jones | 2024-25 | T Fearnley |
| 1974 | E H Whitaker | 2025-26 | J Lane |
| 1975 | A R Brannon | ||
| 1976 | K Horan |
Awards
Companion
James Robson
Principal office: Company registration number: Bankers: IFE House SC013267 Lloyds Bank plc 64-66 Cygnet Court 7 High Street Timothy’s Bridge Road Scottish charity number: Leicester Stratford-upon-Avon SC012694 LE1 9FS CV37 9NW Auditor: Solicitors: Registered office: Crowe U.K. LLP Lodders Solicitors Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 4th Floor Number Ten, Elm Court 93 McDonald Road St James House Arden Street Edinburgh St James Square Stratford-upon-Avon EH7 4NS Cheltenham CV37 6PA GL50 3PR
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IFE House
64-66 Cygnet Court Timothy’s Bridge Road Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9NW United Kingdom.
t: +44 (0) 1789 261463
e: info@ife.org.uk w: ife.org.uk
Registered in Scotland No. SC013267 | Scottish Charity Number SC012694 Registered office: Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, 93 MacDonald Road, Edinburgh (A Company limited by guarantee and operating as a Charity). VAT registration number: GB 229 2444 09