FDIS becomes first UK scheme to achieve UKAS accreditation for fire door inspector certification

FDIS Ltd, owner of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), has become the first organisation in the UK to be awarded UKAS accreditation for the certification of fire door inspectors under the international standard BS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012 – Conformity assessment: General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.

Louise Halton, FDIS Scheme Manager

The accreditation represents a significant shift in the industry by focusing specifically on individual competence. It provides those responsible for appointing or procuring fire door inspectors with assurance that inspectors have met the scope and rules required to demonstrate competence under the FDIS Competent Person Certification Scheme standard.

Championing personal competence

FDIS is the first scheme to have its Competent Person Certification Scheme independently verified by UKAS against ISO/IEC 17024:2012. This ensures that the specific skills, knowledge and experience of individual inspectors meet a rigorous international benchmark, with periodic reassessment required to maintain certification.

This differs from other schemes in the UK that hold accreditations such as ISO/IEC 17065, which are based on the certification of products, processes or services, rather than individuals.

Responding to increased regulatory scrutiny

The accreditation comes at a time of increased regulatory scrutiny following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). These frameworks place greater emphasis on demonstrable competence across the built environment.

Under the BSR framework, individuals must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB) required for their role. Organisations must also evidence their organisational capability, including appropriate management systems, resources and supervision.

Louise Halton, FDIS Scheme Manager, said: “The Building Safety Act and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are clear that individuals must be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role. Fire doors are a critical life-saving component of a building, so the competence of the professionals responsible for inspecting them should not be assumed – it should be evidenced through recognised training, assessment and third-party accreditation.

“In essence, ISO/IEC 17024 ensures a person is qualified to perform a job, while ISO/IEC 17065 ensures a product, process or service meets specific standards. Both standards aim to build confidence and trust through impartial, competent and consistent third-party assessment.”

2025 inspection data highlights safety concerns

The importance of this accreditation is reinforced by the latest FDIS inspection statistics. Data from inspections carried out in 2025 shows that 72% of fire doors did not meet the required standard to pass inspection.

Key findings from the 2025 data include:

Common issues identified

• Excessive gaps

• Problems with smoke sealing

• Issues relating to maintenance and general care

Simple fixes

• 70% of non-compliant fire doors required only minor remedial works

Top safety concerns

• Poor maintenance

• Incorrect installation

• Fire doors being wedged or propped open

Among the fire doors that failed inspection, the sectors requiring the most remediation were hospitals, local authority and housing association buildings, hotels and residential healthcare facilities.

These environments are often used by more vulnerable occupants and experience high levels of footfall, increasing wear and tear. As a result, fire doors in these settings require more frequent inspection and maintenance to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

This highlights the importance of engaging a certified fire door inspector to carry out regular inspections so that defects can be identified and addressed promptly.

The Golden Thread & the rise of the Responsible Person

Since the introduction of the ‘Golden Thread’ of information in building safety, FDIS-approved inspectors have reported noticeable changes in the sector.

Nearly a third (30%) reported an increase in Responsible Persons carrying out appropriate due diligence when appointing a fire door inspector, while 59% reported an overall rise in demand for professional inspections. Additionally, 15% noted improvements in the quality of documentation provided.

Louise Halton added:  “It’s encouraging to see a growing awareness and focus on competence and documentation across the sector. However, to ensure fire doors continue to meet the required standard once installed, it is vital that competent fire door inspectors, such as those approved by FDIS, carry out regular inspections.

“For building owners, managers and Responsible Persons this means recognising the level of competency required, proactively verifying inspector competence, maintaining accurate maintenance records and addressing repair requirements promptly.”

A rigorous certification process

All FDIS-approved inspectors are assessed using a range of methods, including:

• The FDIS Certificated Inspector Workbook and online activities

• A portfolio of evidence

• A practical on-site assessment in a live environment

• A written examination

  
  

This process ensures that each inspector’s knowledge, skills and experience are thoroughly tested, providing clarity and confidence for building owners and Responsible Persons. In addition to the initial certification process, inspectors must undergo annual checks, demonstrate ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) and be reassessed every three years to maintain certification.

For more information about the FDIS and to find an approved FDIS Inspector, visit https://fdis.co.uk/

To become an FDIS Approved Fire Door Inspector, see https://fdis.co.uk/fdis-fire-door-inspector/