BAFE SP203-1 Now Requires Designers to Be Audited – Are You Ready?

If you're BAFE SP203-1 certificated for Fire Detection and Fire Alarm (FD&FA) systems, there's a new requirement you need to know about:

Designers now must be audited as part of your certification process.

This change is part of BAFE’s continued push to raise standards across the fire safety industry - ensuring that the individuals responsible for FD&FA system design are not only qualified, but actively maintaining competence and being reviewed.

What Does This Mean for You?

As an organisation, you’ll now need to demonstrate:

• That anyone involved in design, installation, commissioning, or maintenance is competent

• That your team has up-to-date audit records

• That there is clear evidence of training, qualifications, and CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

• That you can show how your staff maintain competence over time

This applies to in-house designers, contractors, and subcontractors - so if you’re not currently auditing this part of your process, now is the time to act.

How Ember Can Help

Ember Compliance now offers a FD&FA Designer Audit Support Service to help organisations meet the new BAFE expectations without the stress.

We can provide:

• Independent audits of your design personnel (internal or external)

• Gap analysis of apprenticeships and training records

• Support in documenting competencies aligned to the BAFE SP203-1 scheme

Whether you’re preparing for your next assessment or want to get ahead of the curve, we’re here to support you.

To book a designer audit or ask a quick question: 

email jennii@embercompliance.co.uk