FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION - Key Persons
Adrian joined the FPA in 2022 after many years in a self-employed capacity providing financial and management support to a variety of companies. Having worked in several sectors including manufacturing, engineering, food processing, and hotels, he has acquired vast experience of leading financial teams.
Adrian leads our Accounts team and provides financial, planning, and management information to the FPA Board. He has a BSc (Hons) degree in Engineering with Business Studies and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accounts.
Aisha joined the FPA in 2022 having previously held various digital print and media journalism roles. She is responsible for supporting our Editor in producing the FPA's Fire & Risk Management Journal and writing daily news content for our website. Aisha holds a Master's Degree in English Literary Studies.
Job Titles:
- Health and Safety Manager
Andrew joined the FPA in 2023 after working in various roles in health and safety management. He is responsible for health and safety across all of the FPA's sites including head office, the cladding test rigs, and the fire testing laboratory.
Andrew ensures compliance with HSE requirements and identifies task-related risk by carrying out risk assessments. He provides an in-depth safety induction to all new employees, identifies staff training requirements, and promotes site safety awareness.
Andrew holds various safety qualifications including the Institute of Safe and Healthy Working (IOSH), and the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. He is also first aid and defibrillator trained.
Job Titles:
- Fire and Risk Services Manager
Anna joined the FPA in 2020 and is responsible for overseeing our Fire Advisory Services function which includes multi-site fire risk assessments and DSEAR risk assessments, fire compartmentation surveys, and fire strategies. Anna's primary focus is liaising and developing relationships with our clients. She has a BA (Hons) degree.
Anne joined the FPA in 2023 after a career as a Mathematics Teacher. She is responsible for registering training delegates with the exam board, setting up and managing online assessments, claiming and sharing certificates on completion, and providing general support to delegates throughout their learning, as well as the wider Training department. Anne has a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Economics, as well as PGCE and QTS teaching qualifications.
Job Titles:
- Membership and Publications Officer
Arvi joined the FPA in 2016, having previously worked for...
Beckie joined the FPA in 2022 with over 10 years' experience in various administration roles. She is responsible for managing customer enquiries for our busy Training department, processing course bookings, reporting on delegate booking status, hosting online courses, and supporting with internal audits. Beckie holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management, the IOSH Managing Safely qualification, and an Internal Auditing qualification. She is also a CFPA Europe Ambassador.
Job Titles:
- Fire and Risk Services Coordinator
Beth joined the FPA in 2022, having previously worked in construction and engineering. She provides administrative support to our Fire Advisory Services department and customers who require multi-site fire risk assessments, DSEAR risk assessments, compartmentation surveys, fire door inspection surveys, and fire strategies.
Charlotte joined the FPA in 2021. She began her marketing career in 2012 as a marketing intern and has since gained broad experience in developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies across a variety of industries.
Charlotte is responsible for promoting the FPA's vision and values, and communicating our work and services as the UK's national fire safety organisation. She has a BA (Hons) degree and holds Level 6 Awards in Marketing and Digital Strategy and Managing Brands with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Chris Miles - Chief Commercial Officer
Job Titles:
- Commercial Director
- Member of the ASFP Council
Chris joined the FPA in 2022 with over 30 years' experience in the testing, assessment, and certification of fire resisting construction products. He is responsible for the FPA's commercial pipeline and business development, and also manages the programme for key technical projects within the FPA and the Fire Sector Federation.
As past ASFP Chair, long-standing member of the ASFP Council, Chris is a key contributor to industry groups including as past chairman of CEN/TC127/WG3 for fire resisting and smoke control doorsets, and as a member of various BSI committees for fire resistance areas.
Job Titles:
- Director of Training and Digital Services
Claire joined the FPA in 2006 and has a history of learning development and support services within tertiary and higher education, developing programmes of study, and providing mentoring and training.
She is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational delivery of our training and educational resources. Claire holds a BA (Hons) and a PGDip, and is currently studying for an MBA with Oxford Brookes University.
Dale joined the FPA in 2018 having spent almost 30 years in the sprinkler industry. During this time, he undertook special risk projects in the form of gaseous systems, fire detection, foam systems, and sprinkler system design, culminating in his last position as Technical Director for one of the UK's largest sprinkler contractors.
Dale is responsible for all types of suppression systems, technical issues, sprinkler inspections, and sprinkler training at the FPA. He is a fully Qualified Sprinkler Design Engineer, has an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Engineering Technology, a CFPA European Diploma in Fire Prevention, and is currently studying towards an MSc degree with the University of Central Lancashire. Dale is an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and a member of both the Institution of Fire Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
David is an experienced executive and non-executive director with over 30 years' experience in insurance, having formerly held the position of Managing Director of Claims, Underwriting and Technical Services with AXA Insurance UK. He is a member of the FPA Board and between 2011-2022 was Chair of RISCAuthority, an annually funded scheme which conducts research on behalf of the insurance sector and is administered by the FPA. David works closely with the FPA's Executive Directors to progress the organisation's objectives as the go-to authority in the field of fire protection, building resilience, and people safety.
Don joined the FPA in 2024 with over 35 years' experience in commercial insurance, risk management, and third-party certification. As Head of RISCAuthority, he is responsible for ensuring the scheme delivers a high-quality, topical programme of work that satisfies the needs of our RISCAuthority insurer members.
Don is also Convenor of the RISCAuthority Security Working Group and the Business Continuity Working Group, and produces technical guidance on behalf of the FPA and RISCAuthority. He is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), and holds a Diploma in Insurance (Dip CII) and SIIRSM.
Gavin assumed the role of Chief Executive of the FPA in 2024, having previously been Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) for 6 years. He is an experienced business leader and Chartered Building Engineer with a talent for bridging technical matters with effective business management. Originally an architect, Gavin boasts a wealth of experience in the testing, inspection, and certification markets in the sectors of construction, real estate, and sustainability, both in the UK and internationally.
Prior to leading CABE, Gavin was Director of Building Performance at the Building Research Establishment (2013-2018), where he oversaw globally leading environmental assessment methods for the built environment including BREEAM and CEEQUAL. From 2006-2013, Gavin was Group Operations Director for Elmhurst Energy Systems, where he contributed to the development of some of Europe's leading building energy certification systems. He also served as Chairman of the Future Homes Standard Working Group during his membership in the UK Government's Building Regulations Advisory Committee from 2015-2022.
Working closely with the FPA Board, Gavin is responsible for developing and executing the FPA's strategy to deliver its long-term vision to continue to be the go-to authority in the field of fire protection, building resilience and people safety. His primary focus is forging successful long-term relationships with members, customers, partners, and authorities to communicate the FPA's messages and address the industry's needs, whilst continuously raising the profile of the FPA as the UK's national fire safety organisation.
Gavin holds a BSc (Hons) in Architecture, an MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings, a PhD in the Energy Performance of Buildings, and the Certificate of Management Excellence from Harvard Business School.
Emily joined the FPA in 2023 having previously worked in the aviation industry. She provides administrative support within the Human Resources department including assisting with the recruitment and onboarding of new staff, employee training programmes, maintaining employee records, and providing general support to the HR Manager. Emily is currently undertaking a Level 5 qualification in Intermediate Human Resource Management.
Job Titles:
- 8414 Cladding Manager
- in 2014 As a Laboratory Technician
Fiona joined the FPA in 2014 as a Laboratory Technician. Having developed sound knowledge and expertise in fire testing since then, in 2023 she progressed to Cladding Manager and is responsible for the FPA's purpose-built BS 8414 cladding testing rigs; working with our clients on cladding projects from pre-start works through to completion. She has a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science.
Job Titles:
- Events Officer and EDI Lead
Freyja joined the FPA in 2018 with experience in both HR and recruitment roles. Working closely with our Events Manager, she coordinates and delivers the FPA's internal and external events programme including seminars and conferences, participation at industry tradeshows, the FPA's member exclusive Q&A webinar programme, and RISCAuthority's research-led webinars which run throughout the year.
At the FPA we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and fair workplace. Working with our HR team, Freyja also leads our EDI efforts through the creation and implementation of the FPA's EDI Strategy which is underpinned by the principles of trust, respect, and equal opportunity for all. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Politics and International Relations.
George joined the FPA in 2014 with experience as a research and development engineer. During his time with the organisation he has held a multitude of roles focused around managing fire tests and providing consultancy, including as Laboratory Manager, Project Manager, and Technical Consultant.
As the FPA's Technical Director, George is responsible for collaborating with stakeholders, and directing policy development and quality assurance. He is also responsible for the Research Department, overseeing the RISCAuthority Team and the Special Projects Team who conduct bespoke research and fire testing. George holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc by Research, focusing on fire safety assessment tests for external cladding systems.
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Senior Technical Consultant
Howard joined the FPA in 1992 and has held a multitude of roles as the organisation has grown including Training/Information Officer, Director of Operations, and Deputy Managing Director. He trained formally as a land surveyor before spending 8 years in the construction industry in his early career and has since spent considerable time in the FPA's fire advisory division. Howard is among our most experienced and respected fire risk assessors.
Following 30+ years as a full-time FPA employee, Howard has decided to take semi-retirement and has stepped down from the Board. He will now be focusing his efforts on technical fire safety projects, predominantly for our fire and risk services department and RISCAuthority on a part time basis. His varied and thorough knowledge ensures that the needs of our customers and the industry remain the focus of the FPA's objectives and wider initiatives to move the fire safety agenda forward by improving standards and best practice.
Howard has a BEng (Hons) in Fire Engineering and is a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), a Fellow of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), and is registered on the Nationally Accredited Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR) at Tier 3.
Ian joined the FPA in 2019 and has worked in the fire industry for over 40 years. He has substantial experience in the design of fire sprinkler and special risk systems in a range of applications, and has worked on diverse projects from power stations to production buildings, warehouses and commercial office buildings.
Ian is responsible for our sprinkler inspection services and sprinkler training. He has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, CEng, Basic, Intermediate and FHC qualifications, as well as a DMS (Post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies). Ian is also a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE).
Isabel joined the FPA in 2023 with experience in pharmaceutical laboratories, including in diagnostic government laboratories during the covid-19 pandemic. She leads the fire suppression department at the FPA's fire testing laboratory in Blockley. Isabel oversees sprinkler head testing, pipe inspections, and test management of BS 8458 for residential and domestic watermist systems.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Manager
James joined the FPA in 2018, having previously worked in digital marketing within the sports industry. He is responsible for our digital marketing strategy, the FPA website, our digital communications channels, and our CRM system. James has a BA (Hons) degree and holds the Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Job Titles:
- Head of Commercial and Technical Support Services
Jamie joined the FPA in 2017. Prior to this he worked in insurance where he sold and managed policies for different types of commercial and liability insurances. This gave him a great understanding of risk management which supports him in his role at the FPA.
Jamie is responsible for increasing sales and managing client relationships across the business for all our products and services, with a focus on fire testing, inspection and assessment services. He oversees the operation of our Fire and Risk Services Technical Support Team, and also works closely with our Marketing and Events departments to help increase the sales of sponsorship packages for our highly regarded industry events.
Jamie has a Certificate in Chartered Insurance Institute (Cert CII), Certificate in Applied Fire Risk Assessment, and is a Fellow of the Association of Professional Sales.
Job Titles:
- Programme Manager
- RISCAuthority Programme Manager
Karen joined the FPA in 2021 and has 14 years' experience as a scheduler and training administrator. She leads the operation of the training administration team and is responsible for the production of training material, organising the training office, and looking after our training courses.
Job Titles:
- Training Operations Manager
Katie joined the FPA in 2015, having previously worked in transport logistics where she managed customer accounts and their transportation requests. She is responsible for organising the logistic and operational aspects of training courses.
Kelly joined the FPA in 2021, with a background in creating organisational training programmes for the UK and Middle East. She manages our team of full-time and associate fire safety trainers and is responsible for coordinating and managing our designated FPA training course curriculum. Kelly holds a first Degree in Education and has full Qualified Teaching Status, alongside being a qualified IQA, coach and mentor.
Melissa joined the FPA in 2013 and has worked in events for over 20 years, including in higher education where she organised exhibitions, conferences, and training across the UK and overseas.
Melissa is responsible for organising all internal and external FPA events including the industry-leading annual FIRE Conference which is co-organised with the IFE, FSF, and NFCC. She also organises our participation at industry tradeshows, as well as looking after speaker engagements for the FPA's technical experts, and leading on our topical webinar programme. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Tourism and Hotel Management.
Michele joined the FPA in 2022 with 10 years' experience in the education sector. She is responsible for providing administrative support to the team operating our Fire Testing Laboratory at Blockley and is the first point of contact for laboratory visitors. Michele holds a Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Business and Administration.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Sales Administrator
Nicholas joined the FPA in 2022, having worked in...
Nicole joined the FPA in 2022, having spent 9 years working...
Job Titles:
- Passive Fire Technical Consultant
Paul joined the FPA in 2024 with a wealth of experience in...
Peter joined the FPA in 2024 having previously worked as a...
Job Titles:
- Head of Quality and Compliance
Rachel joined the FPA in 2020 with experience in the fire...
Job Titles:
- Head of Fire Testing & Experimental Unit
Richard joined the FPA in 2021, having previously held the...
Job Titles:
- Fire and Risk Services Coordinator
Robbie joined the FPA in 2017. He supports our Fire...
Job Titles:
- Head of Financial Services
- in 2021 As a Financial Accountant
Ruth joined the FPA in 2021 as a Financial Accountant with...
Simon joined the FPA in 2022 as our Editor, having...
Job Titles:
- Fire and Risk Services Administrator
Zoe joined the FPA in 2021 and works within our Fire...