A Fire Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that buildings and workplaces comply with fire safety regulations, helping to prevent fires and protect people. Their duties include conducting risk assessments, inspecting premises, advising on fire prevention measures, and educating staff or the public on fire safety procedures. Fire Safety Officers often work for local fire and rescue services, councils, or private companies, and may be involved in investigating fire incidents to determine causes and recommend improvements. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and up-to-date knowledge of fire safety legislation.
A Fire Safety Officer in the UK typically earns between £25,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced officers earning up to £45,000.
There are currently around 3,500 Fire Safety Officers employed in the UK, with steady demand in both public and private sectors.
Most Fire Safety Officers work standard office hours, but some roles require evening or weekend work, especially during inspections or emergencies.
Conducts inspections and assessments of buildings to identify fire hazards and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Delivers training sessions to staff and the public on fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the correct use of fire-fighting equipment.
Works closely with local communities and businesses to promote fire safety awareness and develop prevention strategies.
Achieve good grades in GCSEs, especially in English, Maths, and Science.
Most employers require at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C), including English and Maths. Science subjects can also be valuable as they provide a strong foundation for understanding safety procedures and technical information.
Take A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in a related subject, such as Public Services or Health and Safety.
While A-levels are not always required, studying subjects like Public Services, Health and Social Care, or Science can improve your understanding of safety regulations and risk management. Some colleges also offer BTEC or NVQ courses that are relevant to fire safety.
Gain experience in fire safety, health and safety, or emergency services.
You could volunteer with your local fire and rescue service, or work in roles such as a fire warden, health and safety assistant, or within facilities management. This will help you understand workplace safety and emergency procedures.
Undertake specific fire safety qualifications or training courses.
There are accredited short courses and certificates in fire safety, such as those offered by NEBOSH or the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). These qualifications are highly regarded and can improve your employability.
Look for Fire Safety Officer vacancies in public or private sector organisations.
Jobs can be found with local councils, fire and rescue services, universities, hospitals, or private companies. Prepare a strong CV highlighting your qualifications, training, and experience in fire safety.
Get ready for interviews by reviewing fire safety regulations and highlighting your practical experience.
Employers will likely ask about your knowledge of legislation such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Be prepared to discuss real-life scenarios where you have applied fire safety principles.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Fire Safety Officer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Fire Safety Officer and a Health and safety adviser both focus on ensuring safety protocols are adhered to in various environments. They require knowledge of safety regulations, conducting risk assessments, and implementing precautions to prevent accidents and hazards.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a degree in a subject, such as:
You might also be able to apply to do a postgraduate qualification in health and safety, if you have a degree related to a particular industry. Examples include construction, engineering or manufacturing.
You'll usually need:
You can apply to do a Safety, Health and Environment Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
You can also do an Environmental Health Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
You'll usually need:
You could study for a general health and safety qualification while you're working, or to improve your chances of finding a trainee position.
Topics will include:
Courses are often flexible with options to study part-time or online.
You can take approved health and safety courses through:
The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register has a list of organisations offering membership, which can help with professional development.
You can find out more about a career in health and safety from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
