Fire Safety for Non-Profit Committees
What to know when you join an organisation with fire-safety responsibilities
Joining the committee of a community group, charity, or non-profit is a great way to give something back — but it also brings responsibilities you might not have expected.
If your organisation owns, leases, or manages a building, you’re not just running meetings and fundraising events. You may also carry legal duties for fire safety.
At Fletcher Risk, we regularly work with trustees, volunteers, and committee members who suddenly find themselves responsible for village halls, churches, community centres, youth clubs, or sports facilities. This guide explains what you need to know and how to manage those duties confidently.
🔑 Who is responsible for fire safety?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every building that isn’t a private home must have a Responsible Person — someone who ensures that the premises are safe from fire and that people can escape quickly if one occurs.
In a non-profit or community organisation, the Responsible Person might be:
The committee or board of trustees (collectively).
The building manager, if one is appointed.
The tenant or leaseholder, if the building is rented.
Even if fire-safety duties are delegated to an individual, the committee still carries collective responsibility. That means all members should understand how fire safety is managed and be confident that proper arrangements are in place.
🧱 The key legal duties
The Responsible Person must:
Carry out a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment (FRA).
Implement and maintain fire-safety measures such as alarms, lighting, signage, and fire doors.
Ensure escape routes are clear and usable at all times.
Provide training and information to staff and volunteers.
Keep records of inspections, maintenance, and drills.
If the building is shared with other groups, the committee must also coordinate fire-safety information with those users — for example, if another organisation hires the hall for classes or events.
🧠 Common gaps we see in non-profit organisations
Most community and voluntary groups want to do the right thing — but they often face limited budgets, informal processes, or frequent turnover of volunteers. That can lead to:
Outdated or missing Fire Risk Assessments. The last review might have been years ago or done by someone who’s since left.
Unknown maintenance responsibilities. No one’s quite sure who checks alarms, lighting, or extinguishers.
Inconsistent training. Staff and volunteers may not know evacuation routes or how to raise the alarm.
Cluttered escape routes. Chairs, tables, and storage often creep into fire exits over time.
Unclear accountability. Everyone assumes someone else is handling it.
The key to fixing these issues is simple: clarify roles, record decisions, and make fire safety a standing item on your committee agenda.
🧩 Practical steps to take right away
If you’ve just joined a committee and want to get up to speed, here’s what to do:
Ask to see the latest Fire Risk Assessment.
If it’s more than a year old, or if the building has changed, it needs updating.
Identify who maintains the systems.
Find out who tests alarms, services extinguishers, and inspects fire doors. Make sure maintenance certificates are on file.
Review the evacuation plan.
Check that exit routes are clear and signage is visible. If your group runs events, make sure volunteers know where to direct people.
Check for high-risk activities.
Kitchens, stage lighting, candles, or portable heaters all add risk — they may need special controls.
Confirm insurance requirements.
Many insurers require an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment and evidence of maintenance.
Keep records.
Simple notes showing that checks were done and issues were fixed can make the difference if the Fire Authority ever inspects.
💬 What about volunteers and event organisers?
Fire safety isn’t just for committee members — it also applies to anyone using the building.
If you host groups, hirers, or volunteers:
Give them a short fire-safety briefing or written information when they arrive.
Show them the alarm point, exits, and assembly area.
Ask that they don’t block fire doors or store materials in escape routes.
Make sure one responsible person is present for every event to oversee safety.
Simple communication builds awareness and prevents most problems before they start.
🔧 How Fletcher Risk can help
At Fletcher Risk, we specialise in helping non-profit and community organisations manage fire safety effectively and affordably.
Our services include:
Fire Risk Assessments tailored for community buildings, charities, and places of worship.
Policy templates and checklists designed for volunteer-led organisations.
Training sessions for committees, wardens, and event organisers.
Annual reviews and support, so you stay compliant year after year.
We make the process simple, transparent, and suited to the way community organisations actually operate.
🔑 The key takeaway
When you join a non-profit committee, you’re not just helping run an organisation — you’re also helping to protect people and property.
Fire safety doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With the right assessment, maintenance plan, and a few clear responsibilities, you can meet your legal duties and keep everyone safe.
👉 Contact us if your organisation needs help reviewing its fire-safety arrangements or updating its Fire Risk Assessment.
Fletcher Risk Team - 5 November 2025
Disclaimer:
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, fire-safety requirements may vary depending on your building and local authority. For specific guidance or a formal Fire Risk Assessment, please contact Fletcher Risk or a qualified fire-safety professional.