Join our specialist network
Independent Fire Safety
Specialist.
We're building a trusted network of self-employed fire safety specialists to support our growing workload across fire risk assessments, fire door inspections and fire safety training. You don't need to cover all three — competence in one is enough to start a conversation.
Fletcher Risk Management is a fire safety consultancy working across the North West, North Wales and the West Midlands. As our workload grows, we are looking to build a network of self-employed fire safety specialists who can support us with fire risk assessments, fire door inspections and fire safety training.
You do not need to be able to cover all three areas. Many of the people we work with specialise in just one or two, and that is entirely welcome. What matters most is that you can demonstrate the right qualifications, practical experience and professional approach for the work you are offering.
If you believe you meet the criteria for one or more of the roles below, we would like to hear from you. Please read the requirements carefully before getting in touch, as we ask everyone to evidence their competence against these standards.
Why work with us
Fletcher Risk Management has built a strong reputation across Chester, the North West, North Wales and the West Midlands since 2017, and demand for our services continues to grow. We work with a steady pipeline of clients across offices, schools, care homes, hospitality, warehousing and residential settings, so the opportunities on offer are genuinely ongoing.
Volume
A consistent flow of work
Matched to your specialism and location, rather than sporadic one-off jobs.
Autonomy
Manage your own diary
You work as a self-employed professional, with the freedom to manage your own workload.
Support
Clear, organised instructions
Well-structured briefs and support from our team, so you can focus on the job in hand.
Terms
Fair, prompt payment
Straightforward payment terms with no chasing required.
We value long-term relationships with our contractors and are always happy to discuss rates, volume of work and working arrangements directly. Please get in touch to find out more.
Role 01
We are looking for assessors who hold a recognised Level 4 fire safety or fire risk assessment qualification, or an equivalent competence-based award, and who can demonstrate genuine hands-on assessment experience rather than classroom training alone.
Qualifications and technical knowledge
- Recognised Level 4 fire safety or fire risk assessment qualification, or equivalent
- Formal training in fire risk assessment methodology and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, where applicable
- Sound knowledge of means of escape, emergency procedures, fire detection and alarm systems, fire protection systems, compartmentation and fire safety management
- Understanding of human behaviour in fire and occupant risk factors
- Understanding of building construction principles relevant to fire safety, including layout, occupancy, fire resisting construction and the impact of alterations
- Ability to interpret building plans, previous fire risk assessments, and fire protection or maintenance records
Practical experience
- Demonstrable experience assessing low to medium complexity premises without direct supervision
- Experience identifying hazards, people at risk, existing controls, deficiencies and residual risk
- Ability to produce clear, accurate and legally compliant reports
- A clear understanding of when a building is outside your competence and requires referral
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Premises typically within scope: offices, retail premises, small industrial units, schools and similar educational buildings, community buildings, and residential premises of limited complexity. Highly complex premises, such as high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, complex care facilities and large entertainment venues, generally require additional competence beyond Level 4.
We expect assessors to act independently and objectively, avoid conflicts of interest, recommend proportionate improvements rather than unnecessary remedial work, keep accurate records, and recognise when specialist advice is needed.
Role 02
We are looking for inspectors who can demonstrate recognised qualifications and genuine practical inspection experience, in line with recognised standards such as BS 8214 and BS 9999, and third-party competency schemes.
Qualifications and technical knowledge
- Recognised fire door inspection qualification from an established training or certification provider
- Formal training covering fire door legislation, terminology, construction, fire resistance principles and inspection methodology
- Knowledge of relevant standards, such as BS 8214, BS 9999 and BS EN standards relating to fire doors, hardware and components
- Understanding of fire door components, including leaves, frames, intumescent seals, hinges, closers, locks, glazing and hold-open devices
- Understanding of fire door certification, including test evidence, third-party certification and installation requirements
Practical experience
- Experience carrying out systematic fire door inspections in occupied buildings, across timber, steel, glazed and double fire doors
- Ability to identify defects such as excessive gaps, missing or incorrect seals, damaged leaves or frames, poor installation and faulty closers
- Ability to assess whether a door is fit for purpose, in need of repair, replacement, or potentially unsafe
- Ability to produce accurate inspection records and reports
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Premises typically within scope: offices, schools and colleges, residential blocks, hotels, healthcare premises where appropriate, commercial and industrial buildings, and public buildings. More complex environments, such as high-rise residential buildings, hospitals or buildings with unusual fire door assemblies, may require additional specialist knowledge.
We expect inspectors to provide impartial, evidence-based findings, avoid exaggerating defects or recommending unnecessary replacement, record limitations where evidence is unavailable, and maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
Role 03
We are looking for confident, engaging trainers who can bring fire safety to life for delegates, ideally supported by real operational experience.
Qualifications and technical knowledge
- Recognised fire safety qualification, such as a Level 3 or Level 4 fire safety qualification, fire safety trainer qualification, fire risk assessment qualification, or fire marshal/warden instructor qualification
- Strong understanding of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employer and employee responsibilities, fire marshal duties, evacuation procedures and common workplace fire hazards
- Ability to explain the principles of fire, how fires start and spread, and the importance of early detection, good housekeeping and fire safety culture
Fire and Rescue Service experience (highly desirable)
- Previous operational service, such as firefighter, crew manager, watch manager, fire safety officer or incident command roles
- First-hand experience of real fires and emergencies, fire behaviour, evacuation challenges and the consequences of poor fire safety management
- Ability to bring real operational examples into training to make sessions memorable and relevant
Training delivery and presentation skills
- Confident, engaging public speaking ability across audiences of different sizes and seniority
- Ability to make training interesting, practical and easy to understand, using real examples, case studies and demonstrations
- Strong communication skills, including explaining technical subjects in plain language and encouraging participation
Training capability: able to deliver fire marshal and fire warden training, covering roles and responsibilities, hazard recognition, evacuation procedures and assembly point management, as well as general fire safety awareness sessions covering fire science, prevention and emergency actions.
We look for trainers who are enthusiastic and credible through practical experience, approachable at all levels of an organisation, and confident answering questions and challenging unsafe behaviours.
Think you're a good fit?
If you can evidence the qualifications and experience above for one or more of these roles, we would welcome a speculative application. Send a short summary of your experience, copies of relevant qualifications and, where possible, examples of previous work.
Fletcher Risk Management Ltd · Cholmondeley House, Dee Hills Park, Chester, CH3 5AR · 01244 450 990. We review all speculative applications on their individual merits. Meeting the criteria above does not guarantee an offer of work, and we may ask for further evidence of qualifications, experience or insurance before engaging a contractor. All contractors are engaged on a self-employed basis for specific assignments as they arise.