FSA
IMPROVING STANDARDS
Steve Martin, head of the Fire & Security Association, looks at
the progress made by the Association in 10 years of operation.
B
ack in 2007, the Electrical
Contractors’ Association
and Scottish electrical
trade body SELECT
together set up the Fire
& Security Association
(FSA) as a specialist group. This decision
created a home representing the values
of the installers within this sector
and reflected the fact that electrical
contractors were rapidly expanding their
work into new specialisms, such as fire,
emergency and security systems.
However, it’s worth noting that the
precursor to the FSA – the ECA ‘Security
Group’ – was founded back in 1986. The
group originally focused on installing
alarms and other security systems.
‘In 2017
the FSA is
celebrating
10 continued
years of
improving
the industry.’
Today, the FSA is the leading trade
association dedicated to companies
who design, install, commission,
maintain and monitor electronic fire,
emergency and security systems. This
leaves the FSA uniquely positioned to
improve industry standards and enhance
and develop businesses. (BAFE), in order to collaborate and
improve the industry.
The FSA now has a major presence at
the industry leading IFSEC International
and FIREX International conferences held
each year. This year the FSA will again be
exhibiting and presenting seminars during
the event.
Apprenticeship trailblazer standard Industry champions
In 2017 the FSA is celebrating 10
continued years of improving the industry.
During this time the FSA has supported
various initiatives – perhaps most notably
on the new apprenticeship trailblazer
standard for the industry.
The FSA collaborated with the
British Security Industry Association
(BSIA) and the Fire Industry Association
(FIA), to launch the new apprenticeship
trailblazer earlier this year. The FSA’s
chair Pat Allen was the lead on the
employers’ group which developed the
apprenticeship, and the FSA provided
support during this process.
In addition to the BSIA and FIA, the
FSA is building enhanced links with
other industry bodies – such as the
National Security Inspectorate (NSI),
the Security Systems and Alarms
Inspection Board (SSAIB), the Fire
Protection Association (FPA), and
British Approvals for Fire Equipment Each year the FSA recognises two
industry champions via the Ian Marsh
Fire Award and Peter Greenwood Security
Award. Previous winners have included
Simon Banks of CSL and Geoff Teader
of Amalgamated. The two FSA awards
are hosted at the IFSEC Security & Fire
Excellence Awards, one of the highlights
of the industry calendar.
The FSA’s 280-plus members
receive an unbeatable range of services
and benefits designed to give their
business the commercial advantage,
recognition and support they deserve.
Additionally, clients can be assured of
professionalism and quality by selecting
an FSA member to design, install and
commission their next system.
For more information on the FSA Awards
visit: www.eca.co.uk/business-industry-
support/awards/peter-greenwood-
security-award.aspx
Security & Fire Safety
June 2017 | 9