The fire safety landscape is continually evolving, and staying abreast of updates to key standards is essential for compliance, competence, and ultimately, safety. One such critical development is the revision of BS 5839-1:2025 — the British Standard code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises.

In response, the Fire Industry Association embarked on a major nationwide initiative: the BS 5839-1:2025 Roadshow. Spanning live in-person seminars and an accessible online CPD-certified offering, the campaign aimed to ensure that all fire safety professionals, from designers and installers to those responsible for maintenance are fully equipped to meet the demands of the updated standard. With over 2,500 participants and 7,200+ CPD hours issued, the results speak to the industry’s appetite for professional development and the importance of guidance-led education.

Background History

BS 5839-1 serves as the foundational standard for fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic buildings across the UK. First introduced in 1980, the standard has undergone several updates, reflecting new technologies, practices, and regulatory expectations. The 2025 revision is particularly significant, addressing areas such as stronger focus on remote access and cyber security, clearer system categorisation and enhanced documentation guidance.

Historically, adoption of these updates has relied heavily on industry training and interpretation. As the UK’s leading authority on fire protection, the FIA recognised the need to act swiftly and decisively. Thus, the Roadshow was developed as a multi-format educational initiative designed not just to inform, but to empower those working at every level of fire safety.

Download the BS 5839-1:2025 Guidance Note

Download BS 5839-1:2025 today.

Where We Stand Now

Today, BS 5839-1:2025 is the benchmark that all professionals in fire detection and alarm systems must work to. Yet, many practitioners still face challenges in interpreting how the new code impacts day-to-day responsibilities, including specification, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.

Our Roadshow was tailored to these needs. Delivered both in-person and online formats, sessions included deep dives into the specific changes, expert analysis, and guidance on the implications for FIA training. The response has been overwhelmingly positive:

This hybrid approach has allowed professionals to engage with the content flexibly and at their own pace, all while gaining CPD-certified recognition of their learning.

Positive Feedback

Neil Budd, FIA Technical Manager, shared his thoughts on the level of engagement:

“What stood out for me was just how many people got involved - whether attending in person or tuning in online. Everyone wanted to stay up to date. It was great to see that kind of engagement not just from FIA members, but from across the wider industry too.”

Oliver Doerle, Head of Customer Experience at Detectortesters, and Chair of the Installers & Maintainers Section (I&MS), reflected on the roadshow’s value:

“Being closely involved in planning and hosting the FIA BS 5839-1 roadshow events across the UK was a real privilege.

Whenever BS 5839-1 is revised, it marks a major moment for our industry—it’s the backbone of how we design, install, commission, and maintain fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic buildings.

But let’s be honest: keeping pace with the changes can be daunting. There’s a lot to take in, and with no transition period, it’s vital to get up to speed quickly. That’s where the FIA makes a real difference. These roadshows gave attendees direct access to expert technical insight, breaking down the changes in a clear, digestible way.

The feedback I heard was overwhelmingly positive. People left feeling informed, confident, and ready to apply the updated standard.”

Attendees praised the course for being highly engaging and packed with valuable content, with many highlighting the quality of the Q&A sessions as “really good” and the overall delivery as “very insightful.”

The FIA’s Perspective

At the FIA, we recognise our responsibility not just to inform, but to lead. The BS 5839-1:2025 Roadshow was developed with technical sessions led by Will Lloyd (FIA Head of Technical & Chair of FSH/12), Neil Budd (FIA Technical Manager), Robert Thilthorpe (FIA Technical Manager), and Ken Bullock (BAFE). Alongside the Technical team, Oliver Doerle (Detectortesters) also played a key role in planning and hosting the programme, supporting its successful delivery across the UK.

A huge thank you goes to our Events and Training Department, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes made this ambitious series possible. Their dedication, coordination, and commitment were key to delivering a high-quality, well-attended roadshow that reached and supported as many professionals as possible.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we prioritise education and the raising of standards across the board. This Roadshow reflects our wider mission: to support industry professionals through timely, accurate guidance; to align competency with regulation; and to make sure that the built environment remains as safe as possible.

We also took this opportunity to align our FIA training courses with the changes to the standard, ensuring that new and existing learners benefit from the most up-to-date material available.

Future Outlook

The FIA’s BS 5839-1:2025 Roadshow has been a landmark initiative for our sector. Reaching thousands of professionals and delivering clear, actionable guidance on critical changes, the programme has helped ensure the fire industry is well-positioned to meet the challenges and responsibilities of the updated standard.
As standards evolve, so too must we, and with our collective focus on training, education, and competence, the sector can confidently move forward.

Download BS 5839-1:2025 today.
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