Primary Authority Scheme

[stevew]

I am aware of a FA that prior to setting up an agreement with a business, in this case a care provider, carrying out a fire risk assessment of one property.
The assessment was extremely limited/selective and unfortunately some of the points raised, incorrect and inappropriate.
The premises in question were also located in a different fire authority area.
I now have a very confused client.

[AnthonyB]

Doesn't sound very good! This is the risk with trading arms of FRS, that they can do what they want and be never wrong because they are the fire service.

[Seetek]

Was the PA FRS carrying out an FRA or an audit under PA? Did this result in assured advice?

A FRS having a trading arm completing an FRA before becoming the PA is too close for me and seems wrong. However a PA can audit the client's premises in another area for PA purposes (not FSO) but should notify the local FRS if working in their area.

I would speak to the local FRS to seek their opinion if there are concerns regarding an FRA. They can advise on this.

If there are concerns regarding PA advice the local FRS can seek a determination if they are minded.

Your client should be clear on what is expected regarding compliance.

[stevew]

The PA FA were carrying out a very limited unofficial audit, thinking I presume,  that they were assisting the ?client?. Comments referred to ?non assured advice? and that they would ?issue a notice on several points if the property were in their area?.
Several of the points raised could have been avoided if the FO had asked the right questions.
Not a good start.
 

[Dinnertime Dave]

In a former job I managed a PA for my employer. Part of the agreement was to get our PA partner to audit five properties (fire risk assessments) per year. it provided reassurance to the board.