Nicola John, managing director of Fire Door Maintenance, emphasised the need for greater accountability in fire safety, particularly in response to the ongoing Grenfell Inquiry and proposed regulatory changes.

Listen here our MD, Nicola John, who was live on LBC News discussing the crucial topic of fire compliance in the wake of Grenfell. 

“Grenfell was a national tragedy and one that should never have happened. The Inquiry is a step forward, but regulations alone don’t save lives accountability does,” said Nicola John.

“The recommendations made, including the creation of a single regulator and stricter licensing, are necessary, but the government must remember that safety can’t be a box-ticking exercise. The industry must take full responsibility, because cutting corners and passing the buck is what got us here. I’m expecting more than politics or paperwork from Rayner’s speech this afternoon—our work here is about making sure no family suffers like Grenfell again. The government must go further, act faster, and enforce real change.”

Following the government’s response yesterday (26/02/2025), Nicola John acknowledged progress but stressed that further action is needed.

“The government’s response is a step in the right direction—but it doesn’t go far enough. Tougher rules are welcome, but real safety isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about making sure the right people are in place and have the skills and knowledge they need.”

She highlighted the gaps in fire safety legislation, particularly in defining clear career paths for key roles such as specifiers, inspectors, maintainers, and installers.

“We’re a long way from where we need to be. The industry doesn’t yet have a structured career path to guarantee that those responsible for critical safety measures have the skills and authority to do their job properly. That’s what we’re mapping out at FDM, offering specialist training and clear accreditation routes.”

While legislative changes such as the Building Safety Act aim to improve competency, Nicola John warned that deeper cultural change is needed.

“While there’s a focus on fixing construction products, the real issue runs deeper—this is about behaviour, accountability, and a culture that has, for too long, put cost-cutting ahead of safety. The Building Safety Act’s move to demonstrate competence has started the process, but it’s not enough. We need a sharper spotlight on those who sign off on unsafe buildings and those who knowingly cut corners.”

She concluded with a call for immediate, enforceable action: “There’s been a lot of talk about cultural change and empowering social housing, but talk doesn’t save lives. Industry-wide action does. The government must go further, act faster, and ensure these reforms lead to real, lasting change. We need legislation that forces the industry to act, not sweeping reforms that lack detail.”

As FDM continues to push for stronger fire safety measures, its mission remains clear: ensuring that those responsible for fire door safety are properly trained, accredited, and held accountable to prevent tragedies like Grenfell from happening again.

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Or listen here our MD, Nicola John, who was live on LBC News discussing the crucial topic of fire compliance in the wake of Grenfell.