IFE aims and objectives

The IFE’s awarding organisation is non-profitmaking.

The aim of the awarding organisation is to encourage those who work in the sector to engage with and develop, the critical understanding needed to operate effectively and safely and to the best professional standards so that they can protect and save lives. In doing this, the awarding organisation contributes to three of the IFE’s (six) over-arching strategic priorities ie:

• Facilitate awareness of fire issues and developments through the communication of ideas, knowledge and information.
• Foster professionalism by establishing and maintaining pathways and recognised standards of fire professionalism and competency.
• Increase knowledge in the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering.

All of the IFE’s qualifications are designed for those working in the fire sector and to meet the above priorities. Qualifications and their associated assessments (examinations and practical activities/assignments) provided by the IFE are designed, assessed and quality assured by experts with extensive experience of working within the fire sector.

The IFE is a registered charity working for societal benefit. Founded in 1918, the IFE assesses knowledge of fire and professional experience, awarding internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. Through its Engineering Council licence as a Professional Engineering Institution (PEI), the IFE registers suitably qualified IFE members as Chartered Engineers (CEng), Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Engineering Technicians (Eng Tech). Through its ceaseless betterment and sharing of knowledge, it has led the way in enabling fire professions to become rigorously assessed through a well-established and dynamic system of internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications. The IFE delivers more than 6,000 exams annually.

The IFE works within its Memorandum, Articles and Bylaws and is governed by a Board of Directors. Board trustees work in a voluntary capacity and are appointed for a term of three years and ensure that the IFE meets its strategic objectives as listed in the IFE Strategy 2020 – 2024. A number of professional panels, committees and technical working groups underpin the work of the IFE and the IFEs Charitable Educational Foundation supports international projects aimed at improving knowledge of fire safety for those suffering economic disadvantage.

Each IFE Branch is represented in the International General Assembly which meets twice each year to proactively share learning and to provide an important link between overseas members, the Board of Directors and IFE Head Office staff.

Located in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK the IFE’s Head Office staff coordinate IFE activities and regulatory compliance.

Membership or affiliation is open to all, regardless of role or geography, and is inclusive of those working in emergency response, fire safety, active and passive fire protection, fire engineering consultancy and fire risk assessment and enforcement.