Judith Hackitt DBE, Warren Spencer & Jason Hill on Advancing Fire Safety: Regulatory Reforms, Legal Perspectives, and Digital Transformation

What to expect

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring three distinguished guests who bring unique perspectives to the discussion on fire safety in the UK.

Dame Judith Hackitt, renowned for leading the independent review of building regulations and fire safety post-Grenfell Tower fire, and Warren Spencer, a distinguished fire safety solicitor with extensive experience in prosecuting and defending fire safety cases, will delve into the legal and regulatory aspects of fire safety.
Warren Spencer's background in fire safety law, including conducting prosecutions and delivering training for Fire & Rescue Services, combined with his role as a part-time Tribunal Judge and former Assistant Deputy Coroner, enriches the discussion on legal proceedings and their implications for fire safety enforcement.

Joining them is Jason Hill, lead of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Digital Records Task Group and Vice-Chair of the FIA Internet of Things Forum. Jason brings expertise in leveraging digital technology to enhance fire safety practices, particularly in transitioning from paper to digital fire logbooks with his expertise from building the award-winning Tio app will serve to demonstrate how digital transformation is changing the future of the fire safety industry.
With Dame Judith Hackitt providing insights into regulatory reforms, Warren Spencer offering legal perspectives, and Jason Hill contributing expertise on digital transformation, this webinar promises to be a comprehensive discussion covering various aspects of fire safety regulation, enforcement, and technological innovation. Attendees can expect valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in ensuring fire safety in buildings and the broader implications for regulatory compliance and enforcement

What we'll cover

Here's what you can expect our expert guests to discuss:
  • Dame Judith Hackitt discusses the significance of the cultural challenges we face in the fire safety industry
  • Warren Spencer discusses his experience in prosecuting and defending fire safety cases and navigating fire safety law from the differing perspectives of business owners, responsible people, solicitors and enforcement bodies.
  • Practical guidance on remedying ignorance and indifference in the workplace and how responsible people can be empowered to put the best foot forward

Your Panel of Experts

Dame Judith Hackitt

Dame Judith Hackitt is renowned for her pivotal role in the aftermath of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London, which claimed the lives of 72 individuals in June 2017. Following this devastating event, she was appointed by the UK government to spearhead an independent review of building regulations and fire safety.

Her seminal report, titled "Building a Safer Future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety," published in May 2018, shed light on systemic failures within the industry and regulatory framework governing building safety in the UK. Through meticulous analysis, Dame Judith's report proposed a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing fire safety regulations, including the establishment of a new regulatory framework, clearer accountability mechanisms, and heightened oversight of building design and construction processes.

Central to Dame Judith Hackitt's report was the imperative for a cultural paradigm shift within the fire safety sector, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety and accountability throughout every phase of a building's lifecycle. Her comprehensive recommendations have since served as a cornerstone for ongoing endeavours to reform building regulations and elevate fire safety standards across the UK.



Warren Spencer

Warren Spencer is one of the country’s leading fire safety lawyers. He has now prosecuted and defended fire safety cases for over 18 years and has also conducted numerous Enforcement and Prohibition Notice Appeals brought under the Fire Safety Order. At his Blackhurst Budd practice he offers impartial professional expert legal advice in all aspects of fire safety law to all sides of enforcement.

Warren is a Higher Courts Advocate, an accreditation which enables him to work as an advocate in the Crown Court. Warren has conducted prosecutions and delivered training for 20 Fire & Rescue Services, lectures at Fire Service College at Moreton in Marsh, as well as advising businesses and professionals on various aspects of Fire Safety Law including its effect upon PFI contracts.

Warren is a part-time Tribunal Judge and a 'Legally Qualified Chair' for Police Disciplinary proceedings in the North West. He is also a former Assistant Deputy Coroner for Blackpool and Fylde.



Jason Hill

Jason Hill currently serves as the lead on the Fire Industry Association's (FIA) Digital Records Task Group, where his primary focus lies in facilitating the transition from conventional paper fire logbooks to their digital counterparts. Additionally, Jason holds the position of Vice-Chair of the FIA Internet of Things Forum, where he explores the intersection of fire safety and emerging technologies.

His involvement in the UK’s transition from paper fire logbooks to digital fire logbooks reflects a practical understanding of how technology can improve record-keeping and compliance in fire safety management. This is especially relevant in the context of evolving regulatory requirements and the need for efficient, accessible, and accurate documentation in fire safety protocols.

With a wealth of hands-on experience from his time as a service engineer, he has spent 15 years overseeing the installation, maintenance, servicing, and repair of fire safety systems across various commercial premises throughout the country. This practical experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in ensuring fire safety compliance and the operational challenges faced in real-world settings.

Driven by a passion for education and empowerment, Jason is the author of the popular “Management of Fire Safety Systems” series of CPD-approved training courses tailored to individuals responsible for fire safety in their workplaces. This comprehensive program, independently reviewed by fire safety experts, covers all relevant UK fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act, as well as the British Standards. By providing practical advice and fostering a clear understanding of responsibilities, Jason's course serves as a valuable resource for enhancing fire safety knowledge, compliance and raising the bar.