What the Government Shift Means for Evacuation and Safeguarding.

Meet Evaccess at the Fire Safety Event, NEC (8-10 April)

Visit Us at Stand 4/L30 | Special Guest Elspeth Grant (9th & 10th April)

When it comes to fire safety, ensuring everyone can evacuate safely is not just a standard – it’s a human right. As the UK government prepares to transfer responsibility for fire and rescue policy from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the move marks a significant turning point in the country’s approach to fire safety, building regulation, and safeguarding.

Prompted by the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, this change responds directly to criticisms around the fragmentation of fire safety oversight – a key barrier to joined-up policy, accountability, and most importantly, public protection.

A More Coherent Approach to Fire and Building Safety

In his announcement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that from 1 April 2025, fire responsibility will be formally transferred to the MHCLG. This aligns fire safety with building regulation under one Secretary of State, creating a more coherent and unified structure.

The shift addresses concerns raised by Inquiry Chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick, who noted that splitting responsibility across multiple departments has historically led to delays in communication, poor policy coordination, and missed opportunities to protect lives.

As Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, stated:

“We welcome the transfer… this presents a valuable opportunity to bring greater emphasis and coherence to fire safety in the built environment.”

As policies evolve, one critical question must be asked:
Are our fire safety strategies truly inclusive – especially for those with mobility impairments or additional support needs?

For safeguarding to be effective, evacuation must be achievable for everyone – not just those who can manage stairs or move unaided.

The move to centralise fire and building safety must go hand-in-hand with a renewed focus on accessible evacuation planning.

Inclusive Evacuation is a Safeguarding Issue

The Safeguarding Fire Standard already challenges fire and rescue services to proactively protect all individuals, regardless of vulnerability.

But equipment, training, and policy must work together.

Without the right tools in place, Fire and Rescue Services may face delays, reputational risk – and worst of all, preventable harm to the people they serve.

How Evaccess Supports Inclusive Fire Safety

At Evaccess, we specialise in evacuation solutions that are designed for real-world challenges, helping organisations from fire services to local authorities build safer, more inclusive spaces.

Our equipment helps teams plan and respond with confidence – ensuring individuals with disabilities or limited mobility can be evacuated safely, swiftly, and with dignity.

 Featured Solutions from Evaccess

✅ LG2004 T-Lift – Allows users to remain in their wheelchair during stair evacuations – no lifting or transfers required.
✅ Gecko Chair – Navigates complex staircases with anti-tilt technology and 180kg capacity.
✅ Super-Trac TRE-70 – A heavy-duty, powered stair climber for wheelchairs.

A Partner in Compliance, Safety & Strategy: We’re not just equipment providers – we’re accessibility experts.

From site assessments and compliance advice to hands-on training, we partner with FRSs and safety leaders to ensure evacuation plans are practical, scalable, and legally sound.

Evaccess specialises in innovative evacuation solutions that address the challenges of safely evacuating individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments.

Our expertise ensures that institutions have access to tailored equipment designed for real-world use, preventing dangerous scenarios where ill-fitting or inappropriate evacuation devices could fail in a crisis.

The Evaccess Commitment

Beyond providing evacuation equipment, Evaccess is dedicated to supporting organisations in meeting modern safety and accessibility standards.

The team offers expert guidance, compliance support, and hands-on training to ensure that evacuation plans are practical, effective, and legally compliant.

By partnering with Evaccess, organisations can take proactive steps to improve safeguarding measures – ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has a safe and dignified evacuation solution in an emergency.

Visit Evaccess at The Fire Safety Event

Join us at the Fire Safety Event (Stand 4/L30) to discover how we can help you!

📅 NEC Birmingham | 8-10 April
🎤 Meet Elspeth Grant | 9-10 April
📍 Stand 4/L30

Call us for advice and information. 0121 444 3690

Get in. Get Out. Together.