BAFE SP205 explained
BAFE SP205 is the third-party certification scheme for life-safety fire risk assessment in the UK. A BAFE SP205-registered provider has been independently audited to show its assessors are competent and its assessments meet a recognised quality standard.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What BAFE is
BAFE is the independent register of quality fire-safety service providers. It does not carry out assessments itself — it sets schemes and audits the companies registered under them.
What SP205 covers
SP205 is the scheme specifically for life-safety fire risk assessment. Registration means an organisation’s competence, procedures and assessor qualifications have been independently verified and are periodically re-audited.
Why it matters
Since the Grenfell tragedy, expectations of assessor competence have risen sharply. Insurers, enforcing authorities and freeholders increasingly expect third-party certification — and for sleeping-risk and higher-risk residential premises it is effectively required.
Other accreditations
- ·FIA — Fire Industry Association membership
- ·IFE — Institution of Fire Engineers
- ·IFSM — Institute of Fire Safety Managers