As part of the Council’s ongoing statutory compliance review across its school estate, Property Services has identified a high number of outstanding fire risk assessment (FRA) actions within local authority-maintained schools.
In line with our landlord responsibilities and the Core Offer Services, Property Services is conducting a targeted review to ensure appropriate steps are being taken to mitigate fire safety risks and maintain compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Action Required
The nominated Responsible Person for each school – typically the Headteacher or Premises Manager – is requested to:
- Review the school’s FRA Actions as recorded in the Civica Asset Management System
- Ensure the information is:
- Up to date
- Reflective of the current status of remedial actions
- Accurately identifying any unresolved issues
From October 2025, Property Services will begin reporting schools with outstanding FRA actions to the Learning Infrastructure Board, chaired by the Council’s Director of Education. This forms part of a strengthened governance approach to ensure risks are appropriately monitored and escalated.
Legal Compliance
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person has a legal duty to ensure that fire risk assessments are current and that significant findings are addressed promptly. Failure to comply may increase fire risk and expose both the Council and individual schools to regulatory enforcement.
Support Available
- For building, maintenance, or condition-related issues affecting your ability to complete FRA actions, please contact Property Services property@somerset.gov.uk
- For Civica access or general queries, please contact systemsandperformance@somerset.gov.uk
- For advice on documentation such as arson policies, fire emergency evacuation plans, or general fire safety queries, please contact the Council’s Health and Safety Service at chsu@somerset.gov.uk
Governance and Oversight
Please ensure your Governing body is kept informed of any outstanding FRA actions and that progress is regularly monitored through agreed school-level governance processes. Routine reporting to your Governing board is essential to ensure risks are being managed effectively.
This process is designed to support schools in meeting their statutory responsibilities and to enable the Council to maintain effective oversight of fire safety compliance. It reflects our collective commitment to safeguarding pupils, staff, and visitors, and to providing appropriate support where challenges arise.
Learn more:
How to find your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and plan on Civica
Training Video on the duties for the responsible person for Fire Risk Assessments
HSG10 Fire Policy Guidance.pdf
Arson Prevention Checklist Latest.docx
