Enforcement Policy

Our priority is to help keep people safe from fire. We work with businesses and Responsible Persons to support compliance with fire safety law and reduce the risk of fire in our communities. 

Most businesses want to do the right thing, and our approach is to provide clear advice, guidance, and support wherever possible. However, where serious fire safety risks are identified, or where legal responsibilities are not being met, we will take appropriate enforcement action to protect people and property.  

We aim to deliver a fair, consistent, and proportionate service. When carrying out inspections, our inspectors will: 

• Act professionally and courteously 
• Explain any fire safety concerns clearly 
• Distinguish between legal requirements and best practice advice 
• Give reasonable timescales for improvements where appropriate 
• Work with you to achieve compliance wherever possible 

Our inspections are carried out using nationally agreed guidance to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  

If we identify fire safety issues, the action we take will depend on: 

• The level of risk identified 
• The seriousness of the breach 
• The potential impact on life safety 
• Whether previous advice or action has been ignored 

In many cases, we will initially work with you informally to help resolve issues quickly and safely. 

Where fire safety concerns are identified but the risk does not justify formal enforcement, we may issue: 

Letter of Fire Safety Matters 

This will outline: 

• The fire safety issues identified 
• Recommended improvements 
• A reasonable timescale for completion 

You are encouraged to discuss alternative solutions with our inspectors if appropriate.  

Where more serious fire safety breaches are identified, formal action may be necessary. 

For transparency, details of enforcement action taken by fire and rescue authorities are available through the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Enforcement Register.

You can view the NFCC Enforcement register here:  Enforcement Register

An Enforcement Notice may be issued where legal requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are not being met. 

The notice will explain: 

• What the issues are 
• What action must be taken 
• The timescale for completion

Failure to comply with an Enforcement Notice may result in prosecution.  

If there is a serious and immediate risk to life, we may issue a Prohibition Notice. 

This can restrict or prohibit the use of part or all of the premises until the risk has been reduced and people are safe.

In higher-risk premises, we may issue an Alteration Notice. 

This means you must notify us before making certain changes to the building, occupancy, layout, or fire safety arrangements that could significantly increase fire risk.  

As the Responsible Person, you have a legal duty to: 

• Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment 
• Put appropriate fire safety measures in place 
• Maintain fire safety systems and equipment 
• Ensure people can safely escape in the event of fire 
• Provide staff with fire safety information and training 

These duties are set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  

Fire safety inspectors have legal powers to enter premises at reasonable times to carry out inspections and investigations. Inspectors will always carry identification and will explain the purpose of their visit. 

If you are unsure whether someone is a genuine fire safety inspector, please contact us to verify their identity. 

If you disagree with enforcement action taken, you may have the right to appeal. Information about appeals will be provided alongside any formal notice issued. 

We are committed to being open, fair, and transparent in all enforcement activity. 

Our aim is always to prevent fires and protect lives. We will continue to work with businesses, Responsible Persons, and communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to improve fire safety standards and support compliance with the law.