Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations: progress update - March 2026

Theme - Design competence

Recommendation 15 - Fire Engineering Professional Recognition

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – 31/12/2029

Activity since last update

Fire Engineers’ Advisory Panel Authoritative statement published on 17 December 2025 by the UK Government.

Planned activity

A public consultation on the details of regulation and implementation will take place in 2026.

Further information - Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement - GOV.UK.

Recommendation 16 - Expansion of Accredited Fire Engineering Masters Programmes Initiative

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – 31/12/2027

Activity since last update

Meeting undertaken December 2025 between MHCLG officials, Scottish Government officials and the University of Edinburgh to discuss continuing provision of fire engineering courses.

Planned activity

The UK Government are seeking advice on expanding current higher education provision, including whether a consortium approach may help provide high-quality, accredited courses.

Recommendation 17 - Fire Engineering Competency Standards Development

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – Complete

Activity since last update

Officials from the Scottish Government's Building Standards Division and Fire and Rescue Unit were observers on the UK Government’s Fire Engineers’ Advisory Panel. An Authoritative statement on the future of fire engineering was published on 17 December 2025 by the UK Government.

Further information - Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement - GOV.UK.

Recommendation 18 - Fire Engineering CPD Programme Development

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – 31/12/2027

Activity since last update

Meeting undertaken December 2025 between MHCLG officials, Scottish Government officials and the University of Edinburgh to discuss continuing provision of fire engineering courses.

Planned activity

The UK Government will consider targeted funding to support course development, including transitional training for existing fire engineers.

Recommendation 19 - Architecture Education Changes Review

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – Complete

Activity since last update

Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have taken steps since the Grenfell Tower fire to improve the education and training of architects.

Planned activity

Most remaining work will conclude in 2026, with only the review of the Code of Professional Conduct expected to continue into 2027.