1. Policy Statement
New College Group (NCG) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of employees, students, contractors, visitors, and all other persons who may be affected by fire at our permanent school sites in Manchester and Liverpool. Fire safety policies of partner organisations apply in student accommodation and seasonal centres.
This policy ensures compliance with:
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended)
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
- Any other applicable fire safety legislation and relevant British Standards.
The Responsible Person (as defined in the Fire Safety Order) is Louise Shaw, who has overall accountability for fire safety across these sites. The Responsible Person may appoint Fire Safety Managers for each site to oversee day-to-day implementation.
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there is:
- A change in legislation
- A significant change in building use or occupancy
- A fire incident or near-miss
2. Scope
This policy applies only to:
- NCG Manchester school site
- NCG Liverpool school site
3. Legal Responsibilities
3.1 Responsible Person
The Responsible Person must:
- Take general fire precautions to ensure safety of all relevant persons
- Reduce the risk of fire and limit its spread
- Ensure there is a safe and effective means of escape at all times
- Ensure adequate fire detection and alarm systems are in place
- Provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment
- Prepare and maintain an Emergency Plan for each site
- Provide fire safety information, instruction, and training to staff and relevant persons
- Maintain fire safety measures and keep accurate records
3.2 Fire Safety Managers
Each site will have a designated Fire Safety Manager responsible for:
- Site-specific fire risk assessments
- Regular fire safety inspections and maintenance coordination
- Overseeing fire drills and training
- Liaising with contractors, landlords, or maintenance providers to ensure compliance
3.3 Employees & Contractors
All employees and contractors at Manchester and Liverpool must:
- Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others
- Cooperate with fire safety procedures and instructions
- Report hazards, defects, or breaches of fire safety immediately
- Participate in training and evacuation drills
4. Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
- A suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment will be conducted for both Manchester and Liverpool sites.
- FRAs must be reviewed at least annually or when there is a significant change (building works, change of use, alterations to layout, change in personnel).
- FRA findings must be recorded and acted upon without delay.
5. Fire Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Identify and control ignition sources, fuel sources, and oxygen supply where possible
- Implement safe systems for hot works (permit-to-work system)
- Control contractor activities to prevent fire hazards
- Ensure combustible waste is managed and promptly removed
- Conduct regular checks on electrical safety and heating systems
6. Means of Escape
- Escape routes must be kept clear, well-lit, and unobstructed at all times
- Fire exit doors must be easily operable without a key
- Assembly points must be designated, clearly marked, and communicated to all building users
- Escape route maps will be displayed prominently throughout both sites
7. Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
Maintaining fire deduction and alarm systems is the responsibility of the landlord, but NCG will ensure compliance with the following:
- Both sites must have a fire detection and alarm system compliant with BS 5839 standards, appropriate to the premises risk profile (e.g., L1 for full coverage)
- Systems must be tested weekly, with results recorded in the fire safety log
- Any faults must be reported immediately and repaired promptly
8. Fire-Fighting Equipment
- Portable fire extinguishers must be provided in suitable types and locations in accordance with BS 5306
- Extinguishers must be inspected monthly by site staff and serviced annually by a competent contractor
- Fire blankets must be provided in kitchen areas
9. Emergency Planning
9.1 General
Each site must have a written Emergency Plan, detailing:
- How to raise the alarm
- Evacuation routes and procedures
- Assembly point location
- Roles and responsibilities during an evacuation
- How to contact emergency services
9.2 Disabled Persons (PEEPS)
- A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) will be created for any staff or students with mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments
- Appropriate evacuation aids (e.g., evac chairs) must be provided where required
- Staff must be trained in assisting persons with disabilities during an evacuation
10. Training & Drills
- Site-specific fire warden training will be given to appointed staff
- Fire drills will be carried out twice per year at each site
- All training and drills must be recorded in the fire safety log
11. Record-Keeping
- Fire safety records (risk assessments, maintenance, testing, training, drills) will be kept digitally for a minimum of three years
- Records will be available for inspection by enforcing authorities on request
12. Review & Policy Control
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Responsible Person (Louise Shaw) and updated where necessary to reflect changes in:
- Legislation
- Building use or occupancy
- Organisational structure or operations
- Lessons learned from incidents or drills
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