As many of you will be aware, following the successful witnessing of a fire risk assessor as a “validator” under the BAFE SP205 scheme, NSI have provided, when requested, a letter confirming the assessor’s status as a “validator”. This letter has also included the “Tier” of the premises where the witnessed assessment took place. With immediate effect, there will be a change to this process. The letter will contain the name of the individual that has been witnessed, their employing organisation, the date the witnessed assessment took place and the name/address of the premises that were assessed; it will no longer contain the “Tier” of the assessed premises. If the letter is to be used as evidence to support an application for inclusion on The Institute of Fire Safety Managers “Tiered Fire Risk Assessors Register” (TFRAR) at either “Tier 2” or “Tier 3”, a copy of the completed fire risk assessment will also need to be submitted to the IFSM. The IFSM will then review the fire risk assessment and make the decision as to whether the premises meets “Tier 2” or “Tier 3”. If you are unsure as to whether the premises being assessed will meet the IFSM definition of a “Tier 2” or “Tier 3” premises, you are advised to consult with the IFSM prior to the witnessed audit taking place. Please also note that “Letters of Confirmation” will only be provided on request and only for those individuals where a formal application has been made to the NSI for an individual to be witnessed in order for them to fulfil the role as a “validator” under the BAFE SP205 scheme. If you have any questions regarding the above please don’t hesitate to contact me.