Zurich has established an affiliated organisation membership with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) – a first for a UK general insurer.
What the IFE membership means is that engineers at Zurich are trained to the highest standard.
“We’ve all worked hard to ensure our practices and procedures meet the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC), including training and development, training records, mentoring, governance, capability, audit, and continuous professional development,” said senior fire protection engineer Gary Howe. “Being part of the IFE and risk engineering community and recognised by the UK Engineering Council for our industry expertise is something we’re really proud of.”
The international organisation for fire professionals, the IFE assesses knowledge of fire and professional experience; awards internationally recognised membership grades and fire-related qualifications; and registers suitably qualified IFE members as chartered engineers, incorporated engineers, and engineering technicians.
“There are many big boxes to tick, but to realise your full potential and be the best, you’ve got to put in the effort,” said risk analyst Mark Almond. “You have to show and evidence competence and commitment, your knowledge and understanding of fire risks and risk management, design and development of processes, systems, services and products, as well as communications and professional commitment.
“All of our field staff complete these five areas as part of their job role and have provided evidence to achieve these.”
In the UK, Zurich is present in around 20 locations, with large sites in Birmingham, Cheltenham, Farnborough, Glasgow, London, Swindon, and Whiteley. The insurer employs approximately 6,000 people across the country.
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