Fire Equipment Servicing Compliance Auditing for Social Housing
Project Overview
New Terra Compliance was appointed by a large national social housing provider to deliver an independent fire equipment servicing compliance auditing programme covering third-party contractors operating across their housing portfolio.
The commission commenced in 2023 and remains ongoing, aimed to provide the client with continuous assurance that fire safety systems are being inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with relevant British Standards, or recommendations for improvement.
The programme focuses on both technical compliance and quality of service delivery, supporting the client in meeting their duties as the Responsible Person while improving consistency, governance, and contractor performance across the portfolio.
Scope of the Auditing Programme
The auditing programme covers 18 buildings per month, comprising:
9 sites across the south of England
9 sites across the north of England
Each site is audited against the fire safety systems maintained at that location, aligned with the client’s planned preventative maintenance (PPM) regime.
Fire Safety Systems Audited
Fire alarm systems
Emergency lighting systems
Smoke ventilation systems (including AOVs)
Portable fire extinguishers
Domestic smoke alarms
Dry risers
How We Deliver the Auditing Programme
Programme Mobilisation and Stakeholder Engagement
At the outset of the programme, New Terra Compliance undertook a series of stakeholder consultations with the client to:
Understand organisational fire safety objectives
Review existing maintenance strategies and PPM arrangements
Clarify expectations around compliance, assurance, and reporting
Agree audit scope, frequency, and performance indicators
This ensured the auditing regime was aligned to the client’s needs, proportionate to risk, and embedded within their existing governance framework.
Planned and Structured Audit Delivery
Audits are planned in advance, coordinated against the client’s maintenance programme to ensure effective access, minimal disruption, and consistent coverage.
Each building receives system-specific audits for the fire safety systems being maintained at that location. For each system type, objective audit criteria are agreed in advance, based on the relevant British Standard and recognised industry guidance.
Audit Methodology
Audits are undertaken by experienced fire safety auditors using a structured, evidence-based approach. Each audit is broken down into the following core elements:
Documentation Checks
Review of servicing records, certificates, and reports
Verification of the scope and extent of the PPM visit
Assessment of record accuracy and completeness
Functional Testing
Verification that testing has been carried out correctly
Cross-checking reported test results against site conditions
Identification of discrepancies between records and actual system performance
Inspections
Assessment of the reported defects, damage, or non-compliance
Competence
Assessment of contractor competence and accreditation
Review of engineer training, and certification
Confirmation that works are undertaken by suitably competent persons
Reporting
Clear recording of non-conformities, observations, and recommendations
Evidence-based findings linked to objective criteria
Consistent scoring and categorisation across the portfolio
Reporting and Data Analysis
Monthly Portfolio Reporting
Each month, New Terra Compliance provides a portfolio-level summary report, drawing together audit outcomes across all sites. This includes:
Data analysis of audit results
RAG-rated compliance status by system and site
Identification of recurring issues and areas of concern
Clear, prioritised actions for the client
This enables the client to maintain oversight of contractor performance and compliance status.
Quarterly Trend Analysis and Strategic Review
In addition to monthly reporting, quarterly reports are produced to provide deeper insight, including:
Trend analysis across systems, regions, and contractors
Identification of improvements or deterioration in performance
Targeted recommendations to address systemic issues
Strategic observations to inform future procurement, specifications, and management controls
Key Benefits to the Client
Independent assurance of fire equipment servicing compliance
Improved contractor performance and accountability
Early identification of systemic non-compliance and risk
Clear, evidence-based reporting to support governance and oversight
Enhanced confidence in meeting Responsible Person duties
Consistent fire safety standards across a large, geographically dispersed portfolio
Outcome
The ongoing auditing programme provides the client with robust, independent assurance that fire safety systems are being maintained appropriately, while also driving continuous improvement in service quality and compliance.
By combining structured audits, data-led reporting, and regular stakeholder engagement, New Terra Compliance supports the effective management of fire safety across a complex social housing portfolio.
Fire equipment servicing audits, third-party contractor compliance auditing, and independent fire safety assurance for social housing providers and compliance managers.