Derwent Fire Compliance: Fire risk assessment, done properly.
Independent fire risk assessments by a local qualified consultant, based in Belper, near Derby. Led by a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner on the National Register, covering all of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire.
About us
Friendly, independent and experienced. We carry out fire risk assessments in a professional manner, at a competitive price, by a local qualified consultant who cares about getting it right for your property.
Who we are

Led by Stephen Haywood, a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner.
Stephen is a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner (a Chartered Member of IOSH, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and is listed on both the Institute of Fire Safety Managers register and the National Fire Risk Assessors Register. He has many years' experience assessing everything from single holiday lets and HMOs to large, complex industrial sites. Assessments are carried out by Stephen or another local qualified consultant from the team, and we also deliver fire warden training across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire.
What we do
Holiday lets, HMOs, flats, offices, factories and schools, throughout Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire.
Fire risk assessment
A thorough inspection of your premises and a written assessment that meets the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
02Fire safety advice
Clear, practical guidance on your duties as the Responsible Person and on putting things right.
03Fire warden training
Training that gives your team the confidence to act calmly and correctly when the alarm sounds.
Every assessment includes
- Site inspection at a time convenient to you
- A comprehensive report with a prioritised action log
- Discounts when you have multiple buildings
| Finding | Priority | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stair door wedged open | High | Remove wedge, fit hold-open device |
| Extinguisher service overdue | Medium | Arrange annual service |
| No fire log book on site | Medium | Start a log for alarm tests |
| Exit sign faded in corridor | Low | Replace sign |
Does the law apply to you?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law. The Responsible Person must carry out a fire risk assessment and maintain a fire management plan. Failure to do so could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both.
Choose a property to see what applies.
Almost every premises other than a single private home falls under the Order, from a holiday cottage to a factory.
Holiday letYes. As owner or manager, you are the Responsible Person.
Providing accommodation for paying guests brings your let under the Order, even a single cottage.
- What we assess
- Escape routes guests can find at night
- Smoke and heat detection, and testing
- Fire doors, furnishings, cooking and heating
- Fire safety information for guests
HMOYes. The landlord or managing agent is responsible.
Shared houses carry higher risk: several households, shared kitchens and a single escape route.
- What we assess
- Protected escape route and fire doors
- A suitable interlinked alarm system
- Kitchen and electrical ignition risks
- Tenant information and maintenance records
FlatsYes, for the communal areas.
Any residential building with communal stairs, corridors or lobbies needs those areas assessed.
- What we assess
- Communal routes kept clear
- Flat entrance and communal fire doors
- Emergency lighting and signage
- The evacuation strategy for residents
OfficeYes. The employer or person in control is responsible.
All business premises with employees or visitors are covered.
- What we assess
- Means of escape and final exits
- Alarm, emergency lighting and extinguishers
- Fire wardens and evacuation drills
- Electrical equipment and storage
FactoryYes, and the risks are often more complex.
Industrial sites bring processes, stock and large spaces that need an experienced eye.
- What we assess
- Process and machinery ignition sources
- Flammable materials and waste
- Compartmentation and travel distances
- Training, wardens and procedures
SchoolYes. The employer or governing body is responsible.
Schools must protect pupils, staff and visitors, including those who need help to evacuate.
- What we assess
- Evacuation, including assisted evacuation
- Alarm coverage, drills and roll-call
- Kitchens, labs and workshops
- Displays and storage on escape routes
Shop or restaurantYes. The business owner is responsible.
Premises open to the public must keep staff and customers safe.
- What we assess
- Kitchens and cooking ranges
- Customer escape routes and exits
- Stock storage and deliveries
- Staff training and procedures
Charity or communityYes. Charities and voluntary organisations are covered.
Village halls, churches and community spaces share the same duties as businesses.
- What we assess
- Occupancy limits for events
- Exits, signage and emergency lighting
- Hirer briefings
- Heating and electrical risks
The law applies if you are
- Responsible for business premises
- An employer or self-employed with business premises
- Responsible for part of a dwelling used solely for business
- A charity or voluntary organisation
- A contractor with a degree of control over premises
- Providing accommodation for paying guests
- A residential property with any communal area
You may not have the competence and experience to carry out an assessment that satisfies both the law and your insurer.
A simple process
Tell us a little about the property, how many storeys and what it's used for, and we'll take it from there.
Get in touch
Call, email or send the form. We'll give you a competitive quote.
Site inspection
A qualified assessor visits at a time convenient to you.
Your report
A comprehensive fire risk assessment with a clear action log.
Stay compliant
Work through the actions with our support, and keep your assessment up to date.
Our credentials
Only 2.2% of UK fire risk assessors are on the National Register. Stephen is NFRAR member #692: view his listing.
Competent Fire Risk Assessor (CFRAR) on the Institute of Fire Safety Managers register.
Led by a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner with many years' experience.
Counties covered: Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire.
The Government and fire and rescue services recommend checking your assessor meets the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council's criteria. View the IFSM register · View our National Fire Risk Assessors Register listing
Testimonials
What our clients say
“Steve carried out a thorough assessment of our vast, complex site, demonstrating his expertise and obvious experience.”
“Excellent fire warden training by Steve Haywood from Derwent Fire Compliance. Highly recommended.”
“Stephen is very well qualified and thorough in all the work he has provided us. He is invaluable as an assessor.”
“I really enjoyed the course presented by Steve, he relayed the information we required in an interesting and informative way…”
Questions
What is a fire risk assessment?
Who is the Responsible Person?
What happens if I don't have one?
Can I do it myself?
What will I receive?
Which areas do you cover?
Has fire safety law changed recently?
Do you offer discounts?
Request a quote
Tell us a little about the property you need assessed: how many storeys, and what it's used for.
07534 561254stephen@derwentfirecompliance.co.ukDerwent Fire Compliance41 Cemetery Road
Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1EJ



