Received a Notice? Act Quickly
Specialist help to resolve it properly
Fire and rescue services enforce the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If an inspecting officer finds that a responsible person has not met their duties, they can issue formal notices that set out what must be done and by when.
A notice can feel daunting, but it is also a clear list of what the fire and rescue service needs to see. We help you understand exactly what is being asked, work out the most practical way to achieve it, and put together the evidence that shows the work has been done.
Enforcement notices give a deadline for compliance, and there is a limited window to appeal. Get advice as soon as you receive one.
Types of Notice
Notification of deficiencies
An informal letter listing issues found during an audit. It is not a formal notice, but it should be taken seriously and dealt with promptly.
Enforcement notice
A formal notice, under Article 30, requiring specified steps to be taken by a set date to remedy a failure to comply.
Alterations notice
Under Article 29, requires you to tell the fire and rescue service before making certain changes to premises considered high risk.
Prohibition notice
Under Article 31, prohibits or restricts the use of all or part of the premises where the risk to people is serious.
How We Help
- Review the notice and explain what each item means in practice
- Inspect the premises and confirm the scope of work needed
- Prepare a prioritised, realistic action plan
- Review or rewrite your fire risk assessment where needed
- Advise on contractors and check that remedial work meets the requirement
- Liaise with the inspecting officer and provide evidence of completion
Why It Pays to Get Help Early
Failing to comply with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence. Getting it right first time avoids wasted spend on the wrong work, keeps your relationship with the fire and rescue service constructive, and protects the people in your building.
We are straightforward about what is genuinely required. In many cases there is more than one way to achieve compliance, and we will help you find the most practical and cost-effective route.
How It Works
Send us the notice
Share the notice or letter with us and we will review it straight away and talk you through it.
Site visit
A senior consultant visits the premises to understand the issues and how the building is used.
Action plan
You receive a clear plan showing what needs to be done, by when, and how it meets each requirement.
Close it out
We help you evidence the completed work to the fire and rescue service and keep your records up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal an enforcement notice?
Yes. Appeals against an enforcement notice are made to the magistrates' court and must be made within 21 days of the notice being served. Appeals are a legal matter, so you should take legal advice, but we can provide the technical fire safety input.
What if we disagree with the fire and rescue service about what is needed?
If you both accept that work is needed but disagree on the technical measures, you can jointly refer the question to the Secretary of State for a determination under Article 36 of the Fire Safety Order. Government enforcement guidance, updated in July 2026, encourages this to be considered early, ideally before a formal notice is served. We can help you set out the technical case.
What if I cannot complete the work by the deadline?
Talk to the fire and rescue service before the deadline passes. Showing a clear plan and genuine progress makes that conversation much easier, and we can help you prepare for it.
Do I need a new fire risk assessment?
Often, yes. A notice usually means the existing assessment did not identify or deal with the issues. We can review your current assessment and update or replace it as needed.
Received a notice from the fire and rescue service?
Send it to us and we will talk you through it.
Related Services
Talk to Us About Enforcement Notice Support
Tell us a little about your building and what you need. A consultant will come back to you with a clear scope and quote.