My name is Steph Ettles, and I am a Building Surveyor at Rider Levett Bucknall. I started my building surveying career in 2018 as an apprentice Building Control Inspector before joining my current company in 2023, where I work in the fire safety and fire consultancy team. I obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Building Surveying in 2025, before studying for my Chartership in Autumn 2026.
My role is varied across the fire sector and includes activities such as producing fire strategies, undertaking fire risk assessments, overseeing fire safety projects, and undertaking fire integrity surveys. I typically act as the technical advisor and contract administrator on passive and fire safety upgrade projects, ensuring that upgrade works are carried out to a high standard and are compliant. My role also includes site surveys, identifying compartmentation defects, carrying out intrusive external wall surveys, and quality monitoring visits of passive upgrade works, inspecting fire-stopping installations and fire door remedial works for compliance.
What I enjoy most about my role is the technical aspects and collaborating with my colleagues to find pragmatic solutions to complex problems in buildings. I also enjoy being able to support clients to meet their project objectives and achieve a more compliant and safer building. Being able to see a completed project and a happy client is very rewarding.
Graduating from university was a proud achievement, as I began my building surveying apprenticeship at college in 2018, before continuing my apprenticeship at university, studying alongside work. I finally graduated in 2025, after seven years as an apprentice. This allowed me to focus on further qualifications in fire, such as the ABBE Level 3 certificate in Fire Risk Assessment, and the IFE Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection.
I chose to work in the fire sector as I enjoy the technical and practical approach needed when working on projects. I am quite a logical and methodical thinker, so I enjoy being able to interpret and apply regulations to real-life projects. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed interacting and working with fire safety specialists and engineers, which has driven me to progress my knowledge in fire safety and engineering further.
My colleagues encouraged me to join the IFE as a way of developing my career in the fire sector. I believe it is important, especially when working in a regulatory field, to stay up to date with changes in the industry. As the industry adapts, we must adapt with it. The IFE allows professionals to stay informed, expand their knowledge, and connect with other fire industry experts.
The membership has kept me informed on industry news and provided access to resources to continue my professional development. By undertaking the Level 3 certificate in Passive Fire Protection, this has given me the opportunity to deepen and reinforce my knowledge in fire safety theory and practical application, while gaining a recognised qualification. It is essential for any professional working in fire to continue developing their knowledge, as regulations and industry requirements are changing and expanding. The IFE provides a platform and tools for professionals to do this.
As a Student member, the IFE has offered invaluable resources for continuing my studies and expanding my knowledge. The newsletter is great for keeping informed about not only recent updates in the fire sector but also upcoming government guidance, and the opportunity to take part in consultations for industry guidance documents, helping you to stay ahead of the curve and also make your own contribution.
I am currently going through the application process to become a Technician grade member (TIFireE). The application process was a great opportunity to reflect on my career and my achievements and skills gained while working in the fire sector. I recently achieved the Level 3 certificate in Passive Fire Protection, which reinforced my knowledge in fire safety and allowed me to demonstrate my technical competency while gaining a recognised qualification.
Yes, I would recommend the IFE Student membership to anyone who is looking to progress their career in the fire industry and would like to stay informed about ongoing changes in the fire sector. I have personally found the CPD and newsletters very beneficial for this reason and believe they have helped me while studying and also working on live projects.
For anyone considering the IFE Student membership or any other IFE membership, I would suggest that they engage with the resources as much as possible. The focus groups, consultations, and any events are an opportunity to meet other people in the fire engineering industry, giving you access to industry knowledge as well as the opportunity to contribute your own experiences.