David Brown

David is a technically trained fire safety professional with a strong foundation in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and building safety, complemented by over a decade of analytical and research experience within the UK Civil Service. His work brings together practical inspection expertise with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to risk evaluation and reporting, and an interest in how different risks combine on a practical level. He now works primarily in the delivery of fire risk assessments, fire safety compliance reviews, invasive compartmentation surveys, passive fire protection projects, fire strategy updates, works specifications, and associated remedial works and compliance strategies across a range of residential and mixed-use properties.

Since qualifying, David has gained experience as a Fire Surveyor and Risk Assessor, focused on passive fire protection inspection including the surveying of fire doors, fire stopping, and compartmentation across schools, public and commercial buildings, and large residential buildings. His experience spans RIBA stages 2, 5, and 6, assessing construction against fire engineering designs and communicating findings clearly to both technical teams and budget-holders. Prior to this, he developed hands-on inspection experience as a Trainee Fire Inspector, focusing on remediation, compliance checks, and ensuring adherence to current legislation.

Earlier in his career David spent over ten years within HM Civil Service, entering through the Analytical Fast Stream and progressing to Principal Research Officer roles. During this time, he led teams contributing to research across multiple government departments, including policing, energy, taxation, and environmental policy and undertook a further Analytical Leaders training programme. His work focused on evaluating the impact of regulatory compliance on individuals and businesses, underpinned by strong research, project and programme management capabilities. During this time, he received awards and thank you letters for innovative research methods, creative problem solving, and stakeholder engagement.

He holds a BA and MPhil in Geographical Research Techniques from the University of Cambridge, achieving an award for coming top of his cohort, and has since undertaken further training in health and safety management, control of hazardous substances, and explosive liquids and gases. His is a Technical Member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers and continues to advance his expertise through ongoing professional development.

This combination of technical fire safety knowledge, field-based inspection experience, and high-level analytical capability enables David to provide clear, reliable, and actionable insights in complex regulatory environments.

Outside of work David still participates in the pyrotechnics and firework displays that led to him retraining as a fire risk assessor. He also has a keen interest in arts and crafts- currently he is experimenting with silhouettes, printing, and textiles. He’s an occasional baker and working his way through different types of French pastry-making.