Speakers

David White is one of the UK's most respected fire safety professionals, bringing over five decades of experience across operational, strategic, and regulatory roles. A former President and current Chairman of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), David has played a pivotal role in shaping both the Institute and the wider fire safety profession.

Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in raising fire safety standards across high-risk and complex environments, including healthcare, custodial settings, education, and large public premises. His work has consistently focused on strengthening governance, improving competency, and embedding practical fire safety management within organisations.

Within the IFSM, David has been a driving force behind the professionalisation of fire risk assessment. He was a key figure in the development and introduction of the Tiered Fire Risk Assessors Register, a landmark initiative that recognises competency levels within the profession and provides clarity to duty holders. Building on this foundation, he has continued to lead the Institute through the evolution and launch of the National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR), further enhancing transparency, standards, and public confidence in fire risk assessors.

David has worked tirelessly to strengthen IFSM membership, championing practitioner support, continuing professional development, and ethical standards. His leadership reflects a long-standing commitment to raising the bar for competence, integrity, and accountability within the fire safety sector.