Fire Testing - Contract Assessor

Technical Assessor (Fire Testing) – Independent Contractor
Organisation: UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)
Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel
Contract Type: Contractor / Independent – outside IR35

About the Role
UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom. We are expanding our network of independent Technical Assessors and Experts with specialist knowledge in fire resistance and/or reaction-to-fire testing to support our accreditation activities. This is a flexible, contract-based opportunity for individuals with expertise in fire testing, working as part of a UKAS assessment team to evaluate the competence of testing organisations across a range of sectors. You will assess organisations such as testing laboratories and certification bodies to ensure they meet UK and international fire safety standards.

The role is remote, with travel required for on-site assessments as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct technical evaluations of fire testing organisations
• Review test methods, equipment, and environmental controls
• Assess conformity with relevant standards (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025, CE marking, harmonised European product standards)
• Evaluate the impact of testing parameters on result uncertainty and commercial implications
• Provide expert feedback on conformity with regulatory frameworks
• Produce clear reports and communicate findings effectively

What We’re Looking For

This role is focused on practical, technical fire testing and is not intended for individuals whose primary experience is in fire risk assessment, fire safety consultancy, or regulation alone.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:

• Proven, hands-on experience in fire testing, with the ability to evidence technical capability through real-world examples
• Demonstrable experience of personally carrying out or technically overseeing fire tests from initiation through to final report, within a testing laboratory or equivalent technical environment
• A strong practical understanding of fire resistance and/or reaction‑to‑fire test methods, including test set‑up, execution, monitoring, result interpretation and reporting
• Sound knowledge of British, European and international fire test standards, and how these are applied in practice
• Awareness of how testing decisions, parameters and tolerances can affect result validity, uncertainty and commercial outcomes
• Familiarity with supporting measurements and controls relevant to fire testing (e.g. temperature, humidity, force, linear measurement)
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and its application within fire testing laboratories (desirable)
• A strong commitment to technical rigour, impartiality and quality, with the confidence to challenge laboratory practices where appropriate

Sector Experience – One or more
We do not expect applicants to have experience in every sector listed below. If you have expertise in just one or more of these areas, we would like to hear from you:

• Construction products
• Marine
• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Rail
• Consumer products

Typical Backgrounds
This role is suited to professionals such as Fire Test Engineers, Senior Fire Test Technicians, Technical Officers, Technical Managers or Laboratory Managers with substantial hands‑on experience delivering fire resistance testing in a laboratory environment. Candidates must have had direct responsibility for planning, conducting and overseeing tests through to interpretation and technical reporting. Experience must be practical and laboratory‑based, involving direct technical delivery or oversight of testing, rather than regulatory, advisory or desktop‑based work, with a strong working understanding of fire test methods, laboratory controls, equipment performance and testing decisions.

Contract Details
This is a freelance, subcontractor role, designed to fit around your existing professional commitments.
You may undertake assessments alongside your full-time employment.
Day rates are competitive and paid per assessment, including preparation and reporting time.

Conflict of Interest
All applicants will be required to complete a conflict of interest declaration as part of the selection process. This ensures impartiality and maintains the integrity of UKAS assessments.

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