As the first housing association in England to attain the Zzeus Level 3 NVQ in Fire Alarm Systems, Paul Hadfield and Steve Heap from The Guinness Partnership share their insights on why the correct training is vital in ensuring the highest standards of fire safety.
Having started as an electrician straight from school and working his way up to his current role as Electrical Technical Manager, Paul has been with Guinness for 17 years, focusing purely on electrical and fire alarm systems for eight of those.
Steve’s roots can be found in electrical work too, and he also started to specialise in fire alarm systems several years ago.
Between the two, they head up the large in-house FAEL (Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting) department in the north of England, working primarily with existing properties and focusing on planned upgrades and remedial actions stemming from fire risk assessments (FRA).
Prioritising fire safety
The Guinness Partnership was founded over 130 years ago and is one of the largest affordable housing providers in England.
Guinness is committed to improving the lives of individuals by providing as many high-quality affordable homes as possible, and the housing services that residents most need. It serves nearly 160,000 residents across the country, in nearly 70,000 homes.
Having attained the Zzeus Level 3 NVQ in Fire Alarm Systems, Paul is keen to highlight the immediate benefits, stating: “Firstly, it’s great for us to promote that we have achieved one of the highest fire alarm qualifications on offer.
“Secondly, it’s a real feather in our cap that we’re the first company in the social housing sector to achieve the NVQ, further demonstrating Guinness’ continued commitment to professional growth and safety.”
Enhancing skills and expertise through expert training
For Paul and Steve, achieving the NVQ is simply the beginning, rather than the end, of a longer journey.
“It’s not just about the qualification. It’s about setting a standard and proving that Guinness can lead the way in fire safety,” says Steve.
This is underpinned by an ongoing commitment to professional development within the team and Guinness as a company. Indeed, Paul and Steve’s experiences highlight the dedication to continuous learning and staying ahead in a dynamic field.
The company places significant importance on maintaining industry relevant qualifications, with regular in-house training and CPD sessions a staple of its professional development strategy.
Furthermore, Guinness’ Investors in People Gold accreditation reflects a focus on workforce development, with funding allocated for qualifications that enhance skills and instil confidence in clients.
The NVQ pathway
The latest landmark in Paul and Steve’s professional journey was the decision to pursue the Zzeus NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Fire Safety Systems, with both agreeing that it will help them to stay ahead of the curve and to be in a strong position to meet the requirements, if and when legislation and regulations are tightened further in the future.
This NVQ builds upon the duo’s previous training, such as the modules they completed with various providers, including FSTA and Zzeus, while their decision to enrol was further influenced by their commitment to staying current with industry standards and remaining ahead of the curve.
Reflections on the Zzeus Level 3 NVQ
The journey to attaining an NVQ in fire safety is as much about practical experience as it is about theoretical knowledge.
The NVQ process which the pair completed this year, involved collating evidence, including qualifications, job examples, and video demonstrations of key tasks like fire alarm testing and safe isolation. Steve and Paul found the process very straightforward, particularly using the online portal for uploading evidence.
As Steve explains, a highlight of the process was the site visit from their assessor, Dr Tom Brookes (otherwise known to PE readers as ‘Dr Zzeus’): “It was really good to show him what we do in person after communicating lots originally via the portal and emails.”
Thoughts on the Zzeus four-day course in BS 5839-1
Paul and Steve both also attended a four-day course with Zzeus in mid-2024, which they found comprehensive and engaging with Paul describing it as “refreshing”, adding that it provided a strong foundation while complementing their existing knowledge.
Their course was packed with interactive learning and practical exercises. Days were well-structured, with a balanced mix of focused teaching, quick breaks, and engaging discussions.
The emphasis wasn’t on rote learning but on sharing real-world experiences, particularly from the instructors, Buddy (Squires) and Tom, who brought a wealth of industry knowledge to the table.
Steve remarked: “You’re not just getting knowledge from books. It’s people talking and sharing their experiences. That, for me, is a big part of learning.”
Paul agreed, highlighting the value of smaller class sizes: “The setup was great. The class wasn’t too big – just enough to ensure quality over quantity.”
He contrasted this with other training providers, where large class sizes can often dilute the personal experience and interaction.
Both achieved impressive scores, a testament to the effectiveness of the training structure.
Compliance and confidence
Beyond personal achievement, Steve and Paul demonstrated the importance of training in the context of fire safety.
“Post the Grenfell fire tragedy, there’s heightened focus on fire safety. Training ensures we deliver systems that keep residents safe,” Steve explains.
By working for an organisation that is committed to professional development, they have the resources and support to pursue such qualifications, ensuring their work meets the highest standards.
Their experience also demonstrates the value of ongoing learning, with Steve reflecting on the significance of choosing the NVQ pathway: “It’s not just about meeting today’s demands, but preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
“Staying ahead ensures we continue to deliver exceptional service to the Guinness Partnership.”
Advice for aspiring professionals
For smaller companies or independent engineers, the time and financial commitment can be significant, but the rewards are undeniable.
“It’s an investment in safety and credibility,” Paul points out.
Steve adds: “Any training that increases our knowledge and confidence is worth pursuing.”
Their journey, from classroom training to on-site assessments, exemplifies how Zzeus Training empowers professionals to excel in fire safety.
For those considering an NVQ in fire safety, Steve and Paul’s story serves as both inspiration and a practical guide.
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