McClarrons is pleased to present this guest blog from McClarrons Care Network partner and leading independent law firm, Brabners, written specifically for our care provider clients. Brabners previously wrote about Fire Safety in Residential Care Homes, which offered an in-depth analysis on five critical areas of fire safety management, reinforcing how to help mitigate risk and meet regulatory expectations in residential care settings.
With their continuing support, Brabners now deliver an essential update in fire safety in UK care homes. Written by former Legal Director, Matt Coles, and Solicitor, Thorrun Govind, this blog outlines seven important regulatory developments implemented already, or coming into effect, in 2025, to help equip care providers with the knowledge needed to adapt proactively.
Read Brabners’ Fire Safety in UK Care Homes 2025 — 7 Key Changes Explained blog here.
Why this matters to care providers
With the evolving regulatory landscape increasing scrutiny on fire safety, it’s essential for care providers to stay ahead. Brabners’ article outlines seven pivotal updates to prepare care homes with actionable insights to help ensure compliance and protect residents and staff alike.
These include:
- Mandatory sprinkler systems in all newly built care homes from 2 March 2025 onwards.
- The need for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) tailored to residents’ individual needs.
- The transition from national to European fire testing standards (BS EN 13501 series).
- Limits on compartment sizes and new requirements for self-closing fire doors.
- Phasing out of AFFF fire extinguishers, replacing them with safer alternatives.
- Enhanced fire authority inspections focusing on both practical implementation and documentation.
- Greater emphasis on comprehensive training and record-keeping, including alarm tests, maintenance, drills, and more.
How Brabners can help
Care home operators have a duty to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of both residents and staff at all times. Maintaining fire safety in care homes demands a proactive approach involving input from multiple disciplines.
If you require guidance on reviewing or updating your health and safety arrangements, Brabners’ specialist Health & Safety Law team can provide expert advice and practical support. You can contact the team on 03330 044488 or at hello@brabners.com.
Who are Brabners?
Brabners are a McClarrons Care Network partner and a full-service law firm that brings together the right experts across the business to support care sector businesses and their clients. As part of their involvement in McClarrons Care Network, Brabners provide McClarrons’ Care & Social Welfare clients with:
- a designated Client Relationship Manager
- a free 30-minute initial advice call with a lawyer or advisor from the respective department handling the query.
- free quarterly educational and advisory events.
- tailored training, if requested.
- a discounted rate on their bespoke health and safety product, Brabners Protect.
You can find out more details about exactly what each of these services includes and how you can benefit from them here.
Updated Jan 2026
