In UK fire safety law, the “Responsible Person” has the duty to ensure that a fire risk assessment is completed by a competent person.

Who is the “Responsible Person”?

In most non‑domestic premises, the Responsible Person is typically:

  • The employer (for workplaces).
  • The owner or occupier of the building or business.
  • The landlord, managing agent, or relevant management company (for many residential/common areas).

The key test is who has control over the premises and the people within it, not just who owns the bricks and mortar.

What exactly is their duty?

The law requires the Responsible Person to:

  • Make sure a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment is carried out.
  • Ensure the person doing it is competent (has the right knowledge, training, and experience).
  • Keep the assessment up to date and act on its findings (e.g. escape routes, alarms, training).

They do not have to do the assessment personally, but they remain legally accountable for ensuring it is done properly, even if they hire an external assessor.

Quick forum-style scoop

So, who carries the can if the assessment isn’t done or is done badly?

In practice, regulators and courts look to the Responsible Person: the employer, landlord, or whoever has control of the premises. They can delegate the task, but not the legal responsibility.

TL;DR: The person legally responsible for ensuring a fire risk assessment is completed by a competent person is the Responsible Person (usually the employer, owner, landlord, or controller of the premises).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.