An evacuation plan consultant prepares and reviews the fire evacuation strategies, procedures and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) that ensure everyone in a building can reach safety in the event of a fire. Their work is driven by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021), the Building Safety Act 2023, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and BS 9999 (fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings). Post-Grenfell, evacuation planning for high-rise residential buildings has become a statutory requirement for building owners and accountable persons.
What they do
- Prepare evacuation strategy reports for new and existing buildings
- Develop and document Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
- Review and update existing evacuation procedures for regulatory compliance
- Carry out fire evacuation drills and debrief reports
- Advise on stay-put vs simultaneous evacuation strategy for high-rise buildings
- Assess Evacuation Alert Systems (EAS) for higher-risk residential buildings
- Prepare evacuation plans for events and temporary venues
- Provide expert advice for Building Safety Act building safety cases
When you need one
An evacuation plan consultant is needed for any building where a standard simultaneous evacuation approach is not appropriate, or where there are occupants who may need assistance to evacuate.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Evacuation strategy report (small building) | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Evacuation strategy report (complex or HRB) | £5,000 - £20,000 |
| PEEP - individual Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan | £200 - £600 |
| Fire evacuation drill and debrief report | £800 - £2,500 |
| Building Safety Act evacuation strategy (HRB) | £5,000 - £25,000 |
| Hourly rate | £75 - £150 / hr |
Evacuation strategy costs vary with building complexity, number of occupants and the extent of PEEP documentation required. Buildings with large numbers of disabled or vulnerable occupants require significantly more resource to document individual PEEPs.
Qualifications to look for
The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is the professional body for fire safety professionals. Member (MIFireE) or Graduate (GIFireE) status confirms relevant knowledge and competence in fire safety, including evacuation planning. Check membership at ife.org.uk.
The Institute of Fire Safety Managers is the professional body for fire safety managers, focusing particularly on the operational management of fire safety in occupied buildings. IFSM membership confirms competence in fire safety management and evacuation planning. Check membership at ifsm.org.uk.
How to find a reputable evacuation plan consultant
Related Calculators
New Build Cost Calculator Extension Cost Calculator Commercial Build Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)?
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is an individualised plan that sets out how a person who may not be able to evacuate a building unaided in an emergency will be assisted to reach a place of safety. PEEPs are required for any building occupant (employee, resident or visitor) who may need assistance to evacuate - including people with mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities or temporary conditions such as pregnancy or injury. In higher-risk residential buildings under the Building Safety Act 2023, accountable persons must put in place Evacuation Alert Systems and PEEP-equivalent arrangements for all residents who may need assistance.
When do I need an evacuation strategy report?
An evacuation strategy report is needed for any complex building where the default evacuation strategy (simultaneous evacuation) may not be appropriate or practical. This includes high-rise residential buildings (where a stay-put strategy may apply until it is no longer tenable), hospitals and care homes (progressive horizontal evacuation), large public buildings, and any building with a complex layout, phased evacuation zones or simultaneous occupancy by different groups. Under the Building Safety Act, higher-risk buildings (over 18 metres or 7 storeys with 2 or more dwellings) must have an approved evacuation strategy as part of their building safety case.
What qualifications should an evacuation plan consultant have?
Look for membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) - Graduate (GIFireE) or Member (MIFireE) - or membership of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM). Both bodies require demonstrable fire safety competence. Many evacuation consultants also hold the NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma in Fire Safety. For Building Safety Act work on higher-risk buildings, experience of the building safety case process is essential. Always confirm Professional Indemnity Insurance.