7 Questions with Chris McPate

Welcome to 7 Questions with BB7, our interview series that celebrates the incredible people behind the business. Each edition gives you the chance to get to know our team as they share their career journeys, passions, challenges and insights.

In this edition, I caught up with Chris McPate, a Senior Fire Surveyor based in our Leeds office, to explore what sets a senior fire surveyor apart, the challenges he’s navigated throughout his career, and his advice for those looking to progress in the fire surveying profession.

1. How did you get started in fire surveying, and what has kept you motivated throughout your career? 

Essentially by accident! After studying architecture and finding it wasn’t quite for me, I fell into a job in Building Control prior to landing at BB7. I certainly feel like I have ended up in the right place.

2. What responsibilities do you have as a senior fire surveyor that differ from those of a junior surveyor? 

For me the main difference is increased responsibility in terms of overall project management and leadership of those within the project, or those you line manage. Additionally, I am expected to use a certain level of technical judgement to make decisions and solve problems.

3. Can you describe a particularly challenging survey you’ve led and how you approached it? 

Where do I start? For me the most challenging surveys are not the technical ones but ones in which I am met with a level of resistance. Occasionally I have had unpleasant interactions with people on site who don’t agree with my professional opinion, however I manage this by staying calm, being firm and remembering that we are not at the mercy of others and may walk away if we are subjected to unpleasantness.

4. How do you ensure accuracy and thoroughness in your surveys, especially on complex or high-risk buildings? 

It is challenging, particularly since there are often a lot of things going on on-site and there are dangers. I endeavour to take my time to really study and record what is in front of me and take control so that I am not rushed by others.

5. What changes or trends in fire safety regulations have had the biggest impact on your work recently? 

The introduction of the Gateway 2 process under the Building Safety Regulator is the biggest challenge so far. We are often met with resistance and requests for further information that neither we nor our clients can yet plan for. There are also long delays that will make it difficult for us to programme our resources appropriately.

6. How do you mentor or support less experienced surveyors on your team? 

I would like to think that I do this best by leading by example! Otherwise, I try to observe their character and give people the space to be themselves. There is a difficult balance to strike between supporting and micromanaging.

7. What advice would you give to someone aiming to progress to a senior fire surveying role? 

In addition to focussing on your technical development I would suggest that they work on displaying the characteristics of a senior member of staff. This should include taking ownership of tasks, along with thinking beyond the basic expectations of the role and seeking to improve wherever possible.

Thank you, Chris, for taking the time to share your experiences and expertise. It was great to hear more about your journey and the reality of senior fire surveying at BB7.