The Diamond Download – August Round-Up

Holidays are over and August has flown by, and what a month it’s been for Diamond! Our teams have been busy delivering fire and security solutions across hospitality, pharmaceuticals, and social housing schemes. For our pharmaceutical client, we’ve installed an aspirating fire detection system – the gold standard for ultra-clean environments where early detection is absolutely vital.

We’ve also secured fresh projects in aerospace, defence, and energy storage, continuing our track record of supporting safety-critical sectors. Some of this work will see us back in England, where we’ve successfully delivered before. At the same time, we’re supporting GB-based partners with their Northern Ireland sites, alongside our usual packed schedule of service contracts.

And big news – we’re gearing up for a Northern Ireland-wide rollout of extinguisher replacements on behalf of a UK partner for a major retail chain. A large-scale programme that underlines the confidence others place in Diamond to deliver at scale.

Training and Knowledge-Sharing

Training has been in full swing too. Paul Doherty and I delivered a fire warden course, and we’ve just launched our autumn training dates. It’s fantastic to see organisations really investing in their teams’ fire safety knowledge.

We also hosted the brilliant Nimbus team in Belfast. Their innovative connected fire alarm technology is a game-changer, and we’re rolling this out to our engineers and clients.

Industry Leadership

August was also about giving back to the industry. I joined the judging panel for the Women in Fire Safety Awards – the calibre of entries was inspiring – and I can’t wait to be back in London this September to give the opening address as last year’s UK Woman of the Year.

Looking further ahead, I’ll be joining a panel at the NI Safety Group conference in November, alongside the Security Industry Association and our client The Odyssey, to discuss Martyn’s Law. Figen Murray will also be presenting – her story is one that stays with you and she is incredible. If you are responsible for safety within a venue, you will not want to miss it. For a quick introduction, here’s a helpful video: Martyn’s Law overview and what you need to know | ProtectUK.

Growth and Development

Diamond is growing! We’ve appointed a Junior Sales Executive who will join us in October to strengthen our safety products and training division, and we’re delighted to welcome Josh, our new apprentice, who has just started his journey with us. Building the next generation of talent is something I’m really passionate about.

And in between all the projects and planning, there’s been plenty happening personally too – from sharing my first podcast interview (thanks for all the lovely feedback) to being on the inaugural A320neo flight to Rome – in August Steve and I enjoyed a cruise round the Greek Islands with our families, which was amazing! We also squeezed in a ladies’ wellness day at Lucille Cassidy’s retreat and rounded off the month in style with the most special of evenings at the ICC Belfast with Van Morrison and Ronnie Wood. Huge congratulations to Rob McConnell and the brilliant team at ICC Belfast on delivering such a fresh, world-class concept that truly elevates the concert experience.

September is my favourite month of the year and it is shaping up to be another packed month of networking and industry events – with two trips to London for DSEI and the Women in Fire Safety Awards, followed by the IoD Annual Dinner here in Belfast. Lots of opportunities to connect, share ideas, and keep building momentum!

Angela

Welcoming Our New Alarm Apprentice: Josh

We’re delighted to welcome Josh as the newest member of the Diamond Systems team. Josh joins us today as he begins his Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire and Security Systems at SERC – a four-year programme that combines classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.

Josh was really excited to get started. From his very first day, he will also begin our in-house Diamond Development Programme, a structured 90-day onboarding plan developed by our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett to give apprentices a strong foundation in their careers. The programme covers everything from health and safety, company culture and values, through to the essential technical skills needed to start working as a fire and security engineer.

“Having a thorough induction is so important – especially when it’s a young person’s first full-time job. It ensures that new starters feel part of the team, know what’s expected of them, and get the right support to grow in both skills and confidence.” – Angela

We have employed apprentices for many years at Diamond, but Josh is the third apprentice to go through the Diamond Development programme:

  • Chris Bradford was the first, and he has just successfully completed his apprenticeship and qualified as an engineer after four years.
  • Cameron Jones followed, starting last year. He is progressing brilliantly, having won Apprentice of the Year at SERC Newtownards, and is now moving into his second year.
  • Now, Josh begins his journey – and we’re confident he will thrive just as much as his predecessors.

Josh brings with him valuable experience from part-time work in customer service and decorating, as well as strong teamwork and leadership skills from playing and coaching football. These qualities will stand him in great stead as he builds his technical knowledge and grows into his new career.

At Diamond, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers, investing in their development, and giving them the tools to succeed. We’re very excited to see Josh’s journey unfold and to support him every step of the way.

Welcome to the team, Josh!

Major Tech Investment to Boost Customer Experience and Safety

We’re thrilled to announce a major new investment in cutting-edge technology at Diamond Systems! We’re embarking on a transformative journey with new software that will redefine fire and security management for our customers and our team.

Introducing Uptick: Optimising Fire & Security Management

Our first major investment is in Uptick, a purpose-built, cloud-based job management software designed specifically for the fire and security industry. Uptick brings a host of efficiencies for our internal team and offers a powerful platform for customers to engage with their fire and security assets more seamlessly than ever before.

Through Uptick’s dedicated customer portal, clients will have access to a comprehensive overview of their fire and security assets across their entire portfolio. They can:

– View detailed engineer reports and invoices
– Access defect reports for full transparency on any issues
– Analyse spending patterns
– Approve remedial works, in just a few clicks

With Uptick, we’re aiming to enhance customer experience by offering complete visibility and easy access to all asset data, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making and improved safety outcomes.

The Next Level with Nimbus: Simplifying Compliance and Remote Fire Safety Management

Our commitment to innovation continues with an investment in Nimbus, a cutting-edge software platform that simplifies fire safety management across multiple premises. Nimbus integrates seamlessly with fire panels from all major manufacturers, offering unparalleled visibility for premises managers and building owners.

With Nimbus, our customers will be able to:

– Ensure compliance through easy tracking of testing and maintenance activities
– Access real-time updates on the status of fire systems across their properties
– Respond swiftly to potential fire hazards, thanks to 24/7 remote access and instant alerts

This level of access means that managers can make informed decisions in moments, responding to urgent safety needs and maintaining high standards across all their properties.

Empowering Customer Control and Safety

By adopting both Uptick and Nimbus, Diamond Systems is equipping customers with unmatched control and transparency over their fire and security systems. These investments not only elevate the safety of building occupants but also set a new standard for the fire and security industry in Northern Ireland.

Stay tuned as we roll out these transformative tools, enhancing the way our clients manage and monitor their fire safety and security systems with Diamond Systems—your trusted partner in life safety and security. Get in touch about moving your maintenance over to Diamond if you would like to enjoy the benefits of Uptick and Nimbus.

Autumn 2025 Fire Safety Training – Dates Just Released

We’re pleased to announce our autumn schedule of fire safety training workshops, designed to help employers, managers, and staff meet their legal duties while building confidence to keep people safe.

Delivered in small groups of just 8 delegates per session, these workshops are highly interactive, practical, and tailored to give you the knowledge you need to apply straight away in your workplace.

All bookings are managed via Eventbrite – links below:

Upcoming Courses

16th September, 9.00am – 11.30am
Fire Compliance Essentials
A small-group, interactive workshop designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps for managing workplace fire safety.
👉 Book your place

23rd September, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Fire Warden Training
3 hours to gain the confidence, skills, and legal awareness to protect lives in your workplace.
👉 Book your place

23rd October, 9.00am – 11.30am
Fire Compliance Essentials
A small-group, interactive workshop designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps for managing workplace fire safety.
👉 Book your place

11th November, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Fire Warden Training
3 hours to gain the confidence, skills, and legal awareness to protect lives in your workplace.
👉 Book your place

25th November, 9.00am – 11.30am
Fire Compliance Essentials
A small-group, interactive workshop designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps for managing workplace fire safety.
👉 Book your place


Why Choose Our Training?

  • Small groups (max 8) – ensures plenty of interaction and discussion
  • Delivered by fire safety experts with decades of experience
  • Focused, time-efficient sessions (2.5–3 hours) packed with practical takeaways
  • Certificates of completion for your compliance records

⚠️ Places are strictly limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.

👉 Don’t leave fire safety to chance – book your place today and give yourself peace of mind that your team and premises are protected.

Delivering Life Safety and Security for a Landmark Education Project – St Ronan’s College, Lurgan

Diamond Systems is proud to have played a key role in the delivery of the brand-new St Ronan’s College in Lurgan, County Armagh – a £58.5 million, state-of-the-art campus that brings together three separate school sites into one modern, purpose-built facility for around 1,750 students.

Working as a specialist subcontractor to Nugent, on behalf of principal contractor Glasgiven Contracts, we supplied and commissioned the fire detection and alarm system, including class change, assist call and emergency voice communication (refuge) system, and installed a full suite of intrusion detection and video surveillance cameras across the extensive new campus.

Our Scope of Works

The scale and complexity of the project required robust, future-proofed systems that would meet the needs of a large, multi-building education environment. Our package included:

 

  • Fire Detection & Alarm System – Kentec Taktis analogue addressable panels with Hochiki ESP protocol detection and alarm devices, providing open-protocol, fully addressable coverage designed to BS 5839-1 M/L4, BS 7273-4 and BS 7273-6 standards, with enhanced protection for high-risk areas such as data hubs, boiler rooms, and electrical distribution spaces.
  • Emergency Voice Communication (Refuge) System – Enabling safe evacuation for all building users in line with BS 5839-9.
  • Assist Call – Managing safety alarms across the site in line with BS8300:2
  • Class Change – Providing automated notifications to students and staff of upcoming class changes, reducing disruption and improving time keeping.
  • Intruder Alarm – Integrated to provide out-of-hours security, linked to a 24/7 remote monitoring station.
  • CCTV System – High-definition video surveillance for site-wide coverage and safeguarding.
  • Preventative and Corrective Maintenance – Providing ongoing support to ensure all systems remain fully operational and compliant.

A Campus Built for the Future

The new St Ronan’s college offers inspiring specialist classrooms for science, art, drama, technology, music, ICT, business, and home economics, alongside a dedicated sixth-form centre, a spacious double-height dining hall, and extensive sports facilities – from grass and synthetic GAA pitches to a fitness suite, sports hall, tennis courts, and a chapel.

For Diamond Systems, delivering this project was about more than installing systems – it was about ensuring that this flagship education facility is protected by reliable, intelligent, and integrated life safety and security infrastructure that will serve staff, students, and visitors for decades to come.

Collaboration at Scale

We’d like to thank Nugents, Glasgiven Contracts, and all members of the design and delivery team for their collaboration throughout the project. This was a true team effort, requiring careful coordination to meet programme milestones while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship.

St Ronan’s is a landmark educational development for Northern Ireland – and we’re proud that our technology and expertise will help keep it safe and secure every day.

Keeping Odyssey Place Safe – Specialist Edwards EST3 Commissioning for Char & Mash and Little Wing

At Diamond Systems, we’re proud to be recognised as Edwards EST3 fire alarm specialists – trusted to handle some of the most complex commissioning work in Northern Ireland. Our recent projects at Odyssey Place in Belfast for Char & Mash and Little Wing Pizzeria are perfect examples of why specialist expertise matters.


The challenge – integrating into one of Northern Ireland’s largest fire alarm networks

Odyssey Place operates one of the largest networked fire alarm systems in Northern Ireland, built on the Edwards EST3 platform. Adding a new venue to this network isn’t simply a matter of wiring in a few devices – it requires precise programming, configuration, and integration into the site-wide life safety system without disruption to existing operations.

That’s where Diamond Systems comes in. Our engineers have deep, hands-on experience with Edwards EST3 commissioning, programming, and network integration, ensuring each new panel is fully synchronised with the wider system and compliant with the latest fire safety standards.


Char & Mash – life safety and security from day one

For the stunning new 15,000 sq. ft. Char & Mash, we supplied, programmed, and commissioned the Edwards EST3 fire alarm system and TOA voice alarm system to BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 5839-8:2023 standards.

In addition to the life safety systems, our in-house team also designed and installed a complete security package, including:

  • 🔒 Intruder Alarm
  • 🎥 CCTV
  • 🚪 Access Control

The result is a venue that’s not only beautifully designed, but also safe, secure, and fully compliant.


Little Wing – complex commissioning for a busy restaurant

When Little Wing Pizzeria, part of the renowned Beannchor Group, agreed to open its newest location in Odyssey Place, we were appointed to supply, programme, and commission its Edwards EST3 fire alarm system and TOA voice alarm system.

The same high level of precision was required – programming the new system into the Odyssey network without affecting any other connected units. This kind of commissioning is complex, and it’s exactly why operators turn to specialists who understand the Edwards EST3’s advanced networking capabilities.


Why EST3 expertise matters

The Edwards EST3 is one of the most advanced and reliable fire alarm control systems available, offering extensive networking, intelligent detection, and integration with voice alarm systems. However, its capabilities mean it must be programmed and commissioned by technicians who understand both the hardware and the network logic behind it.

At Diamond Systems, we’ve been working with Edwards EST3 systems since 1997, delivering projects where safety, compliance, and uninterrupted operation are critical. From large public venues to multi-building complexes, our EST3 commissioning ensures systems work flawlessly from day one. We can also provide forward migration services to the EST4 life safety platform.


Making Odyssey Place a safer destination

With projects like Char & Mash and Little Wing, we’re continuing to support the transformation of Odyssey Place into one of Belfast’s most exciting destinations – and making sure it’s protected by the very best in life safety and security technology.

If you need Edwards EST3 supply, programming, or commissioning, talk to the experts who’ve delivered it on one of the most complex networks in the country.

📞 Contact Diamond Systems – Northern Ireland’s trusted EST3 specialists.

The Diamond Download – July Blog

July has been a brilliant month for Northern Ireland, not least because of the return of The Open to Royal Portrush. We were lucky to enjoy a few fantastic days at the tournament, with Friday being a standout — spent in great company with clients and friends of Diamond. The hospitality was superb, and a young woman named Anna (who, I believe, normally works in a restaurant on the north coast) gave us impeccable service. The professionalism and warmth of the young people working the event was so impressive. Whatever training they received will undoubtedly enhance the standard of service they bring back to their day jobs. The atmosphere throughout was electric — friendly, relaxed, and welcoming. I hope many visitors left inspired to return and explore more of what our beautiful part of the world has to offer.

It’s also been a huge month for our Projects Team, with several key handovers and completions. After many weeks on site, we proudly completed the life safety and security systems at St Ronan’s College in Lurgan, handing over the main building to Nugents in July. Due to open in September, this 21,000m² school will amalgamate three existing schools and accommodate 1,750 pupils — a fantastic facility for the local area. We’re incredibly proud to have played our part in creating a safe environment for generations of students.

Elsewhere, we also completed works at Odyssey Place, which continues to transform with the stylish new bar and restaurant Char and Mash now open, alongside the ever-popular Little Wing. It’s exciting to see these projects come to life.

From a compliance perspective, July was a significant month. We successfully completed our annual NVIR-O-CERT audit for the 10th consecutive year — part of the CEF environmental management scheme. Each year, we take away fresh insights for continual improvement. We also renewed our membership with Fire Aware, a community I’m proud to be part of. It’s growing stronger — especially following the recent Netflix documentary on Grenfell. Having previously read Peter Apps’ powerful book Show Me the Bodies, the documentary didn’t shock me — but it did sadden me deeply. It strengthened my resolve to push our industry forward.

That said, it’s not just the fire industry that needs change. Those procuring systems must also take a hard look at their role. When price becomes the only factor, corners are cut — and life safety is devalued. Until we collectively start prioritising value over cost, real progress will remain elusive.

This month also reminded me how much family businesses in Northern Ireland support one another — something I always try to do. In July, we worked with Jahn Media to refresh our audio branding. If you’ve called the office recently, you may have noticed the updated voiceover — thanks to Aaron and the team for a great job.

On the subject of audio, I took a leap outside my comfort zone this month and recorded my first ever podcast interview! I’ve been putting it off for far too long, but thanks to Peter and the NI Business Podcast team, I ended up really enjoying the experience. Sometimes, it’s good to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come — and if it sparks some ideas for others, all the better. The episode will be available on YouTube sometime in August.

In terms of personal development, I’ve been reading some brilliant books by Mark Leruste and Daniel Priestley, thanks to recommendations from my Scalex community. Both authors highlight the power of storytelling in business and the importance of showing up as your authentic self. That really resonated. We’re a locally owned, family-run SME — and I believe that’s what sets us apart from the larger players in our sector.

There’s been more acquisition activity in the local fire and security space this month, and it’s becoming increasingly rare to find independently owned NSI Gold companies here in Northern Ireland. That’s why I’m even more proud of what we stand for at Diamond.

Finally, I’ve just started reading Karren Brady’s autobiography. She’s long been a role model of mine — especially as a working mother. Like me, she was fairly average at school but driven in ways only those with a growth mindset will truly understand. I admire her perspective on feminism, which she defines not in terms of division, but in terms of equality of opportunity. That resonates deeply with me. I’ve never felt out of place working in a male-dominated sector like fire and security — even at industry meetings where I’ve been the only woman in the room. Feminism, to me, is about fairness. And I’m proud that both my daughters share that view.

Here’s to another month of progress, purpose, and staying true to who we are.

— Angela

Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment? What Northern Ireland Law Says

If you own, manage, or are responsible for a commercial property or non-domestic premises in Northern Ireland, you have a legal duty to keep people safe from the risk of fire. One of the key requirements under the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 is to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment — and keep it regularly reviewed.

What is a Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment is a structured review of your premises to:

  • Identify potential fire hazards;
  • Assess the risk of fire occurring and who might be at risk;
  • Evaluate the adequacy of your existing fire safety measures;
  • Record your findings and implement any necessary improvements.

This isn’t just a paperwork exercise — it’s a legal requirement designed to protect life, property, and business continuity.

Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?

In Northern Ireland, fire safety law applies to nearly all non-domestic premises, including:

  • Offices, shops, and retail premises
  • Restaurants, cafes, and pubs
  • Hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs
  • Factories, warehouses, and workshops
  • Community premises and places of worship
  • Residential care homes
  • Common areas of flats and apartments

If you are a business owner, landlord, property manager, or anyone with control over premises, you are legally classed as the “appropriate person” and must ensure a fire risk assessment is in place and kept up to date.

Common Fire Safety Failures We See

When we carry out Fire Risk Assessments in non-domestic premises, we frequently spot the same critical issues.

All of these could put your team, customers, and assets at risk — and leave you in breach of your legal obligations:

💎 No fire alarm zone plan. Under BS5839-1:2025, if you have a fire alarm, you must have a zone plan mounted beside your fire alarm panel. A competent maintenance technician should be highlighting this, but we regularly find it missing.

💎 Inadequate provision for evacuating disabled people. You must be able to safely evacuate all occupants without relying on NIFRS to assist. For example, evacuation chairs should be easily accessible and staff trained in their use.

💎 Inadequately trained fire wardens. With hybrid and remote working, many premises now lack enough trained fire wardens during core hours.

💎 Weekly fire alarm tests not being carried out. Routine tests must be done and recorded in your Fire Alarm Log Book — a simple but often overlooked requirement.

💎 Outstanding fire alarm faults. Faults that haven’t been investigated or cleared by your fire alarm maintainer can leave you exposed to risk and non-compliance.

Any of these issues can lead to enforcement action, fines, and — more importantly — risk to life. The good news? We can help you fix them quickly and professionally, giving you peace of mind that your people, property, and critical assets are protected.

How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?

We recommend your fire risk assessment should be reviewed:

  • At least annually;
  • Whenever there are significant changes in layout, occupancy, or use;
  • After any fire-related incidents or near-misses.

Regular reviews help ensure you stay compliant and protected as your business evolves.

Let Diamond Systems Help You Stay Compliant

At Diamond Systems, we provide clear, professional Fire Risk Assessments for businesses, landlords, and organisations across Northern Ireland.

✅ Easy-to-understand, jargon-free reports
✅ Practical recommendations tailored to your business
✅ Support to fix any issues we identify
✅ Friendly, experienced assessors who want to help

If you’re unsure when your last fire risk assessment was completed, or you’ve spotted any of the issues mentioned above, now is the time to act.

📩 Email info@diamondsystems.co.uk to arrange a quotation.

Leading Within Security & Life Safety – June Round Up

A new, monthly blog from our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett

June 2025 – Rest, Resilience & Raising Standards

If May was about momentum, June felt like a month of meaningful grounding. Between technical seminars, strategic growth, wellness events, and some very special team moments, it’s the kind of month that reminds me why I do what I do — and how important it is to slow down every once in a while.

✨ Celebrating Progress

One of my favourite moments this month was celebrating Chris’s completion of his apprenticeship. He’s now a fully qualified engineer — a huge personal milestone for him, and a proud moment for all of us. You can read more about his journey in this blog post. It’s exactly the kind of outcome I envisioned when I created the Diamond Apprentice Development Programme four years ago — a 90-day onboarding plan for all new apprentices joining our team.

We also passed our NSI Security Technical Audit in June with flying colours — two security installations were inspected and both achieved Grade A, with no deviations from British Standards. Thanks to our clients for facilitating the audits and trusting us with their security. That’s the bar we set, and it’s a credit to the whole team.

🔧 Empowering Through Knowledge

In line with our commitment to empower people with knowledge — not just systems — I hosted a Breakfast Briefing in Lisburn to explore the key changes in BS5839-1:2025 and Part E of the NI Building Regulations. Will Lloyd, Head of Technical at the FIA, delivered the technical detail on BS5839-1, and I shared the practical implications of the Part E updates for fire safety across NI.

I am very proud that Diamond is regarded as a thought leader — the people you turn to when you want clarity, not complexity.

That’s why we also formally launched our Design Service this month — providing consultant engineers with access to:

  • Full fire alarm system design
  • Design support and specification guidance
  • Design verification and compliance assurance

We are the people who make it easier to get life safety and security right — from the start. With industry-leading design qualifications within our team, we can be trusted to deliver.

🌍 Broadening Our Impact

We were delighted to exhibit at the All Ireland Sustainability Summit in June, showcasing the P50 fire extinguishers — a low maintenance, eco-friendly option that challenges the throwaway culture of traditional extinguishers. Big thanks to Fiona Mitchell for helping on the stand and being part of our mission to promote more sustainable fire safety solutions.

I also had a number of productive meetings with new partners and manufacturers this month. As we continue to grow and evolve, it’s important to work with suppliers who share our values around innovation, quality, and compliance.

And for a little fun outside the fire and security world, I was invited to attend the Cultra Motorsport Festival by Porsche Centre Belfast — a lovely day out and a reminder of the synergy between precision engineering and performance in both our industries.

🌱 The Power of Slowing Down

I’ve learned that you can’t lead effectively if you’re running on empty. So I made wellness a priority for myself and for our team this month — not as a “nice to have”, but as fuel for what’s ahead.

  • I’ve started weekly yoga sessions at my local leisure centre.
  • I welcomed Ciaran May from Natural Resilience to speak to the team about stress, mindset and practical wellbeing — a brilliant session that’s still being talked about.
  • I joined Natural Resilience’s ‘Breaking Bread’ and ‘Rising Tide’ events — spaces that gave me the breathing room to reflect, connect with others, and reset.
  • I spent a restorative day at Lucille Cassidy’s amazing studio in Glenavy with some of the women from our May Donegal retreat — reconnecting with myself and my circle of support.

All of this helped me slow down properly when I finally stepped away for a family holiday in Spain. The beach, the headspace, the sun — all of it left me feeling recharged and ready to lead again.

📸 Finally Updating the Headshots

This month I also did something I’ve been putting off for far too long — I got new headshots taken by Annette Burke at 4ever Photos. She made me feel completely relaxed (not easy when you don’t love being in front of a camera!) and I’m honestly delighted with the results. They’re already starting to appear across our platforms — and they actually feel like me.

💭 Looking Ahead

June was about growth — both strategic and personal. We raised the standard in how we deliver, how we support our clients, and how we look after each other. And we did it without losing sight of who we are: a proud, local company leading the way in life safety and security — with heart.

Thanks for reading. If you’ve found yourself sprinting this year without pause, I highly recommend building in the space to breathe. There’s power in the pause.

Angela

Another Diamond Apprentice Achieves NVQ L3 Qualification

We’re delighted to share the fantastic news that our fourth year apprentice, Chris Bradford, has successfully completed his EAL Level 3 NVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems with South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

Since joining Diamond Systems in 2021, Chris has shown impressive dedication and a strong desire to learn and grow. Chris was the first ever apprentice to go through our Diamond Development Plan, a 90 day onboarding programme that gives our new apprentices a flying start.

Over the course of his qualification, Chris has demonstrated his ability to:

  • Install and commission fire detection and alarm systems
  • Communicate effectively with customers
  • Follow health and safety best practices
  • Conduct maintenance, fault-finding, and technical audits in real-world settings

Chris completed practical modules at a range of client sites, showing real commitment to mastering each element of his training — from cable installation and system handovers to method statements and sound level testing.

Chris’ achievement has been further reinforced by a glowing report from his SERC (South Eastern Regional College) lecturer:

Your understanding of the operational requirements for the site, your ability to communicate effectively with the project manager and myself, demonstrated your knowledge of the system and awareness of health and safety hazards. You are a credit to yourself and Diamond, and you have made great progress over the year.

The achievement is a significant milestone in Chris’s professional development, and we are incredibly proud to have supported him on this journey. His contribution to the team continues to grow, and we’re excited to see what he’ll do next as a fully qualified member of our engineering team.

Well done, Chris – you’ve earned it!