A Message from the SFPE Europe Council Chair

Welcome

Dear SFPE Europe members,

In most if not all European countries, COVID-19 measures appear to be softened or given up altogether, and — apologies for the buzzword — we are entering a new normal. Travelling and physical meetings are possible again, respecting the social distancing and other measures (washing hands, etc.). But video meetings and webinars to reach out to colleagues and customers have found a permanent position in everyday business. If you had asked me a couple of months ago whether the big plenary meetings of CEN committees (30+ participants) I have the genuine pleasure to frequently partake could be run through videoconference, I would have given you a firm “no.” But to my surprise, I’ve learned this can work: perhaps open doors, but a well-prepared agenda, good moderation, advanced features like polls, hand-raising, and chat-boxes — and of course, a bit of an obedient audience — make up the majority part of a successful video meeting. That said, you’ve no doubt had your share of bad experiences: intermittent video — or even worse — audio, chaotic discussions, superfluous repetitions of “you’re muted.” Sometimes hilarious, occasionally rather annoying.

If anything, it seems far easier now to find each other, communicate, share knowledge, and collaborate. And that is exactly what we should be doing, especially now that public debate seems to explode on topics like racism and discrimination. Everyone has an opinion and unfortunately, a lot of us also have a bad experience to share, sometimes finding it is far from easy to convey the right message, such that it is properly understood, let alone appreciated.

If anything has become apparent, at least to me, it is that the way forward is based on opening yourself up to new information through education, exposing yourself to new findings from research, making up, and continuous development. To marvel at things and avoid being judgemental and prejudiced are solid and true values on which SFPE is also built. They drive our strategy (in Europe as well as globally) for the future. Fire safety is a profession (or better: a rather unique and challenging mix of professions) that requires open-minded, collaborative, non-prejudiced experts who humbly and warmly accept the need to continuously develop their skills, technically as well as in inter-human relations. And SFPE is in the midst of it: No room for racists in our society!

Kees Both
SFPE Europe Council Chair