What is an External Wall System (EWS): 

The external wall system is made up of the outside wall of a residential building, including cladding, insulation, fire break systems, etc. 

What is an EWS form: 

The EWS1 form is designed to be used for residential properties such as blocks of flats (including those owned by housing associations and social housing providers as well as privately owned), student accommodation, dormitories, assisted living, care homes and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The EWS1 form is not specifically designed for use of short-term accommodation such as hotels. EWS1 does, however, apply to an entire building or block so where required, may also be relevant to mixed use. 

Why are EWS-1 forms needed: 

Following the Grenfell tragedy, EWS-1 forms were developed as a means of enabling competent fire experts to assess whether high rise buildings are fire safe in respect of their external cladding and if not, to identify that remedial work needs to be carried out. The EWS1 process delivers assurance for lenders, valuers, residents, buyers and sellers. The process was developed through extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including fire engineers, lenders, insurers, valuers, and other cross industry representatives. 

How the FIA portal will help solve the issues that the EWS forms have currently faced: 

The provision of EWS-1 forms has proved successful in creating clear and consistent documentation to support the buying, selling or re-mortgaging of properties in high rise buildings. In consultation with RICS and other stakeholders, the FIA has created a unique portal that provides a central readily-accessible location for these forms.