Lighting up community lives with considerate construction – Spectrum Property Care Limited
Spectrum Property Care Limited had a hugely considerate approach while carrying out electrical upgrading, rewiring and refurbishment work.
The team, based in Poole, Dorset, has been engaged in replacing the communal lighting to LED components and rewiring the entire electrical systems within two four-storey independent living schemes in Southampton.
Run and owned by the Spectrum Housing Group, the project had two aims – the first was to provide light fittings with greater longevity and energy efficiency, resulting in greatly reduced energy costs, which were almost halved. The second was to provide an upgraded system that provided consistent and effective lighting in areas not affected by a fuse outage – or power cut.
This project team prided itself on providing a high degree of satisfaction to residents, visitors and depot neighbours. A Resident Liaison Officer visited all of those affected and maintained close contact throughout the work through visits, coffee mornings and personal contact.
Excellent, well-maintained depot facilities were matched by similar standards at all work locations visited, with a fleet of smartly branded eco-friendly vans equipped with tracker systems, ensuring constant monitoring of the carbon footprint.
Active charity and community support was also in place, including the nomination of a company charity each year and sponsored events and donations made from scrap metal sales.
Spectrum Property Care Ltd is owned by southern social housing landlord, Spectrum Housing Group. It was incorporated in 1999 and now employs over 350 fully qualified trade staff, operating from its fleet of smartly-branded vans.
One of the challenges the team encountered with this project was how to provide effective levels of communication to all of the residents affected by the work. See the ‘Respect for the Community’ slider below for more details of how this was achieved by the award-winning team.
Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Spectrum Property Care Ltd:
- First impressions of the depot were excellent, as was the entrance to the reception area, with good front signage for visitors.
- Company vehicles were well-presented, clean and branded, with contact details displayed.
- The external service area was swept clean after deliveries, waste drop-offs and collections.
- Waste and recycling bins were neatly enclosed within a compound, with an enclosed cycle rack.
- The company ethos regarding appearance was emphasised at inductions and toolbox talks.
- Deliveries were made to the depot and then taken to the site.
- Dust sheets and floor protection were utilised.
- Power tools included dust extraction.
- Workforce operating in and out of the depot were smartly dressed, with branded shirts and hi-vis.
- Smoking at the depot was out of sight and no smoking was allowed at sites or in company vehicles.
- The company emphasised corporate values and identity through signage, branding, appearance and website, as well as regular meetings.
- The Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) conducted several visits to explain the works, discuss concerns and leave information packs.
- A coffee morning was held for the residents of the two schemes. Spectrum’s lighting survey company, Dextra, attended alongside the project team’s Contract Manager, Contract Supervisor and the client’s Asset Surveyor. This was an opportunity to provide information to the residents on what the new light fittings would consist of, their benefits, how the installation process would be handled and how long it would take.
- The team explained to residents what safety systems would be put in place and what signage would be erected. This provided an opportunity for the residents to raise any questions to the install team to allay any concerns they had.
- They also advised whether any additional equipment would be required to assist the installation, such as mini scaffold towers within the stairwells.
- Providing added benefits to residents, Spectrum also upgraded the lighting in the residents’ lounge to enable it to be used for arts and craft activities.
- Postern Court contract had regular coffee mornings to discuss progress and issues.
- Parking for operatives was agreed prior to commencement of works and feedback forms were given to each property at the end of the works.
- Spectrum issued a quarterly magazine to residents to keep them constantly updated.
- The company offered free PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) to the local community.
- Sponsored events were held to raise funds for charity, Diverse Abilities Plus.
- A company charity is nominated each year and income from scrap metal and ‘dress down Fridays’ were donated to charities.
- Packaging was minimised and suppliers disposed of lamps, alarms and heaters.
- Commercial Recycling Ltd figures were displayed in the depot and circulated to staff and residents.
- The depot had LED lights and panels, individual office heaters and efficient air conditioning.
- Low carbon fans and energy saving night storage heaters were provided.
- Free energy saving light bulbs were provided to properties.
- Light fittings with LED motion sensors were installed in the communal areas of sites visited.
- Wherever possible, local resources and suppliers were used.
- All vehicles included a tracking system to record and monitor mileage.
- Technology such as iPads were utilised and video conferencing used for meetings.
- Carbon footprint reduced by planting trees wherever possible.
- Monitoring and audit systems ensured adherence to safety and high standards of work. As a subsidiary of a housing group Spectrum Property Ltd respects its commitment to local communities and abides by the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy.
- The depot has four first aiders and each site has one.
- Vans were equipped with satellite navigation, first aid kits and eye wash.
- Monthly health and safety audits were carried out, with each manager auditing one site every month.
- Appropriate gloves were provided in PPE issue.
- New operatives completed a two-day induction with the health and safety officer.
- Quarterly directors’ talks were given to all operatives and a supervisor carried out operative inductions regarding each property.
- Daily hazards were transmitted electronically and safety posters clearly displayed.
- Managers liaised with Trading Standards in order to advise residents of dangerous electrical gadgets.
- Yellow warning signage and stair gates were used on-site to restrict access.
- There were awards for employee, manager and team of the month/year.
- Comprehensive office and welfare facilities were provided at the depot to a high standard and included a shower, provision for disabled visitors and skin care dispensers.
- Company promoted equality and diversity and provided support for those with learning and mobility issues.
- Good training opportunities were provided for all company personnel through various channels, as well as inductions and toolbox talks.
- Six monthly health checks and subsidised health scheme was provided.
- The company target is 100 apprentices over five years. Proving its commitment to its workforce, Spectrum provided over 50 apprenticeships to address future skills needs.
- They also had a Pathway project running to help long-term and young unemployed people back into employment.
- Spectrum are increasing the proportion of female staff across its operations to address the balance.
- Long service awards were given to their employees.
