Background
This Housing Association provides management and maintenance services for more than 6,000 domestic properties, including 500 general needs blocks.
Tersus (Part of Marlowe Environmental Services) were appointed to deliver BAFE accredited Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments in the communal areas of residential properties owned by the Housing Association in the East of England.
The contract is valued at £70k per annum and has been delivered since 2022 as part of a 4-year JCT Measured Term contract. The client procured Tersus’ services through a Direct Award call-off mechanism via a regional framework.
Challenge
Delivering Fire Risk Assessments across a large and varied residential portfolio requires:
- Ensuring competent and impartial Fire Risk Assessors.
- Ensuring high-quality and validated FRA reports, with 100% of Fire Risk Assessment reports validated by our Quality and Technical Managers.
- Completing Fire Risk Assessments to meet strict contract KPIs.
- Managing the complexities of arranging access to occupied residential blocks.
- Providing clear reporting and technical support to the Housing Association for future works planning and any advice received from the Fire Service.
We were also challenged with accommodating different block types, site conditions and resident engagement needs across the client’s estate.
Solution
Quality Assurance
ISO 9001 and BAFE accreditation ensure a consistently high-quality service, supported by internal audits of 5% of site-based work and 100% validation of Fire Risk Assessment reports by our Quality and Technical Managers.
Arranging Access
Effective access arrangements are key to meeting KPI timelines. Our Help Desk engages with residents through calls, emails, text messages, Tenant newsletters, notices in communal areas, Tersus branded uniform and photographic ID, and a dual-branded Letter of Authority.
Reporting and Technical Support
Each FRA report is issued as a PDF and uploaded to our cloud-based platform, Ultimate Manager, providing real-time visibility of significant findings. Our team discuss findings with the Housing Association, help establish priorities for future works, and provide technical support when needed, including acting on Fire Service advice and overcoming issues related to different block types or other site-specific factors.
Results & Value Added
The contract has delivered a consistently high standard of fire safety management:
- Validated, high-quality FRA reports supported by ISO 9001 and BAFE accreditation
- Competent, impartial assessors and effective internal auditing
- Strong access performance supported by multi-channel Resident engagement
- Real-time reporting through Ultimate Manager
- Ongoing technical support to help the Housing Association plan and manage future works
Client Feedback:
“Tersus are performing above expected levels.”
– Asbestos Contracts Manager
Get In Touch Today: https://www.marlowe-es.com/contact-us/