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9.
July
2020.
Working together to stay safe during compliance checks

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                     Press Release

Ref:PRHP004                                                                                                    Date: 9 July 2020

Working together to stay safe during compliance checks

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The ongoing coronavirus restrictions haven't stopped one of the region's leading housing providers from ensuring thousands of customers remain safe in their homes.

Throughout the global pandemic, Housing Plus Group has continued to carry out essential safety checks by working in partnership with customers while taking a number of practical steps to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

The Group, which includes South Staffordshire Housing Association, Stafford and Rural Homes and Severnside Housing continues to run an information campaign that's been hailed a huge success while ensuring compliance with government legislation.

Alan Core,
 Director of assets and complianceat Housing Plus Group explained: "The safety and wellbeing of our customers, colleagues and contractors has remained our number one priority during these difficult times and we've done everything we can to continue with gas checks, electrical testing and fire risk assessments where they're required.

"We've only been able to do this with the cooperation and support of customers and I'd like to thank them for helping us to keep them safe."

As part of its response to the pandemic, Housing Plus Group has introduced an eight-point plan that's followed whenever an operative visits a customer's home.

On arrival, they stand at least 2m from the door after notifying the customer of their arrival and all members of the household are asked to temporarily self-isolate in a separate room while the inspection takes place.

Operatives are also equipped with appropriate PPE, including gloves, and point out any surfaces they've touched to the householder to enable easy cleaning. All the tools used are thoroughly cleaned between visits to different properties and operatives clean their hands in their vans - which have vehicle mounted wash facilities - or by using hand sanitiser.

"This thorough approach provides additional peace of mind for customers, especially those who may be particularly vulnerable or have members of the household in an ‘at risk category," Alan said.

"All these measures have been backed up by our ‘Help us keep you safe' campaign which includes online guides and leaflets to help customers understand the approach we're taking, along with our investment in ‘Gas Tag' technology which
 collects real-time data about the gas boilers and appliances in all of our homes."

The sensible steps taken by Housing Plus Group for all home visits have certainly been well received by customers. John, a customer who lives in Stafford, commented: "
The recent visit from an engineer went very well. He was quick and polite, and we worked together to stay away from each other.

"Many thanks to the engineer for keeping us all safe while this virus is around, we really appreciate it."

Caption:
A Housing Plus Group contractor visits the home of a customer.  

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About Housing Plus Group

Housing Plus Group is a Charitable Community Benefit Society providing homes and care services across Shropshire and Staffordshire. As one of the largest housing providers in the area, the Group manages 18,000 homes and employs more than 800 people.

The Group and its member companies work closely with their customers, partners and the wider-community to support thriving neighbourhoods and independent retirement living.

The companies that make up the group are: South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing, Stafford and Rural Homes, Severn Homes, Care Plus, Property Plus and Housing Worx.

Media contact:

Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

 

Housing Plus contact:

Mara Hargreaves

Head of marketing and communications 
m:07800 619 863
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk