Seddon adds fire-risk assessments to its work portfolio

Citation

(2011), "Seddon adds fire-risk assessments to its work portfolio", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 43 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2011.03743faa.009

Seddon adds fire-risk assessments to its work portfolio

Article Type: Notes and news From: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 43, Issue 6

Seddon Property Services has implemented a training program to carry out fire-risk assessments, aimed at keeping housing-association residents safe.

The UK contractor, based at Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has put 15 members of staff through a training program – delivered by the Fire Protection Association – so they can carry out fire-risk assessments on a major contract with national housing provider Places for People.

In recognition of this approach, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service put Seddon Property Services forward for the partnership accolade in its More awards, which recognize companies and individuals making a significant contribution to daily business and community.

In 2010 Seddon Property Services renewed its painting and maintenance contract, securing a four-year extension to its partnering agreement with Places for People, valued at £19.5 million. The partnership has a strong community focus and has led to the development of an apprenticeship training scheme for Places for People.

Kevin Crompton, a regional manager at Seddon Property Services, has helped to develop the fire-risk assessment program. He said: “Our partnering agreement with Places for People includes the maintenance and repair of communal areas in blocks of flats and sheltered-housing schemes, which are subject to regular fire-risk assessment.

“Places for People asked whether we would be interested in adding the fire-risk assessment work and we felt it made sense. It means that we can offer a one-stop-shop service, where we both carry out work and assess it.

“Our staff can work on any issues immediately, which means that there is also less disruption for the residents.”

Training staff at Seddon Property Services sought advice from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to develop the fire-risk assessment program.

John Berrisford, business-support manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are delighted to work with Seddon in association with the FPA to enable such numbers of staff to be trained in fire-risk assessment. To put 15 members of staff through this training is a considerable investment and one which puts the company in an innovative position.”