TOOLBOX TIMES
Welcome to the first collaborative edition of Toolbox Times, and my first as Operations Director for Sovini Property Services and Teal Scaffold.
Mike Dale
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS, TOGETHER
Your colleague newsletter has undergone a transformation to reflect the exciting developments in our organisation, ensuring you are kept updated with what’s happening and what’s in store for the future.
This year, we’ve welcomed new colleagues to our team, successfully delivered on a range of projects by utilising the Group’s integrated supply chain, and celebrated employee milestones and achievements.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we can achieve so much together as we strive to fulfil our mission of creating opportunities and changing lives.
MEET THE TEAL-TASTIC TEAM
Introducing Kevin Woods, our new Repairs and Maintenance Operations Manager for Teal Scaffold.
Kevin has worked in the housing industry for 22 years, where he started as a labourer and has progressed throughout this career. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to the role, and we’re looking forward to this new chapter with Kevin at the forefront.
Phil Coulton –Pasma manager
Phil started working at Teal Scaffold in 2019 and has been in the industry for 16 years.
Phil has a wealth of knowledge and experience in complex PASMA scaffolding installations, including working first-hand with several registered social housing providers.
“It’s not easy coming into something new, but I feel like I’ve been made to feel very welcome. With every role there are challenges, however, I hope to bring my industry knowledge along with a fresh perspective.”
Clare Seddon – Office Administrator
Clare oversees the administrative duties at Teal Scaffold and is described as ‘a critical member of the team’ and a ‘pillar of the company’.
If there’s anything you need to know about Teal Scaffold, Clare can answer or redirect your query to the right person.
EMPLOYEE FOCUS
Philip McCarthy’s milestone birthday was celebrated by colleagues with treats and bubbles to honour the special occasion.
Wishing you a wonderful celebration and an amazing year!
FIRST-CLASS COMPLIMENTS
We would like to congratulate Sarah Mythen and her family on the arrival of her beautiful baby girl. Enjoy every moment with your bundle of joy.
A number of colleagues have recently been celebrated in Compliments Corner. We want to express our thanks for your continued efforts and going the extra mile for our customers.
Compliment for Phil Nolan:
“The plumber who attended this morning had excellent workmanship, and a great speed at which he worked. Neat and tidy with a pleasant manner too.”
Compliment for Paul Butler:
“The customer would like to thank the operative who came out to do electrical work on his property. He says he was a really lovely man, and absolutely nothing was too much trouble.”
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND CHANGING LIVES
We recently attended a careers day at Maricourt High School, where colleagues spoke to students about careers in the construction industry, as well as providing practical demonstrations. We received fantastic feedback from the school and are looking forward to the next one.
If you are interested in getting involved in upcoming careers events, please contact the Learning & Development Team.
Kevin Woods
Phil Coulton Clare Seddon
Look out for the next edition
Compliment for the Grounds Maintenance Team and Karl Ellison:
SAFETY AND SUCCESS FOR TEAM TEAL
The team at Teal Scaffold have been reaching dizzying new heights with their recent projects.
Successful new build project for Holmpatrick Developments; Works began for this development in March with the final stages recently completed.
Moving in a clear direction; Team Teal are motivated and committed to achieving our shared goals as we work collaboratively with our commercial Group members to deliver and maintain high quality homes for One Vision Housing and Pine Court Housing Association.
Roofing programme; Teal Scaffold are working collaboratively with SPS to deliver the roofing programme. By providing the scaffold internally now we have removed the reliance on subcontractors. This has increased customer satisfaction and operational performance.
A SUCCESS STORY: THE SCHEDULING TEAM’S IMPACT
The Scheduling team and operatives have made significant strides in reducing the number of out of target and unappointed jobs. Their dedication and strategic efforts have positively impacted the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.
During the last five months the team have achieved:
⋆ 56.67% decrease in out of target jobs scheduled
⋆ 59.2% decrease in unappointed jobs
These achievements are a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and expertise. Their contributions have directly benefited SPS by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.
WALKER ART GALLERY
Now that we’re at the final stages of dismantling this project, we wanted to say a huge thank you to the team involved in successfully delivering the project on one of the most famous historical buildings in Liverpool.
The team built internal bird cages within artefact rooms, and external scaffolding, with full haki-temporary roof protection. Not for the faint hearted!
Well done on another fantastic completion!
Learn, Grow, Succeed.
WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF OUR BRAND-NEW DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME STEP-UP!
The new initiative is designed to foster colleagues’ development. The programme has already begun to empower colleagues in excelling in their current role and preparing them for future leadership positions.
The bespoke 10-month training initiative has been tailored to enhance essential business and management skills.
A grand total of 23 SPS employees successfully completed the rigorous application process including a panel presentation to Directors and Managers.
Meet all 23 of your 2024 cohorts!
COLLEAGUE CELEBRATIONS
Many of our colleagues have hit milestone work anniversaries recently and we want to thank you for your- commitment and hard work over the years. We also want to extend a warm welcome to our new starters who join the business at a very exciting time.
A BIG WELCOME
A warm welcome to Mark Seddon who has recently joined SPS as a Multi Skilled Operative!
Please welcome Henry Taylor, Advanced Scaffolder, Aaron Johnson, Advanced Scaffolder and Josh Cotton, Scaffolder Part 2 who have recently joined Team Teal.
Good luck in your new roles!
5 YEARS MILESTONES
David Hogan, Multi Skilled Kitchen / Bathroom Installer for SPS
Mark Graley, Cleaning Operative for SPS
Stephen Butler, Property Clearance Operative for SPS
Elliot Morgan Gas Engineers Mate for SPS
EVERYDAY’S A SCHOOL DAY
A number of our colleagues have been working on their professional development!
Good luck to those colleagues enrolled on the Level 4 HNC in Construction & Built Environment – Construction site supervisor.
⋆ Ant Dillon
⋆ Ant Payne
⋆ Caitlin Riding
⋆ Georgia Walsh
⋆ Kevin Bentley
⋆ Phil McCarthy
⋆ Tracey Baker
⋆ Victoria Butler
WELCOME TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEE REPS!
We have recently appointed nine colleagues as employee reps. The reps, who are approachable, fair, and confident communicators, will support you in addressing workplace concerns and providing feedback to the business for improvements.
A big welcome to our newly appointed employee reps:
Gas representatives
William Randles and Ian Atkins
Void representatives
Colin Jones and Jeffrey Yeates
Grounds Maintenance & Cleaning representatives
Christopher Brooks and Adam Roman
Electrical representative
Daniel Portman
Investment representative
Tracey Baker
Repairs representative
Bradley Evans
Please note, if there isn’t an employee rep for your business area just yet, you can speak to any of the reps above for support.
Are you interested in becoming an employee rep for SPS or Teal Scaffold? Contact HR Business Partner, Donna Brown for more information.
RAISING THE ROOF!
THE WINDOWS & ROOFLINE TEAM HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD, DESPITE SOME CHALLENGES AND CHANGES!
This year, we began completing roofline works with the support of the Teal Scaffold team.
The scaffold is now supplied by our Teal colleagues which removes our reliance on subcontractors whilst improving our operational performance.
Whilst these changes have taken place we have ensured our customers remain at the heart of everything we do and this is reflected in our tenant satisfaction figures, which clearly demonstrate our passion for delivering high quality customer service.
10/10
“Really happy with work carried out. Everything completed to a good standard. Left property clean and tidy. Excellent work.”
SPS worked collaboratively with Teal Scaffold, Amianto Services and the Health & Safety Team to ensure works are carried out safely.
The team achieved an Excellent score in the external Health & Safety audits on both windows and roofline. A fantastic achievement!
Hear what our external auditor had to say.
The team achieved an Excellent score in the external Health & Safety audits on both windows and roofline. A fantastic achievement!
Hear what our external auditor had to say.
Audit for the OVH Doors and Windows project:
“SPS have maintained an excellent score of 90 with window replacement works being undertaken”
Audit from the OVH Cyclical Decoration & Roofline Project, with a specific focus of the roofline element:
“SPS have achieved an excellent score of 90 with works to the rooflines of various properties”
The Window Team have recently received their MTC cards which is a great accreditation for the team to have. Well done everyone!
LATEST NEWS
CELEBRATE WITH THE SOVINI SOCIAL FUND!
To ensure colleagues can come together to celebrate special occasions, the Sovini Social Fund allows you to apply for
SPARKING SAVINGS!
We recognise that we play a pivotal role in contributing towards growth and sustainability in the region, and we aim to conduct business in an ethical manner so that we
MAXIMUS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AT WORK
If you’re having more down days or feeling anxious in your role, you are not alone.
HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY!
We want to continue to improve our award-winning company culture, and we need your feedback to make that happen!
The survey is completely anonymous to allow colleagues
BECOME MORE FINANCIALLY SAVVY WITH IAN MASSEY
funding of up to £30 per team, so that you can celebrate upcoming occasions, including:
⋆ Milestone birthdays
⋆ Weddings
⋆ Baby showers
⋆ Qualification achievements
can improve the regions and communities in which we work.
The Gas Team recently completed hybrid systems on five One Vison Housing properties. These consist of air source heat pumps and boiler working together to create heat and hot water.
Maximus, the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to help colleagues improve their mental wellbeing in the workplace.
To access the service either call 0300 456 8114, email
to honestly communicate how they are feeling, from safety in the workplace to their overall happiness, both professionally and personally.
Use this link to complete the survey at any time.
The fund is available to all employees and can be accessed by completing the Sovini Social Fund application form on OurSpace.
• Heat pumps can achieve energy efficiency levels of 300 - 400%, surpassing even the most efficient boilers.
• Hybrid heating can also automatically switch between a heat pump and a boiler for optimal efficiency.
atw@maximusuk.com or use this link to fill out a quick, five minute referral.
We understand there are misconceptions surrounding the survey, but we want to reassure you that it is completely anonymous and the form does not capture any of your personal information.
If you would like free, personalised financial advice, we are offering further 1:1 sessions with Financial Advisor Ian Massey.
Email Kayleigh.Aston@ sovini.co.uk to find out more and express your interest in attending the next session.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING CIRQUE DU SOVINI CHAMPIONS!
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
We proudly launched our podcast Sovini Speaks:Mental Health earlier this year, during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Paul Kirkham, Group Health and Safety Manager, and Micheal Fazakerley, Health and Safety Officer sat down with Steve Scott, Group Head of HR to discuss the importance of talking about mental health, particularly amongst male colleagues.
Particularly in male dominated industries, there has been a stigma attached to opening
up the conversation around mental health, and we’re here to challenge that perception! Mental health can have a significant impact on your physical health and quality of life, it is important to open up the conversation.
Here is a sneak peek into the podcast…
Micheal - “It mimics depression but it’s burn out really, that’s what I suffer with. It’s like a cycle I will go through. If you take 30 days, for 25 of them I will be fine but then there will be 3 days where I am really wired, and I am getting loads done. Then I have to pay the price and I crash.”
Paul – “If you keep doing the same thing you are going to get the same results. I just kept doing the same thing over and over again. It’s the definition of insanity, expecting that to turn out different. And it never does. You’ve got to be the one to say I don’t want to do that anymore, I don’t want to be that anymore, I am going to stop.”
Scan the QR code to listen now.
A massive congratulations to everyone who represented Sovini Property Services at the ninth annual Sovini Games. We’re thrilled to announce that our team has emerged victorious as champions!
From the breathtaking performances to the incredible camaraderie, this year’s Games showcased the heart
and soul of our company. Our team’s dedication and commitment to our core values of Success, Passion, Authenticity, Courage, and Enterprise were evident in every act.
A special shoutout to our winning team, Clowning Around from Sovini Property Services (SPS)! Your hard work and talent have paid
off. Thank you to our Team Captains and everyone who participated and supported this year’s event. Your enthusiasm made it unforgettable.
Here’s to our 10th anniversary in 2025!
STAY UPDATED
OurSpace
OurSpace is an interactive platform where colleagues can access a wide range of information and support, participate in competitions, find out about upcoming health & wellbeing infinitives, social events and much more!
ant to hear from you!
Download the OurSpace app by searching ‘Sovini’ in the App Store on Apple or the Play Store on Android devices. If you are struggling to access your account, or need help navigating the site please contact mac@sovini.co.uk. You can also access OurSpace online at ourspace.sovini.co.uk.
Spread the word on Google Reviews!
We know that our teams continue to provide exceptional service based on the compliments received from our customers, and we want to convert this feedback into official Google reviews.
This will help us position ourselves as a leader in Property Maintenance and here is how you can help. Please encourage our customers to leave a Google review.
No story is too big or too small, we we will look to include as many good news stories as possible.
To be included in the next edition of Toolbox Times, please share your story along with an accompanying photo if possible to kerri-anne. mcmahon@sovini.co.uk.
We want to make our next edition of Toolbox Times about you.
We look forward to sharing your stories soon!
This will provide an opportunity for you to share your own news stories..
You may have just got married, welcomed a four legged friend to your family, or completed an educational course.
No story is too big or too small, we we will look to include as many good news stories as possible.
To be included in the next edition of Toolbox Times, please share your story along with an accompanying photo if possible to olivia.simpson@sovini.co.uk.
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