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“We have worked with CORGI over many years on both gas and electrical safety and compliance. CORGI’s services are always delivered to the highest standards right across the business and we have found their team to be highly competent technically as well as customer focussed, ensuring a valuable service is delivered.”
Dave Lindsay M&E Contracts Manager, Winchester Council
Welcome
Welcome to this vibrant Summer 2023 edition of Ignite! The first half of the year has been a whirlwind of activity, with many exciting developments.
There are several standout moments for me. Firstly, we were thrilled to launch the ASCP Community Hub in March. This new resource is a safe place where we can all learn, engage and work together. It is so heart-warming to see so much activity in the Hub. If you have not yet accessed the website I strongly encourage you to do so – it really is the home of membership. See page 12 for details of how to activate your membership.
Then came the brilliant ASCP Conference in June. Did you attend? I was inspired by the level of learning and networking taking place over the 2 days, not only because of the conference speakers but also in the exhibition hall. All with the ambition to improve the safety of your residents. The Conference really is the perfect event to build your CPD; 93% of the feedback forms stated that you learned something new.
When you start your 2024 budget planning, remember to allocate funds for you and your team to attend next year's Conference.. As Boris Worrall, Group Chief Executive of
Rooftop Housing Group stated during his presentation “How can we engage other board members, directors and CEOs? Can we bring more of them into this room next year to hear about the challenges and what’s needed from us all?”. See from page 10 for a brief write up of all the conference presentations – there are some real gems even in these short summaries.
And what a terrific Awards Ceremony! The evening had a real celebratory feel to it. Bringing together members and suppliers, this was our biggest event yet; testimony to all the activity that is going on to help keep your residents safe. Huge congratulations to all the winners (see pages 39-41) – the standard of entry was the highest ever. We will be opening Award entries for 2024 later this year.
If you haven’t already, consider attending one of the Autumn Technical Meetings. By coming along you will gain insights from CORGI experts, network with peers from other social housing landlords, and engage with knowledgeable suppliers. There's no substitute for face-to-face discussion! See page 43 for more details.
Thank you for your continued support and contributions this year to date. We look
forward to working with you and continuing to support you through the second half of the year. Have a fabulous Summer!
If you have any thoughts, feedback or contributions you would like to provide, please email: jtill@corgitechnical.com
ASCP MEMBER NEWS –
National Social Housing Safety and Compliance Week
Make a note in your diary – 6-10 November is National Social Housing Safety and Compliance Week (NSHSCW). Launched in 2020 the ethos of the week is to shine a spotlight on safety and compliance at an operational, strategic and cultural level. Our 2023 theme is ‘Together for Safety’, recognising that no one person or department can deliver safe homes for residents. And indeed, residents also have a key role to play in keeping themselves, their families and their communities safe. Keep an eye on www.safetyandcomplianceweek.co.uk for upcoming details. This is your campaign to raise the issues that matter most to you. Please get involved and support the week. We want to make a lot of noise this year!
The ASCP Logo
At the Conference we launched a refreshed ASCP logo. The ASCP logo remains unchanged. However, we have added the words ‘in Housing & Communities’ to the logo. This is to better represent the important work members do in keeping homes and communities safe. You will see this amended logo being introduced on all new material going forward.
in Housing & Communities
Autumn Technical Meeting Dates
Fundraising for Grenfell
Once again, at June’s Conference we remembered the 72 individuals who lost their lives on 14 June 2017. And thanks to your generosity we raised an impressive £1,820.00 for the Grenfell Foundation. The charity provides hands on day-to-day advocacy for the survivors and bereaved families, connecting them to support and advice as needed. Thank you to everyone that donated.
Before we know it Autumn will be upon us – and the ASCP Technical Meetings will be coming to a venue near you! As seen in Spring – the agenda will extend beyond gas and electrical safety to encompass other areas of compliance. All meetings will take place during October. This is a member only benefit and your chance to not only learn but to network with other social housing landlords and to be kept up to date with product/service innovations from key suppliers.
See page 43 for further info.
CORGI’s New Appointments
CORGI Technical Services welcomes two new members to the technical team, Ryan Mack – Training Lead and Chris Smith – Contracts Manager, Scotland. Both offer excellent technical expertise that members can draw upon.
See page 42 for further info.
New ASCP Members
We continue to grow our membership and we are delighted to welcome the following organisations during the first half of this year:
Bournemouth Churches Housing Association Ltd (BCHA)
Bristol City Council
Cornwall Housing Ltd
Darlington Borough Council
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Fusion21
Incommunities
Irwell Valley Housing Association Ltd.
Novus Property Solutions
Orbit Housing Group
Robert Heath Heating
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Sanctuary Housing
Trivallis
West Lancashire Borough Council
Why not make contact with these new members in the ASCP Community Hub?
2024 ASCP Conference
Following the success of this year’s conference, have you made a note of the 2024 dates? Place 11-12 June, Celtic Manor, Newport in your calendar, today!
sharing key documents and best practise. It’s also the place to keep up to date with latest regulation and guidance updates and general sector news. The Jobs Board is also pretty popular! We have recently posted 2 new ASCP Guides - Lifts and Lifting Equipment; Property
Managers’ Responsibilities and Guidance on Asbestos in Domestic Rented Properties. You can find them in the Resource section. A poll on the Community states 79% of you are ‘loving it’, with a further 21% thinking it is ‘Great’; we are really delighted to bring this new resource to you.
This is a key new member benefit – don’t miss out.
See page 12 for further info.
12
13 June – AM
You can expect an impressive line up of 20+ expert speakers, a packed exhibition hall and a stunning Awards Ceremony.
More details to follow shortly.
Following on from Michael Gove’s letter sent to all social housing providers in Nov 22stating 'prompt' action must be taken where damp and mould is discovered, we have launched 2 new courses:
Level 2 VRQ Award in Understanding and Prevention of Damp and Mould in Housing
Level 4 VRQ Certificate in Managing Damp, Mould and Customer Care in Housing
We hope these courses help you to navigate this increasingly topical and growing problem for landlords.
See page 13 for further info.
Building Safety
With the Building Safety Act 2022 receiving Royal Assent on 28 April there is a plethora of new regulations and guidance.
Guidance for Key Building Information
This guidance, published mid-May 2023, details the type of information you must supply about the building’s structure and fire safety such as fire and smoke controls, fire doors, roofs, energy supplies, storage and generation etc.
Read more >
Higher-risk building criteria
In late June 2023 the DLUHC published guidance relating to the legal criteria for determining whether a building is considered a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023. It relates to the definition of higherrisk buildings during the occupation phase of the higher-risk regime only.
Read more >
High Risk Building Registration now open
The registration service for high-rise residential buildings in England opened on 12 April 2023. It is a legal requirement to register all high-rise residential buildings 18 metres tall or higher, or at least 7 floors, with 2 or more residential units by 1 October 2023. For further information and a useful guidance video see below.
Read more >
Fire Safety Regulations
Fire Safety (England) Regulations came into force on 23 January 2023. Find guidance on checking your responsibilities under the new regs.
Read more >
New fire safety guidance will come into force on 1 October 2023. Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) makes a number of amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to improve fire safety in all buildings regulated by the FSO. These improvements form Phase 3 of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme, building on Phase 1 (the Fire Safety Act 2021) and Phase 2 (the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022).
Read more >
Awaab’s Law
Earlier this year, Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced that Social Housing landlords will have to investigate and fix damp and mould in their properties within strict new time limits.
The Government has tabled amendments to the Social Housing Regulation Bill to introduce ‘Awaab’s Law’, which will require landlords to fix reported health hazards within specified timeframes. This announcement comes in the wake of the tragic death of twoyear-old Awaab Ishak, caused by the damp and mould in his home.
Mr Gove stressed how serious the potential consequences would be for any landlord failing to take the issue seriously.
Further info: Page 13
Second Staircase EPC legislation
changes
As of 1 April 2023, landlords can no longer let commercial property that has an EPC rating lower than “E” (without a legitimate reason). Non-domestic building owners and landlords had to ensure they complied with the tightened Regulations by 1st April, or face significant fines. The requirement for the EPC rating to be E or higher has already been in place since 1 April 2020 for residential properties. Under current government proposals, in 2025 this will be upgraded to a requirement for the rating to be C or higher for any new lettings, and in 2028 it will also apply to any continuing tenancies.
Read more >
Tenant Satisfaction Measures
Registered providers, since April 2023, must now collect and provide information to support effective scrutiny by tenants of their landlord’s performance in managing their homes and neighbourhoods. Providers must collect and process information specified by the regulator, annually publish their performance against the tenant satisfaction measures and annually submit to the regulator information specified by the regulator relating to their performance against those measures.
Read more >
The Second Staircase consultation issued by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) at the end of December closed in March 23. New rules are being proposed to mandate second staircases in new residential buildings over 30m as well as mandating sprinkler systems for all new care homes.
RIBA responded to the consultation outlining that, ‘from the best available evidence and guidance from our Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, we believe that the appropriate threshold for a second staircase in new residential buildings is 18 metres.
‘An 18 metre height threshold would harmonise with the wider regulatory
environment and aligns with requirements in Scotland, which have been in place for four years.’
Clive Betts, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee, in response to RIBA stated ‘I urge the government to seriously examine the case, put forward by RIBA and a coalition of organisations, for second staircases for new residential buildings over 18 metres. I hope the government will respond by taking the opportunity to look again at how to ensure adequate access for firefighters and to enable the evacuation of residents from t heir homes.’
Government > RIBA >
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
The Renting Homes Act is the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades.
On 1 December 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 changed the way all landlords in Wales rent their properties, improving how homes are rented, managed, and lived in, in Wales.
In essence for landlords this means:
A simpler system, with two types of contract: ‘Secure’ for the social rented sector and ‘Standard’ for the private rented sector
Ensuring homes are fit for human habitation (FFHH). This includeselectrical safety testing and ensuring working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fitted
Abandoned properties can be repossessed without needing a court order
For tenants the new law will make renting easier and provide greater security.
By 1 June 2023 residential landlords in Wales must have provided written statements for all occupation contracts, including those converted from existing tenancies when the act came into force. Landlords who have failed to do so before the 1 June deadline may incur financial penalties.
1 June also marks the implementation under the act of the enhanced six-month notice period that must be given and which is issued on a "no fault" basis.
Read more >
UNBOX OUR EXPERTISE
Don’t think heating. Think sustainable business partner. Before your next project even begins, The Vaillant Standard has your back. With end-to-end expert support on everything from market-leading sustainability and flexible warranties to full heating system design… once you unbox The Vaillant Standard, you’re ready to take on anything.
Vaillant launches Aspire, the game changing heat pump training journey
Following the findings of its recent installer survey, which questioned respondents on the barriers and motivators around training to install low carbon technologies, Vaillant has unveiled Vaillant Aspire, the most comprehensive heat pump training programme available to installers.
With the UK Government’s target to install 600k heat pumps per year by 2028 rapidly approaching, together with latest reports indicating that 100k heat pump engineers will need to be trained to make this a reality, Aspire aims to upskill existing heating engineers to enable them to offer the low carbon technology.
The launch comes after Vaillant’s research found that while 82% of installers surveyed expressed interest when asked if they would be undertaking air source heat pump training in the next 12 months, many felt that loss of income, together with a lack of Government support financially, were the main barriers that would stop them investing in training.
With the same survey identifying 55% of installers preferred hybrid learning, Vaillant Aspire blends online and handson, practical training, delivered at one of its six Centres of Excellence, to reduce the amount of time installers need to take
away from their business and their income source. Through Aspire, installers can install heat pumps with the confidence that their installations adhere to industry standards.
Each Aspire learning journey will be personalised depending on the installer’s existing qualifications, starting with theory-based modules covering a variety of subjects from heat loss and system design, to commissioning the heat pump and setting up the controls for optimised performance. Aspire also includes industry processes and procedures in the modularised programme and delivering quality customer service to help educate the end user on using a heat pump to heat their home.
Expanding further on the support available to installers, participants taking part in Aspire will have access to Vaillant’s System Sales and Design team who offer advice and guidance on best-practice system design. In addition, Vaillant’s Service team will provide on-site support to ensure an installer’s first installation meets Vaillant’s requirements, together with the industry standards.
Developed by Vaillant’s in house team of training experts, Aspire is the latest
investment from Vaillant as it looks to support the industry, and those working in it, to deliver a low carbon future. Commenting on Aspire, Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training Director at Vaillant comments: “The journey to decarbonisation is gathering pace and ensuring the UK’s existing installer base is upskilled on low carbon technologies is central to achieving this.
“As a long-standing manufacturer of heat pump technology, here at Vaillant we recognise the role we play in ensuring those working in the industry can not only get the products, but also the expert knowledge and support they need to deliver a low carbon future. Having expanded our production capabilities just last year with the launch of a heat pump production line here in Belper, Aspire further builds on our investment by offering heating engineers and installers access to industry-accredited training for heat pump installations.”
For more information on Aspire visit: www.vaillant.co.uk/aspire
ASCP Safety and Compliance Conference Summary
The ASCP Safety and Compliance Conference 2023 took place on 14 and 15 June at the Telford International Centre
Once again, it was a record-breaking year with more organisations in attendance than ever before. As the only event totally dedicated to safety and compliance professionals working within the social housing and facilities management sectors, we know that our guests come to learn and be informed about the things that matter most to them. Which is why we made sure to fill the agenda with over twenty expert speakers sharing their extensive knowledge and expertise on all aspects of safety and compliance. The agenda was specifically tailored to cover a diverse range of the topics most relevant to the sector today, including; the ‘big six’ compliance areas, damp and mould, building safety, net zero and safety leadership. Take a read of our summary of the presentations to find out more.
The ASCP exhibition hall was also packed with product and service suppliers showcasing the latest and most relevant products and services available to the sector. And of course, we hosted our annual Safety and Compliance Awards Ceremony on the Wednesday Evening; this event is always an industry highlight and this year was no exception with record attendance. Guests enjoyed fine dining, stand-up-comedy, live music and a dazzling light show to accompany the celebrations. See pages 31-41 for all Award Winners.
Welcome Address and Introduction
Claire Heyes, President – ASCP Group
Welcoming delegates to the ASCP Safety & Compliance Conference 2023; Claire reflected on the ‘once in a generation’ levels of change currently facing our sector. This is a period of huge transformation, and the ASCP conference is a chance to come together as a sector to better understand what is being asked of us. “You are all the trailblazers,” Claire told attendees, “you are leading from the front into unchartered territories, and that brings a lot of pressure.”
Until recently, safety was perhaps seen as the ‘poor relation’; the victim of decades of misplaced deregulation, funding cuts and lack of Government support. It would seem that the tides have turned. Dame Judith Hackitt’s Building a Safer Future and the Government’s subsequent Charter for Social Housing Residents set out a roadmap for the sector, with safety as the guiding principle. We are already seeing the impact, and there is much more to come – particularly from the Social Housing Regulation Bill which is expected to come into force this year.
Speaking as she was on the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster; Claire invited attendees to join her in a few moment’s reflection. “As a sector, we have been on a journey of improvement, transformation and safety, but it is tragic that it took for 72 people to lose their lives,” said Claire, “and there is still so much more to be done.”
Claire went on to share some of her ASCP highlights from the past year including; a new standard for DSEAR Risk Assessments, the work of the Access Best Practice Group and forthcoming publication on this subject and our Resident Safety Video. Claire also looked forward to the upcoming launch of National Social Housing Safety and Compliance Week 2023, with the theme ‘Together for Safety.’ Finally, she was pleased to announce an ASCP brand refresh, with the addition of the strapline ‘in Housing and Communities’ to the ASCP name to better represent the important work members do in keeping homes and communities safe.
A Vision For Our Sector Through the 4Cs of Safety
Matt Sharp, CEO – ASCP Group
At his first conference since taking over as CEO of the ASCP Group last October, Matt was keen to extend a warm welcome to all attendees and to thank them for investing their time. In doing so, he shared his own personal memories of his childhood in the early 1980s, when he lived with his parents and younger brother in a social housing flat in East London. He commented on the ‘extraordinary change’ in the intervening years that has brought together a whole industry of people who are passionate about safety.
“And in that,” says Matt, “I am your biggest advocate”. This is encapsulated by the ASCP itself, which for Matt represents, “a vibrant community united by a shared mission –that every resident should experience a safe, warm standard of housing that any one of us would be proud to call home.”
One of the ways the ASCP is working to drive this mission is through the launch of our Community Hub, an online platform where members can engage, collaborate and learn together. “Think of it as your new superpower!” says Matt.
Matt has also been inspired by the 4Cs of Safety model, devised by the ASCP to encapsulate the collective wisdom of our
members. The 4Cs model interrogates Culture, Competence, Compliance and Cost. A self-assessment tool based on this model has been shared with ASCP members,
Compliance Versus Risk in Building Defects Cases. Tales from a Fire Safety Investigator
Ciara
Holland, Partner – DCCH Experts LLP
“Those who cannot learn from the past are doomed to repeat it,” quoted Ciara as she opened her presentation. Looking at twelve major fire investigations which took place pre-Grenfell, it is clear that lessons were learned from some but not all. One case in point was the Lakanal House Fire of 2009, which despite Government promises at the time did not lead to any changes to regulation or construction practices. Despite fire safety investigators throwing the spotlight onto emerging trends and highlighting where things were going wrong, there was no real change.
“Construction projects pre-Grenfell were primarily driven by cost,” says Ciara. Grenfell was a catalyst for extensive change to regulations, guidance and standards. It also had an impact on building defect claim, with the limitation period being extended to
15 years, or 30 years if brought under the Defective Premises Act.
Perhaps as a result of these changes, there has been what Ciara describes as an excessive focus on scrutiny and compliance. “It’s true that scrutiny can be a good thing,” she says, “but we need to get the balance right between compliance and risk.”
Understanding what the actual consequences could be of non-compliance, and how we can evidence this, is key. Manufacturers’ evidence is not always applicable to every property, and it is not possible to test every single permutation. Ciara recommends that organisations have in-depth conversations around their existing buildings, thinking proportionately about the consequences of non-compliance. When it comes to new projects, pre-engagement and co-ordination is key. This means involving specialists early
and Matt was pleased to be able to share the scores for the sector so far during his presentation; providing a cross-sector benchmark. Of the four elements, culture scored the highest – a positive indication that safety is a core value for our organisations. Competence and Compliance both scored relatively well, although with some question marks around systems, processes and data for both areas. The lowest scoring element was cost – with issues around funding, procurement and the supply chain evident in the responses.
“Overall, it’s a fairly decent scorecard that shows positive progress for the sector,” says Matt, “now let’s seize the opportunity to move the needle and drive that continuous improvement.”
The 4Cs of Safety can be completed at any time – make it a 6-monthly exercise to chart your progress and ask colleagues to complete it too so you can discuss any differing opinions. Scan QR code.
to allow the use of standard details and minimise the need for engineering judgement or testing.
Ciara’s key advice is to stop relying on tick-boxes alone as a means to evidence compliance and actually consider the real risks.
The ASCP Community Hub, launched in March 2023, is the place to be!
It’s the home of membership – it’s your place to engage, collaborate and learn.
Keep up to date with the latest member news, sector updates and ask questions of other members. See you there ��
To join the Community:
– This is a member-only benefit
– Your invite has been sent to you a number of times, via email
– It came from noreply@theascp.co.uk (check your ‘junk’)
– This email contains your activation link
If you cannot locate the email, it has been stopped by your email system. Ask your IT department to allow through emails from the domain theascp.co.uk
If you need further support to join, please contact members@theascp.co.uk
Awareness, Understanding and Prevention: The ASCP Launches New Damp and Mould Courses
The ASCP has launched two new courses:
arrow-right Level 4 VRQ Certificate in Managing Damp, Mould and Customer Care in Housing
arrow-right Level 2 VRQ Award in Understanding and Prevention of Damp and Mould in Housing
Designed specifically for those engaged in the provision of social housing; these courses seek to support the sector in light of recent events by raising awareness of damp and mould prevention and control.
In February this year, the Regulator of Social Housing published their initial findings on damp and mould in England’s social housing. Figures suggested that up to 264,000 social homes have at best a ‘notable’, if not more serious problem with damp and mould. The ASCP estimates that this equates to somewhere in the region of 0.5 to 0.75 million people living in dangerous conditions. ‘We have to come together as a sector to improve this situation,’ says Matt Sharp, CEO of the ASCP Group. ‘As an organisation we are committed to supporting our members and the wider sector in this,’ he adds, ‘we will work with them to raise awareness, improve understanding and drive up standards to help deliver safer homes for all residents.’
Towards the end of last year, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing
and Communities, wrote to social landlords calling for action on housing conditions and setting out clear expectations that social landlords must take prompt action to ensure that their tenants’ homes are decent, safe and secure. This was followed by a number of proposed legislative changes, with amendments tabled to the Social Housing Regulation Bill to force social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould issues within ‘strict new timeframes’. The Regulator of Social Housing has also stated that damp and mould will be a ‘key focus’ of the sector’s new consumer regulation. These latest additions to the ASCP’s extensive training portfolio of courses and qualifications has been designed to ensure social housing professionals are aware of their legal duties and have the knowledge and understanding needed to fulfil them.
‘There’s a huge focus on damp and mould right now, and rightly so,’ says Ryan Mack, Training Lead at the ASCP. ‘It is absolutely vital for those working in social housing to have sufficient awareness, understanding and competence to tackle this important issue,’ he explains, ‘and these new courses have been developed to address that need.’ The courses have been designed to provide staff with suitable and sufficient in-depth information, according to their level of responsibility, to give them confidence to identify and act upon situations and to ensure best practice to consistently maintain standards across their organisation is achieved.
‘Where people complain about damp and mould, you must listen; where you find them, you must take prompt action. To keep tenants safe, you must not hide behind legal process.’
Michael Gove
Secretary of State, DLUHC
Letter to social housing providers, November 2022
Level 4 VRQ Certificate in Managing Damp, Mould and Customer Care in Housing
arrow-right Customer/occupant advice
arrow-right Complaint/appeals
arrow-right Standards and guidance
arrow-right Practicable and efficient programme
arrow-right Landlords’ responsibility
arrow-right Various sources of damp
arrow-right Understanding damp arrow-right What is mould?
arrow-right Harm from damp & mould
arrow-right Preventing humidity arrow-right Tenant rights
Level 2 VRQ Award in Understanding and Prevention of Damp and Mould in Housing
arrow-right Background
arrow-right Standards & guidance
arrow-right Landlords’ responsibility
arrow-right Different sources of damp
arrow-right Understanding damp arrow-right What is mould
arrow-right Harm from damp & mould
arrow-right Preventing humidity
arrow-right Dealing with damp
arrow-right Clearing mould
arrow-right Tenant rights
Using Updated Guidance To Save Money On Your Asbestos Projects
Emma Willey, Founding Director – ACS Risk Group
With over thirty years’ experience working in asbestos risk management; Emma was well placed to give attendees an overview of the asbestos industry – both good and bad. Following the end of World War Two, the UK imported more asbestos than any other country. Since then, there have been over 80,000 asbestos related deaths in the UK and the current average still stands at over 5,000 deaths a year. “There are still plenty of unscrupulous people out there only to make money,” she warned, “but there are some superheroes too!”
Emma stressed the importance of the HSG248 Asbestos Analyst’s Guide, which was originally published in 2005 and revised in 2021. Not just for analysts; it is an important document for anyone with responsibility for managing asbestos in properties. The updated guidance now strongly recommends that analysts are independent. The building owner or client should appoint the analyst directly and ensure that there are no links or conflicts of interest. The removal contractor should never be left to appoint their own analyst, nor to dictate the works that are carried out. A reputable, UKAS accredited Analytical Company should be included in the
job from the initial scoping stage.
Ensuring that your consultant is aware of, and following, the latest guidance not only keeps building owners on the right side of the law; it can also save significant sums of money. As a case in point, HSG248 states that dust sampling is not recommended as routine or part of a bulk sampling programme. This
Continuing Orbit’s Building Safety Journey
Tom Franklin, Strategic Building Safety Lead – Orbit Group
Returning to the ASCP Conference stage with an update on Orbit’s Building Safety journey, Tom acknowledged that there is a dilemma facing building owners who are being urged to act and get on with making their buildings safer, whilst there is an ongoing ‘drip-feed’ of detail and guidance. “It’s a tricky balance to strike,” says Tom.
One of the key challenges for Orbit has been putting a robust safety case file, and report, in place for each of their 23 in-scope buildings. Tom set out the ‘Argument – Claim – Evidence’ approach that has been taken. “The overarching claim is that your building is safe, then you have an argument structure of sub-claims, and the most important part is the evidence that makes those claims true,” he explained.
Resident engagement has been a further challenge. Orbit have taken a ‘Feel Safe, Act Safe’ approach looking both at how they provide customers with assurance that their
homes are safe, and how they communicate what customers need to do in order to keep themselves and those around them safe too.
knowledge can prevent unnecessary work and expenditure.
Emma urged housing providers to check and amend their current policies to ensure they comply with the new guidelines and that they reflect the reality of what the company actually does.
For Tom though, the biggest challenge of the Building Safety regime is data management and the golden thread. He outlined the steps Orbit have taken including a Building Information Modelling pilot, and a move towards greater data standardisation including procuring an all-encompassing common data environment. “It’s the management of the data that is really key,” says Tom, “and all our jobs would be easier with greater standardisation here.”
Tom concluded by sharing the work that has gone into instilling a culture of Building Safety at Orbit, and how progress is monitored. To other organisations, he stresses the need to think long-term. “The implementation of the Building Safety Regime is not going to be a quick, one-off project,” advises Tom, “it’s going to take sustained work and continuous improvement.”
Incidents Do Happen – Don’t Ignore the Defects!
Chris Jones, Technical Safety Manager – CORGI Technical Services
CORGI Technical Services provides incident investigation services to a variety of organisations and bodies including landlords, energy suppliers, the police, the HSE and other regulatory authorities. In a revealing presentation, Chris shared some investigation findings which highlight how seemingly minor issues can have far-reaching consequences.
There have been 12 deaths and 178 people injured in residential gas explosions over the last five years. There are also around 50 deaths each year caused by confirmed Carbon Monoxide poisoning, with hundreds more suspected cases, in fact the true number of casualties is unknown. The figures for fire-related incidents are higher-still, with around 272 deaths and over 577,000 injuries occurring in the year ending March 2022. Many of these incidents could have been avoided.
Identifying some of the main factors which contribute to such incidents, Chris pointed towards the following; appliance misuse and neglect, poor workmanship,
the involvement of other trades, manufacture fault, DIY tampering with installations, and poor maintenance. “To give some examples, we often find flues routed through attics which are not adequately supported, flues passing through walls or externally which are not sealed, and flues in voids which are not being regularly inspected,” says Chris.
Chris shared a number of incidents that CORGI have been involved with, in which the subsequent investigation revealed installation defects that might have been easily remedied. He was also able to share that the investigation into the Grenfell Tower disaster has revealed installation defects, unsealed pipework which allowed smoke and products of combustion to pass back into the stairwell, and the fact that Pipeline Isolation Valves (PIVs) were ‘lost’ or unable to be identified.
“We can’t afford to ignore the defects,” concluded Chris, “we need to speak up, and we need to work smarter together to reduce risk”.
Inspirational Speaker: Scotty Mills
Royal Marine and Elite Team Coach
Leadership. Togetherness. Resilience. These were some of the key messages of Scotty’s inspirational and uplifting presentation which energised the entire conference suite. Scotty is the highest-ranking black officer in the history of the Royal Marines and has led Britain’s commandos around the world. Having grown up facing significant hardships in South London, this was not the trajectory he expected his life to take. In fact, it was sheer chance that set him on this path. “I had only ducked into the recruitment office to avoid the rain,” he explains. The rest is history!
Scotty described how the Commando training programme instils the core values of excellence, integrity, self-discipline and humility. The instructors, he says, are role-models at every level; never asking anything they wouldn’t be willing to do themselves. “The values, and the qualities of courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness become part of you,” says Scotty. “I don’t believe you can give more
than 100%,” he adds, “but you can grow that 100% and go beyond whatever you previously thought possible.”
Scotty gave a fascinating recount of one operation, the first ever night-time helicopter attack on a foreign land, which began the Iraq War. It was a moment of maximum pressure, which is when he says the greatest teams perform at their best. This comes down to preparation and the work you have done to embody those core values or, as Scotty puts it, “train hard, fight easy”.
Scotty has worked with the nation’s top sports teams and Olympians, applying lessons and values from the Royal Marines to help them develop innovative leadership, team cohesion and peak performance. His closing message focused on what it takes to build a winning team:
“When teams get those bedrock values right, when they develop leadership, support and respect for each other at every level, then they can deliver consistent, repeatable success!”
Qualifications
Electrical
Bespoke
Consultancy
Heating Homes with Hydrogen: How DNV are Helping Prove the Safety Case
David Tomkin, Principal Consultant – DNV
In his fascinating presentation, David gave some insights from DNV’s Spadeadam site where they are helping to prove the safety case for the use of hydrogen in UK heating. Sharing a range of videos and photos from these investigations definitely showed what an exciting place to work this is, but also highlighted the importance of the research taking place. “We have the ability to perform full scale research and testing, rather than just small-scale lab tests” explained David.
The UK’s Hydrogen Strategy was launched in August 2021, with target milestones including a policy decision on blending to be made this year, and a decision on 100% hydrogen conversion in 2026. The gas grid is the best option for delivering hydrogen to UK homes because it has the capacity to store huge amounts of energy, is flexible, reliable and robust.
David explained the different risk profiles for hydrogen and natural gas. For example,
hydrogen is more buoyant than natural gas but has a lower energy density, so it will leak more by volume but the energy will be around the same. Hydrogen has a much wider flammability range, but a different burning velocity and again the lower density means that a hydrogen fire and a natural gas one would look similar.
Quantitative risk assessments have been developed demonstrating that with some mitigation, hydrogen can be as safe as natural gas. David emphasised, however, that research is key to understanding what changes are needed and how they might work. DNV are involved in a number of projects which are demonstrating this in practice, including Hy4Heat, H21 & FutureGrid. “It is a different fuel, it does have different risks, but it can be done and it is being done elsewhere in the world,” concluded David.
Heat Pumps in the Race to Net Zero
Laura Needham, Head of Training – Vaillant
As the race to decarbonise home heating in the UK continues, Laura spoke about the crucial role heat pumps will play in reaching net zero. “There’s no one silver bullet,” she said, “but we need to take the here and now solution of heat pumps seriously.” The UK
has a unique, diverse and aging housing stock and a variety of technologies will be required in order to decarbonise them all. With an estimated 80% of our 2050 housing stock already built, retrofitting is going to be a key focus.
In terms of consumer appetite for the technology, recent research has shown that 80% of consumers are concerned about climate change, whilst 69% of the UK public are aware of air source heat pumps. We also know that consumer attention is shifting to how they can minimise energy usage and reduce their expenditure.
The UK has set a target of installing heat pumps a year by 2028. In 2020 there were 36,000 installed, so there is still a significant way to go. To achieve this ambitious target, installers are going to be key. However, there is a real issue around the skills gap. Laura shared the results from a recent Vaillant survey of 1,136 installers. The vast majority of them, 82%, do not currently install air source heat pumps, whilst over 87% said they would be interested in training in this area over the next year. Vaillant have developed the brand new Aspire training programme, a blended modular style learning pathway which supports organisations with the tools to tackle decarbonisation.
Why Auditing Really Does Matter
For Registered Housing Providers, there is no greater responsibility than ensuring the ongoing safety of their residents. Regulatory compliance, whilst not enough to guarantee safety on its own, is one of the most important things that social landlords need to get right. The task is challenging and ever-growing with the implementation of the new Building Safety Regime, rafts of new legislation and increased scrutiny from the Regulator. Independent safety and compliance audits can help towards giving landlords, and their residents, the assurance they need that their properties are compliant and risks are being managed appropriately.
Here we share two recent examples from CORGI Technical Services audits; both of which highlight just how essential independent quality control can be in ensuring the safety of residents, staff and properties.
Post-Service Audit of Plant Room Reveals Immediately Dangerous Appliance
One recent case which demonstrates just how vital post-service quality control can be, and how often things are picked up which may previously have been missed. Our CORGI auditor was carrying out a post-service audit of a commercial plant room when they identified a number of issues with the gas boiler. In fact, these were serious enough for the installation to be classified as ‘Immediately Dangerous’ (ID)
Firstly, there were several holes found in the flue spigot and these were leaking products of combustion (POC) into the plant room itself. Our auditor took the correct action immediately; isolating the appliance and making it safe in accordance with the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure, before applying a ‘do not use’ Warning Notice & Warning Label.
A further issue was also identified with the boiler’s electrical panel which had perished. There were a number of exposed wires and energised parts, posing a significant risk of electric shock.
A key take-away from this case is the importance of carrying out regular checks of installations and ensuring that more isolated spaces such as plant rooms are not missed! Because plant rooms are often located away from residential areas, and may not be visited as often as other spaces within a building, they can sometimes be overlooked when scheme maintenance teams are carrying out their inspections. Many issues can be seen from a simple visual inspection, and the general maintenance manager or officer should be able to pick up and report on visual issues during their general risk assessment within the plant room. In this case, for example, the evidence of corrosion and holes in the flue could be clearly seen on visual inspection which could have been reported by a site maintenance manager to allow for the necessary remedial works.
By engaging in an independent audit process, organisations can ensure that work is quality assured and that any issues are not missed. Because CORGI Technical Services were engaged to carry out the post-service checks in this example, our auditor was able to spot the problem, identify what was needed and report the safety issue back to the client. This then allowed the organisation to act promptly and do what was needed to ensure the ongoing safety of the installation, plant room and building as a whole.
Carbon Monoxide Danger
Another facet of CORGI’s work is Incident Investigation. In this capacity, the team were recently asked to attend the site of a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Four family members, including two children, resident at the property had been admitted to hospital and initial tests showed high carbon monoxide levels in at least one of the family members’ blood.
Further inspection by CORGI found a number of issues, all of which pose serious risks and may have been the cause of, or a contributing factor to, the carbon monoxide exposure:
arrow-right The gas boiler was missing its casing arrow-right The flue was too short arrow-right The flue was not sealed properly inside or out
Again, in accordance with the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure, the appliance was isolated from the gas supply and made safe whilst further investigations were carried out. A report was made on the National Gas Incident Site, and to the HSE.
Once again, this incident highlights the vital importance of quality assurance and auditing. Whilst investigations are ongoing to confirm whether the boiler was definitely the cause of the carbon monoxide exposure; the issues found by CORGI on inspection
were enough to identify it as an immediately unsafe appliance. It is only through rigorous quality control that we can minimise such instances, identify any issues and act swiftly to put them right and make them safe.
Auditing – An Essential, Not Just ‘Nice to Have’!
The above cases are just two examples amongst many highlighting the key role independent quality control plays in helping to ensure resident safety. Internal audits definitely have their value, but it is by engaging external and independent auditors that an organisation can ensure nothing gets missed and no unconscious biases are creeping in.
It’s important too to consider the quality, competence and expertise of the auditors you engage. With many conflicting priorities and limited budgets, it can be tempting to view compliance and qualitycontrol as box ticking exercises driven by price. This is short-sighted, and can lead to a ‘green-dashboard’ mindset in which all appears compliant on the surface but in reality things may be very different. If audits are superficial, rushed or carried out by inexperienced auditors then risks may be missed or overlooked, with potentially serious consequences for safety.
Working with highly-qualified and experienced experts such as the CORGI team will not only ensure providers are meeting current legislative requirements and appropriate standards, but can also give landlords and managers valuable insights to help them deliver continued improvement, helping organisations to achieve their compliance goals and delivering a safe home for every resident.
The Electrical Policy – the Good the Bad and the Under Review
Chris Edwards, Technical Safety Manager Electrical – CORGI Technical Services
Chris presented an informative overview of the electrical safety policy; what it should look like, what must be included and how it should be implemented. According to IET guidance, an electrical safety policy should highlight the general approach an organisation will take by listing clear objectives so that the end user is able to implement an effective electrical safety management system.
“The policy should be relevant to your particular organisation,” says Chris, “you need to know your assets, your systems and the boundaries of your operation.” He also stressed that effective communication of the policy is vital; health and safety is everyone’s responsibility so everyone needs to know! It is therefore considered imperative that communication and instruction of the policy
details and associated procedures forms part of the induction process for new staff. Be aware too of any regulatory changes that need to be included and communicated. To support effective communication, clear language understood by all is vital, and acronyms should be avoided as far as possible. “If you really do need to use them, make sure you include a glossary,” advises Chris.
Whilst the policy gives the general approach, procedures are needed to add the detail. Such procedures could include ones for preventative maintenance, competence, remedial work and record keeping to give some examples. “These should provide a systematic and planned rather than ad hoc and reactive approach to electrical safety,” says Chris.
Most importantly, policies and procedures should be subject to honest and frequent self-assessment and review. “Do not leave them gathering dust on a shelf!” urges Chris. Robust policies and procedures, well implemented and effectively communicated will offer significant protection from risk.
Magenta Living’s Governance and Compliance Journey from G2 Back to G1
Ian Thomson, Executive Director of
Assets – Magenta Living
A regular at the ASCP Conference, where he says he never fails to learn something new, Ian shared his insights and challenges faced by Magenta Living during its 2018 re-grading from G1 down to G2 by the Regulator of Social Housing.
The original re-grade was not about compliance, says Ian. It was down to a number of factors such as poor riskmanagement, insufficient stress testing and weaknesses in financial reporting. The situation was compounded, however, later in the same year when the CEO had to self-report to the Regulator due to EICR programme failures. “It was a dark time for the business, with a lot of uncertainty,” says Ian.
Ian described the “journey of improvement’ undertaken by Magenta Living since that point. It was a long road, with
the difficulty compounded by the COVID pandemic. Despite the challenges, a real transformation in terms of culture and
compliance was effected, with a return to G1 status for the organisation announced in September 2022. “We have a new Chair and CEO, and a new vision for a financially strong and community focused organisation,” says Ian.
For Ian, a key lesson learned along the way was the vital importance of robust data, which should be validated and regularly audited both internally and externally. He also points to the need for compliance reporting at every level of the business. Beyond that though, there is the need for an honest and open culture underpinning every level of the organisation, with everyone able to speak up if something is not right. Indeed, this is what Ian feels the whole sector needs, and he urged all those at conference to keep learning, transforming and speaking out.
Asset Intelligence to Improve Data in Compliance
Andy Sturgess, National Specification Manager – Aico
“It’s a challenging landscape for housing providers right now,” said Andy, outlining some of the key priorities for the sector including of course resident safety and regulatory compliance as well as disrepair, decarbonisation and the ongoing cost of living crisis. There is also an increasing demand to not only ensure assets are compliant, but also to be able to comprehensively prove it.
Andy says that many landlords tend to assume that they are compliant due to planned programmes and specifications but, since the reporting is only accurate at that point in time, this may not be enough to ensure full compliance. He gives the example of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms which may well have been installed in compliance with regulations, have been removed or tampered with at a later date unbeknownst to the landlord. “Does this allow you to respond effectively in today’s current agile environment?” he asks.
Real-time asset data allows landlords to take a proactive approach to compliance management. It means that they can target properties with particular issues and engage with residents before the problem escalates. It also allows landlords to respond more effectively when it comes to emergencies and urgent repairs, and to maintain a robust history for the property and its installations over time. Further advantages of real-time data are that it can increase efficiency and remove silos by making the data available to all stakeholders within an organisation, including residents.
“Real-time data can help ensure you are always compliant and provide you with the knowledge that you have the right systems installed, that they are functioning correctly and that you can provide proof of this instantly,” says Andy.
Health and Safety – Next Generation: Charting our Journey to Full Integration and Best in Class Culture
Boris Worrall, Group Chief Executive – Rooftop Housing Group
Boris opened his presentation by thanking the people in the room for the vital work they do as safety and compliance professionals. “You keep our customers safe and there’s a lot of pressure that comes with that,” he acknowledged. He went on to share an overview of Rooftop’s journey since he joined as Chief Executive in 2020.
“Looking at where we were,” says Boris, “there was a lot that was outdated and not fit for purpose.” This was highlighted when some serious issues with the EICR programme were uncovered on the eve of an In-Depth Assessment by the Regulator. “We were lacking – in good data, in resources and in understanding,” Boris recalls. By being open and honest with the Regulator, and taking action to fix the problem quickly, the organisation was able to demonstrate it had effective control. They knew that they never wanted to be in the same position again.
To address the issues, Rooftop created a dedicated Health and Safety team. They undertook an assurance programme and
undertook some rigorous self-reflection, questioning previous assumptions about what good looked like. “We needed to lift the lid and fix things,” says Boris, “but it needed to be done in a planned and systematic way.”
The current picture is much more positive, as Rooftop is working on an integrated approach that involves creating a culture of openness throughout the organisation, breaking down silos, demanding more from directors, encouraging challenge from the Board to keep things on the right track and in-depth reporting of robust data. For Boris though, there is no room for complacency. “This is the best we have been, but we can always do more,” he says, “both as an organisation and a sector.” Addressing attendees at the conference again, he asked; “How can we engage other board members, directors and CEOs? Can we bring more of them into this room next year to hear about the challenges and what’s needed from us all?”
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Aman Sharma, Past Deputy Chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) & Member of the Building Advisory Committee (BAC)
Six years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the worst residential fire this country has witnessed since World War Two, Aman addressed the ASCP Conference with a ‘State of the Nation’ overview of Building Safety. He began with a simple question, “Why are we here?” There’s a reason, he said, that we come together in this way, and a reason why we do the work we do. For him, it’s for the 72 people who lost their lives that day. “I know that everyone here will share my determination to ensure we are never in that position again,” said Aman.
A tragedy such as Grenfell required change on a generational scale in response. To date, this has included the Grenfell Inquiry itself, the various industry responses we have seen to try to do better, and of course Dame Judith Hackitt’s report Building a Safer Future. This has fed through into regulatory change, and we have already seen some of this taking place with the Fire Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations now in force.
The Building Safety Act 2022 received Royal Assent in April this year, with secondary legislation currently being laid before Parliament. “The secondary legislation will add the detail,” says Aman, “the Building Safety Act itself deals with the headlines.” Those headlines include
• the creation of a new Building Safety Regulator in England
• the definition of ‘Higher-Risk Buildings’ (HRBs) and the creation of powers to regulate their design construction and operation
• a stronger voice for residents
• driving a culture change across the industry
The new regime for HRBs involves three ‘hard stop’ gateways at the planning application, pre-construction and preoccupation stages. It brings in a new philosophy for risk management which requires dutyholders to demonstrate that a risk has been mitigated, rather than just
declaring it. Aman explained this focus on high-rise and higher-risk buildings as being down to the greater severity of consequential risk they pose. It would be a serious mistake, however, to believe that the Building Safety Act only applies to high-rise buildings. “Whilst the Safety Case Regime applies to HigherRisk Buildings, the Act itself is an Act for all buildings,” he explained.
Looking ahead towards the implementation of the new regime in its totality, Aman pointed to two key milestones. The first is October 2023, the deadline by which all high-rise residential buildings 18 metres tall or higher, or at least 7 floors, with 2 or more residential units must be registered. Failure to comply with this deadline will constitute a criminal offence by the Principle Accountable Person. Aman urged the dutyholders responsible for those circa 13,000 buildings to ensure they were acting now to ensure they go through their registration and certification process.
The next important date is April 2024, when the Building Safety Regulator will begin to call in buildings and issue Building Assessment Certificates. There certificates are the function of the information being submitted in the registration process, and they will need to be publically displayed thereafter. “From April, it will be a real red flag if these certificates are not on display,” warns Aman.
Returning to his original question of why we are all here, Aman encouraged everyone with a stake in the built environment to consider their own role in bringing about the necessary changes. Generational legislative reform requires a corresponding generational shift in culture and behaviours and it is vital that every one of us considers our role in bringing this about. We must ensure that we are demonstrating the right behaviours, exercising the right skills and developing the appropriate experience because, as Aman pointed out, “the eyes of the world are absolutely on us”.
Women in Compliance Coaching and Networking Session
Sarah Leach, Executive Coach
What if we knew no limits? This question was the theme of an engaging Women in Compliance session led by Executive Coach Sarah Leach. In a recent survey, around 60% of workers admitted to experiencing ‘imposter syndrome’ aka feelings of self-doubt, anxiety and a fear of not being good enough. Women, younger people and minorities were more likely to experience imposter syndrome. It often translates into; greater levels of procrastination, longer working hours, burnout, higher turnover and a loss of productivity.
“I’m not good enough, I couldn’t do that, I’m not the sort of person who does that –these are all stories we tell ourselves through fear,” says Sarah. We do not always think to challenge that inner critic, and if we suffer from imposter syndrome we tend to listen to it ALL the time, rather than balancing it against the evidence we have of our successes and positive attributes.
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By recognising the situations that set our inner critic chattering, we can begin to view them more objectively. We can acknowledge that the inner critic may be trying to protect us from getting hurt, but make a more informed decision about whether to listen, or to ignore the voice and do it anyway. “We need to question whether in this particular moment the critic is serving us well, or whether it’s just a story we’ve been telling ourselves that might not be true,” says Sarah. We can’t necessarily eradicate that inner critic, but we can quieten it, and even decide to ignore it!
There are a number of strategies we can employ to do this. We can try speaking to ourselves with the same compassion we would extend to a friend or loved one. Another option would be to speak to somebody whose opinion we value to get their objective view of the situation. “Just ask yourself, what if your inner critic was wrong,” says Sarah, “what would you do if you knew you could not fail?”
Women in Compliance is a benefit of ASCP membership. It is a networking and peer-topeer mentoring group for females working in safety and compliance in social housing and facilities management sectors. We offer a number of opportunities to learn and network including an online coaching session to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and a networking lunch and coaching session at the annual ASCP Conference. Both of these are developed and delivered by a female professional development coach. On the ASCP Community Hub – there is also a ‘by request only’ Women in Compliance area – which features useful articles and the place where members of the group can chat in a safe place.
Coaching sessions have included:
arrow-right What if we knew no limits
arrow-right Boundaries – do less to get more done!
arrow-right How to deal with difficult conversations
arrow-right IWD: Choose to Challenge
arrow-right IWD: Break the Bias
Building Services in Protected Areas: Understanding the Risk, Elimination, Substitution & Control
Mark Duffy, Technical Safety Manager – CORGI Technical Services
Mark’s enlightening presentation emphasised the importance of looking beyond regulatory compliance to take a more holistic view of risk. Sharing some of the issues commonly encountered by the CORGI team when working with new builds and refurbishments; he demonstrated the significant risks facing compliance teams and offered some insights into how these can be mitigated.
Mark began by sharing the ‘Swiss Cheese Model’ of risk developed by James Reasons in response to the 1989 Kegworth Air Disaster. This model looks at the barriers put in place to prevent incidents and examines each for holes and weaknesses. “If you have too many holes, and they start to line up, that’s when you get an accident,” explained Mark.
Applying this model to our own sector, and particularly to new builds and refurbishments, Mark identified a list of ‘holes’ that was worryingly long. He pointed to issues including; siloed working,
Learning for the Housing Sector Emanating from the Death of Awaab Ishak
Siôn Davies, Legal Director Healthcare and Public Law –Hill Dickinson LLP
“There’s no two ways about it, this was a tragedy that could and should have been avoided,” Siôn told the ASCP Conference about the death of Awaab Ishak. One of the advocates at the hearing, Siôn was able to share some key learnings which the housing sector must take on board in order to prevent things from ever going so badly wrong again.
The Coroner found that Awaab died as a result of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment. Siôn shared a chronology of events which indicated that red flags were missed at various points by the agencies involved. Communications from a health professional regarding the risk posed to Awaab’s health by the damp and mould in his home were received by the Housing Association, but no action was taken.
Following the coroner’s conclusion, Michael Gove wrote to all registered housing
providers to stress the need for a more proactive response to complaints of damp and mould. “Landlords need to do the right thing, and the right thing is to take action to address the issue,” says Siôn. Whilst there have been a number of promises made by the Government around revised standards, guidance and policies; for Siôn there has been a distinct lack of tangible action to date. “This was called a defining moment for the housing sector, and I hope that’s true,” he says, “but the problems of overcrowding, poverty and the age and state of our buildings will all continue to be a risk.” He urges to sector to continue to work together, and engage effectively with other agencies and stakeholders, in order to reduce risk and prevent future tragedies.
compliance teams not being involved in projects as they should, architects and designers lacking knowledge of relevant regulations and standards, insufficient quality control and inspection, and inadequate risk assessment. He was able to share some photo examples of the types of defects that CORGI is regularly coming across including; a lack of fire stopping, inappropriate pipework and insufficient ventilation. More worryingly still, these defects are being found regularly in new buildings post-Grenfell.
Ideally, says Mark, these issues could be eliminated at source through a thorough inspection of plans to remove problems before they exist. Specialised inspection during the construction phase, and appropriate administrative controls are also key. At every stage, said Mark, it is important for all of us to ask questions, challenge and speak out when we notice risks, weaknesses or unsafe practices.
Training Qualifications and Courses
Trainers and Assessors
Our team of Trainers and Assessors have decades of experience, many starting off as apprentices and progressing to senior roles within the sector. They are not just highly skilled trainers, they are also in the field helping customers day in and day out – they know the problems you face; they have the knowledge and experience you need to help to keep your residents safe. The feedback for our trainers and assessors is second to none!
The collective skills and experience of the team include:
• Appointments by the Metropolitan Police Service to the Grenfell investigation team
• Qualified CO Incident Investigators
• Experienced Expert Witness
• College lecturers
• Fully qualified Assessors
• Published authors
• Contributors for the technical content on BSI committees
• Contributors to the development of the ACS gas training scheme
• Incorporated Engineers
• IGEM Fellow status
• Providing building services training for several awarding bodies
• External Verifier for EAL
• Specialists in risk assessments with regards to DSEAR for gas installations
• Creators of bespoke learning packages, specific to social housing
• Experienced and qualified in the internal quality process
• Experienced in learner attainment and progression
• Occupational competence within working environment
• Contributors to the Wiring Regulations Advisory Group
• Contributors to Trade Association Electrical Standards and Building Regulation Group
• Contributors to the MHCLG SRS Electrical Safety Working Group
• Close working relationships with enforcement bodies including HSE, HSENI and Local Authorities
• Former warranted enforcement officer with expert witness, high court and coroners court experience
Tom Crosby
Ryan Mack
Mark Sharples
Chris Edwards
Calum Mansell
Mark Duffy
John Brown
Joe Beesley
Gary Gundry
John Stirling
Kim Morris Mark Baker
Pete Carty
Jamie Cooper
Kevin Winship
Trevor Batt
Chris Jones
Logic Air.
Our flagship monobloc heat pump.
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Includes our monobloc heat pump, the pre-plumbed heat pump cylinder and Halo Air thermostat.
Ideal Heating’s new monobloc heat pump is the logical choice for the social housing market
Launched at London’s iconic Gherkin skyscraper, before visiting Manchester United’s “Theatre of Dreams” and other football stadiums, Ideal Heating’s new Logic Air heat pump has made a high-profile debut.
Providing reliable, low carbon heating to UK homes, Logic Air represents a powerful proposition for the social housing and facilities management sectors.
When it comes to heating, reliability is key.
Social housing providers have a responsibility to their tenants to provide a home which is warm and dry, all year round.
For facilities management companies, it’s the same story – their customers need to be confident that the heating system is working efficiently to be as cost effective and dependable as possible.
That’s where Logic Air comes in.
Designed and delivered by Ideal Heating, the UK market leader in both the domestic and commercial heating sectors, Logic Air has been developed to provide reliable, low carbon heating.
The monobloc heat pump is easy to install, quiet to run and achieves the highest European energy rating possible to achieve.
Logic Air has been brought to the UK market by the same trusted brand which has delivered Logic boilers for almost 15 years.
For the social housing and facilities management sectors, it represents a powerful new proposition.
Lizzie Wilkinson, Product Director (Domestic) for Ideal Heating, said: “Our products have been a benchmark for quality and reliability for decades and we’re thrilled to have built on this track record with Logic Air, our first monobloc heat pump for the domestic market.
“Logic Air combines all of Ideal Heating’s expertise in the UK heating sector with our parent company Groupe Atlantic’s position as a European leader in the heat pump sector. It’s a winning formula which has produced a winning product.
“We’re confident Logic Air will be a huge hit for social housing providers, new-build developers and facilities management companies alike.”
Logic Air features a modern contemporary design and is easy to install, quick to commission and simple to use.
It is built with an A+++ ErP rating – the highest European energy standard possible to achieve – and is designed to perform equally in sunshine, rain, ice and snow.
Logic Air uses R32 refrigerant, the most balanced on the market in terms of environmental impact, energy efficiency, safety and cost effectiveness.
It’s also quiet to run. In fact, Logic Air was recently awarded Quiet Mark certification – a global rating which rewards the quietest products on the market.
Behind every Logic Air heat pump is a dedicated customer support team, providing 364-days-a-year servicing to installers and customers alike.
Phil Scrafton, Heat Pump Technical Manager at Ideal Heating, said:
“If you’re a social housing provider and a tenant gets in touch who’s got an issue with their heat pump, you need to be confident you can get the help you need quickly and professionally.
“That’s where our world-class customer support comes in. We’ve got a team of specialist engineers who are out and about across the country providing service and maintenance support.
“Our UK-based customer support team is on hand 364 days a year and is just a phone call away. We pride ourselves on delivering a fast, reliable service to all of our network.”
Logic Air is part of a heating package which also includes a best-inclass hot water cylinder and the Halo Air room thermostat.
Using our smart technology, social housing providers and facilities management companies can access data from the heating system remotely in order to monitor and manage the performance of their housing stock.
With regulations coming into force in 2025 which will mean new homes must achieve a 31 per cent reduction in emissions compared to current standards, heat pumps are expected to play a crucial role in decarbonising the UK’s housing stock.
If you’re looking to start out on your low carbon journey, Logic Air is the product you’ve been waiting for.
For more details on Logic Air, visit: www.idealheating.com/newbuild/products/logic-air-heat-pump.
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LOLER and PUWER in Domestic Premises: If or when do they apply?
As the Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals, we have noticed an increased number of questions from members recently regarding their duties to manage lifts and lifting equipment within domestic properties. CORGI’s Jamie Cooper gave an informative presentation at the ASCP Conference recently to shed some light on regulations, responsibilities and best practice in this area. Read on to find out his answers to some frequently asked questions.
What are LOLER and PUWER?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 (GB) – 1999 (NI) place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment. This includes all businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment, whether owned by them or not.
In most cases, lifting equipment is also work equipment, so the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 (GB) - 1999 (NI) will also apply.
Do These Regulations Apply in Domestic Premises?
LOLER (thorough examination) and PUWER (maintenance and inspection) apply when lifts have been provided as work equipment for use by employees.
Where lifts have been provided for residents, normally as part of an adaptation, landlords have responsibilities for the safety of all users under Section 3 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSAWA), or Article 5 of the Health & Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (HSAWO).
Are There Any Exceptions?
LOLER and PUWER do not apply where a resident purchases equipment for use solely by them at their home. Also, where equipment has been loaned by a health care or community equipment provider for use solely by the individual or their family, it is not defined as work equipment and LOLER and PUWER may not therefore apply, though HSAWA/HSAWO will need to be considered as mentioned above.
When is it Work Equipment?
An example might be where a local authority, or other care provider, provides employee carers to attend the premises for resident care and they need to make use of the hoist
as part of their work activities e.g., hoisting a resident in/out of bed, etc. Regardless of ownership, LOLER and PUWER will apply in these situations.
What if it is not Work Equipment?
Where lifting equipment is provided (owned) but not used for work activities, such as a stair lift installed in domestic dwelling, they would not be subject to LOLER or PUWER. However, as this equipment is fitted in a place with public access (i.e. residents and visitors to the property) they would be subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act/Order, and should be thoroughly examined and inspected for safety, using LOLER and PUWER requirements as a guide.
What Does Compliance Entail?
Where your organisation may be responsible under LOLER, PUWER or both, these duties may be adequately discharged by undertaking:
Maintenance
Inspection
6-monthly thorough examination (may be more or less frequent depending on equipment type and/or use)
What responsibilities do Duty Holders have?
If you are a lift owner or someone responsible for the safe operation of a lift used at work, you are a ‘Duty Holder’ under LOLER. This means that you have a legal responsibility to ensure that the lift is “Thoroughly Examined” by a competent person, and it is safe to use. Responsibilities include:
To keep the competent person informed of any changes in the lift operating conditions
To make relevant documentation available to the competent person
To act promptly to remedy any defects
To ensure all documentation complies with the regulations
To keep adequate records of installation, maintenance, and repair
Can Lifting Equipment Be Gifted?
Gifting lifts or lifting equipment may be legally ambiguous and require professional legal advice if being considered.
Further information and guidance is available in the ASCP Document Lifts and Lifting Equipment: A Guide to Property Managers’ Responsibilities. Download your copy from the ASCP Community Hub today! Not a member – then get in touch info@theascp.co.uk
Managing Heat Pump Specification and Installation Best Practice
Andrew Farquhar, Snr Product Manager, Heat Pumps – Ideal Heating
Andy gave an informative presentation filled with tips on how to manage effective heat pump installation in new and existing homes. The three areas he believes organisations need to focus on to reduce risks and ensure smoother installations are the skills of their engineers and contractors, the specification of the products and the ongoing support available for them.
Working at lower temperatures, as required by Part L of the new Building Regulations, will be a challenge for many engineers. Organisations should ensure engineers and contractors have received the relevant training to give them a thorough understanding of how the entire heating system works, including heat emissions, fabric heat loss, thermal convection and the correct sizing of radiators and supporting pipe work for lower temperatures. Further upskilling may be required in areas such as Water Regulations and Legionella Regulations. In addition to theoretical understanding, practical training provided by
manufacturers is important.
When it comes to specification, Andy gave some really useful examples of how thinking carefully about procurement, installation and design can save money and make installation more straightforward. Reducing fabric heat loss first can reduce carbon emissions, running costs and even mean that a smaller heat pump is required in the first place. Selecting the right products for the right property is absolutely key. “Make sure you look closely at the specification,” says Andy. Selecting a heat pump that can be fitted within permitted development planning rules, and ensuring the power supply is within connect and notify limits, can make the installation process much more straightforward.
According to Andy, one of the reasons that heat pumps have struggled in the UK is that they have not always received adequate support. His final piece of advice for landlords is to pick a manufacturer, such as Ideal Heating, who can provide ongoing support before, during and after the installation.
Prosumer’s Electrical Installations (PEI), Energy Consumption But Not
As We Know
It
Michael
Peace, Senior
Engineer – The IET
As the drive towards decarbonisation continues, the landscape of electricity generation is changing. In 2019 we saw more energy generated from renewables than from fossil fuels for the first time. Plans are in place to phase out gas boilers in new builds from 2025, and to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030. This move, says Michael, will see increasing demand placed on the National Grid which will have implications for how electricity is generated in future.
Michael shared the findings from a UK Power Networks study which indicates the potential the Grid supply to become unreliable due to increased demand. Whilst the overall capacity will be there, we are likely to see challenges at the low voltage end with some networks struggling to meet demand. One potential solution we are already seeing appear in homes is Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) i.e. the use of solar panels
and battery storage. Going forward, there will be a move towards Smart Grid technology which will enable demand response programmes, with consumers adjusting their energy consumption in response to price signals or grid conditions.
Looking to the future, Prosumer Electrical Installations (PEIs) may well be a large part of the solution. These utilise different technologies to create buildings which are connected to the smart grid; both producing and consuming energy. An Electrical Energy Management System (EEMS) communicates with the installation and smart grid and ensures the most efficient use of production and consumption. Amendment 2 of the IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2018 includes a chapter on PEIs, and sets out the various potential concepts by which PEIs can be configured either within individual buildings or as a collective asset.
Affordable Decarbonisation; a Pragmatic Approach to Emissions Reduction
Jeff House, External Affairs & Policy Director – BAXI
With Government policy driving towards the ultimate goal of Net Zero by 2050, the pressure is on to decarbonise heating in the UK. A huge challenge for the built environment, and one that Jeff says must be balanced with affordability and the harsh reality for many consumers today.
“If people are genuinely concerned about paying the bills and keeping a roof over their head, decarbonisation is going to seem like a lower and more distant priority,” he told attendees. There is a need, therefore, to bring the decarbonisation journey into a more consumer-centric space.
A variety of approaches and technologies are currently under consideration. We know that electrification is going to be key. Hydrogen will also have a role to play, although the policy decision on its use for heating is not due until 2026. Jeff also predicts that heat networks will grow in importance. Whichever direction policy ultimately drives us, there are a number of
practical steps which can be taken to benefit customers today with existing heating systems:
A fabric first approach – making sure existing systems work efficiently and the buildings themselves are as efficient as possible is a fundamental way of bringing down emissions, and should be the first step of any building upgrade
Reducing flow temperatures – changes to the Building Regulations now require a flow temperature of 55 degrees or below for new systems. Even in existing systems this can be an opportunity to make real savings
Optimisation – tweaks and upgrades to existing systems can improve efficacy and reduce both emissions and costs
BAXI’s White Paper; ‘Decarbonisation and affordability of heat – a phased approach. A guide for social housing’ is available to download free on their website.
Don’t Paper
Over the Gaps
Adrian Thompson, Senior Water Hygiene Training
Management Consultant
Adrian’s presentation gave a comprehensive overview of landlords and dutyholders’ responsibilities with respect to Legionella and Water Hygiene. Whilst risk assessments are essential, they are not enough on their own to guarantee safety. Organisations need a robust, structured framework for managing risk, which is backed up with documentation and regularly reviewed.
ACOP L8 requires dutyholders to identify and assess sources of risk. This includes checking whether conditions will encourage bacteria to multiply. If appropriate, dutyholders should prepare a written scheme (Water Safety Plan) for managing and controlling the risk. They are also required to implement, manage, monitor and review precautions, and keep suitable and sufficient records of the precautions taken. Gaps in water safety plans can occur for a variety of reasons including; not having arrangements in place to regularly review Risk Assessments, lack of clear definition
of management responsibilities, lack of competency, poor control of risks, inefficient monitoring, inspections and maintenance procedures in place, and lack of accurate records and auditing. Adrian recommends conducting a thorough gap analysis, recognising where improvements are needed or where systems and processes need to be updated.
“Don’t become complacent, storms do happen!” stressed Adrian. By looking closely at Governance, maintenance, competence, training, resource levels and documentation; we can spot any gaps and take the necessary action to remedy them to reduce risk. Most importantly, Risk Assessments must be reviewed regularly and always after any confirmed cases, major change to the system or change of use.
Want to meet safety and compliance professionals?
Are you a product or service supplier to the social housing sector?
Do you want the opportunity to meet with 100s of safety and compliance professionals?
Then come and join us at the 2024 ASCP Safety & Compliance Conference on the 11-12 June at Celtic manor, Newport.
Maybe you supply fire-related products – fire doors, sprinkler systems or other fire-stopping products/ materials? Or do you supply, install and/or repair lifts or lifting equipment? Perhaps your focus is legionella or asbestos related services or products. If you’re involved in supplying the Big 6, or indeed ancillary services, to the social housing sector, then ASCP members want to meet you in the Exhibition Hall!
Every year the Exhibition Hall buzzes with activity –questions being asked, demos being given, advice
sought. Our members appreciate being able to attend a Conference with expert speakers as well as being able to chat with exhibitors about the latest innovations and technical solutions. From leading boiler manufacturers to nationwide merchants, from heating and storage to pipes, valves and fittings, from electrical components to legal and recruitment – they’re all in the Exhibition Hall –come and join them!
Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with the landlords of 3m+ social housing properties. See you there!
Energy Theft: Can You Spot the Signs?
Energy theft is a growing problem in the UK and, as CORGI’s Kevin Winship recently explained to attendees at the ASCP Spring Technical Events, it is an issue with both a high financial cost and potentially devastating consequences for safety.
Energy theft is the deliberate stealing of gas or electricity by individuals who pay less than they should for the energy they use, or do not pay at all. This is achieved by illegally tampering with the electricity or gas meter, or bypassing it entirely, so that it does not record consumption. It is a practice which has risen as energy prices have increased. In fact, as the cost-of-living crisis continues and ever more households find themselves facing fuel poverty, the problem is only expected to grow further.
The financial cost of this crime is high. 150,000 suspected cases are investigated every year, at an annual cost to the UK of around £500 million. That equates to at least £20 a year added to every customers’ bill; a figure that only will go up as the price of energy rises.
Even more concerning are the safety implications and potential cost to human lives. Injuries and even deaths are recorded each year as a direct result of meter tampering, and it is not just those who carry out the practice who may be affected. Family members, neighbours and other members of the public could be at risk even without being aware. In addition to individual and domestic incidences of fuel theft, there are increasing reports of this occurring in commercial properties and/ or being undertaken by organised gangs.
It is possible for energy theft to go undetected indefinitely, leaving people and properties at risk. There are, however, some tell-tale signs for landlords to be aware of. Engineers, contractors and any other staff who may access the meter in a property should also be made aware of this information, and of how to report any concerns they may have.
Signs of Energy Theft to Look Out For Around the Meter
Odd wires or pipes out of place by meters or appliances, or the use of rubber tubing
Meter dials not moving.
Prepayment meters still working despite being out of credit
Smell of gas near the meter box
The meter has been turned around so the dial isn’t visible
The casing to the meter has been damaged, or parts of the plastic casing has been melted or scorched
Signs of overheating such as smoke, burning smells and leaking bitumen
Signs of Energy Theft to Look Out For in the Home
Sparks from multiple sockets and switches
Electric shocks from multiple appliances
Electric shocks from taps, the bath or shower
Meters locked away or tenants won’t give access to meters
Smell of gas
Gas flames bigger than you would expect
Resident Awareness
Resident engagement and awareness raising on this topic is also key to combatting this issue and keeping properties and people safe. It is important that residents know that energy theft is a crime which carries serious penalties, as well as posing significant safety risks. Residents should be wary of anyone suggesting they could save them money on fuel bills, including cold callers suggesting they are from a reputable company. They also need to know what to do if they have any concerns, including that they have the option to report suspected energy theft anonymously either to the landlord or directly to Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 023 2777 or online at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. If they smell or suspect a gas leak they should call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999 as quickly as possible to avoid putting themselves at further risk.
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Offsite bespoke engineered stack replacement offers solutions in tight spaces.
Harcourt House is a 15-storey tower block in Tamworth. Completed in 1967, it has 60 apartments and is one of six tower blocks on site owned by Tamworth Borough Council. This block had 6” cast iron soil vent pipes in-situ which were showing several signs of failure including splits within the cast and failing seals on the lower ground floor. Legionella and Fire Safe Services were brought in to work on this project because tenants had complained of bad smells due to leaks, often created through waste build-up within the pipework.
But the age of the building meant that this was far from a straightforward project. The location of the original stack in a tight, awkward space meant that getting the new pipework in would be far from simple. The work was complicated further by changes to the layout of the flats down the years, including bathrooms being upgraded to wet rooms where the location of basins and toilets had been moved.
Polypipe Building Services Project Development Manager Deane Pearse
“The existing drainage system was in a bad way as most of the seals had gone on the lower ground floor where the cast was splitting, and there were complaints from tenants about stacks leaking. This is often because fats and oils stick to the inside of the stack and build up over the years.”
A more efficient solution
To ensure that they could offer the most efficient way of replacing the drainage stack, Legionella and Fire Safe Services, spoke to Polypipe Building Services and identified the Terrain FUZE system as the ideal solution.
In total 60 Terrain FUZE stacks were used across this build with a number of different prefabricated configurations supplied. To tackle the awkward location of the original stack, the replacements were supplied in two halves per property which enabled the installer to drop it easily into this existing space. Being in two pieces also allowed for an expansion joint to be put in the middle of the stack which made it fully rotatable so the installation team could place the access door exactly where they needed.
To address the varying bathroom layouts, Polypipe Building Services provided a change to the seal adapters and some offsite engineered pipework solutions. These included cutting back of the boss as close to the stack as possible (to around 30mm) and elbows with as little as 94mm from centre line to centre line in some cases which would be difficult to achieve on site.
Importantly no residents had to be given temporary accommodation for this project, and there was very minimal disruption.
The above modifications combined with the lightweight nature of the HDPE pipes meant that the installation team was able to complete the replacement work, including crucial Fire stopping works, at a swift rate of two flats per day.
Polypipe Building Services Advantage Technical Manager Adam Cafer explains:
“If cast iron is used in stack replacements, then branches from the main stack can only be accommodated at 90 or 45 degrees, whereas in HDPE angles can be bespoke engineered to accommodate a range of fittings - often essential in existing tight spaces.
“In HDPE two connections can almost touch each other if necessary, and at Polypipe Building Services our Advantage team can mirror-weld these bespoke connections by hand. This process is helped by using 3D printed jigs, plastic moulds can be created as cutting aids which allow us to create closer cuts which is safer than installers managing this on site and ensures a better-quality product.”
Danielle Bayliss, Operations Director at Legionella and Fire Safe Services, specialists in water compliance, fire protection and social housing expert contractors for this project, said:
“We approached Polypipe Building Services when the cast iron drainage within Harcourt House needed replacing, and although originally the architect had specified 6’’pipework, the technical team at Polypipe Building Services were able to conduct flow tests which showed for the number of appliances within the building a 4” HDPE pipe could be used.
“It’s the ability and expertise of the RMI team at Polypipe Building Services to overcome problems on projects like this which mean we will continue to collaborate with them going forward on similar projects like this, as these projects are always more complex than they seem.”
For more information about Live Stack Soil & Vent Pipe Replacement works see www.legionellaandfiresafe.co.uk
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ASCP Safety & Compliance Awards Winners
At this prestigious black tie Awards Ceremony in Telford on 14 June, we welcomed both social housing providers and suppliers to celebrate the successes and progress made in the sector. The quality of the entries was the highest ever – as the whole supply chain strives to keep residents safe and warm in their homes. Congratulations to all the Winners and Highly Commended.
Building Safety Initiative of the Year Award
Sponsor: FireAngel
Best Supplier to the Social Housing Sector Award
Sponsor: ASCP Community Hub
Best Resident Engagement Strategy Award
Sponsor: Stuart Turner
Safety Leadership Award
Sponsor: Nuco
Winner: Equans star Highly commended: Aico
Winner: Aaron Services Limited star
Winner: Orbit Group & Parametrix Ltd. star
Winner: Platform Housing Group star
Headline sponsor
Safety & Compliance Training and Development Award
Sponsor: Baxi
Electrical Contractor of the Year Award
Sponsor: ECA
Women in Safety and Compliance Award
Sponsor: AICO
Safety & Compliance Initiative of the Year Award
Sponsor: Resideo
Heating Contractor of the Year Award
Sponsor: Sentinel
Partnership & Collaboration of the Year Award
Sponsor: CORGI Technical Services
Winner: East Riding of Yorkshire Council star Highly commended: Sovereign
Winner: Durham County Council star Highly commended: LiveWest
Winners: Aaron Services Limited star Highly commended: The Gas Company
Winner: Network Homes & Riskhub star Highly Commended: LiveWest & Propeller
Winners: WDH star
Winners: Tara Jones, Gloucester City Homes star
Product of the Year Award
Sponsor: ASCP
Customer Service Excellence Award
Sponsor: TCW
Best Initiative to Combat Fuel Poverty Crisis Award
Sponsor: Wolseley
Customer Service Excellence Award
Sponsor: TCW
Net Zero Initiative of the Year Award
Sponsor: CORGI Services
Rising Star Award
Sponsor: Vaillant
Winner: Aico star
Winner: ONE Engage star
Winner: Sovereign star
Winner: Leeds City Council star
Winner: Hayley Cross, Orbit Group star
Winner: Gravesham Borough Council star
CORGI’s New Technical Appointments
DELIVERING TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO CORGI CUSTOMERS AND THE ASCP GROUP
Ryan Mack Technical Safety Manager
Ryan joined CORGI at the end of 2022 as our new Training Lead, following 20+ years of invaluable experience across the gas and heating industry. Throughout his earlier career his time was spent in both public and private sectors which in turn developed into securing his own contracts and becoming a director of his own engineering company for 10 years.
Ryan’s pathway naturally progressed into the training sector. He harnessed his vast knowledge and experience to enable and empower engineers to thrive within their chosen career. Within his first year Ryan built an ACS centre and its training facilities from ground zero, gaining LCL approval and accreditation, before conducting ACS assessments, teaching MLP, renewables and NVQ’s, to then progressing to manage and IQA the training centre.
Whilst at CORGI Ryan has continued to strive for excellence. He develops new course content, ensures all training is relevant and up to date, as well as engaging. Quality assurance and seamless delivery is also paramount.
Chris Smith
Contracts Manager And Auditor
Chris is an Experienced Auditor and Quality Assurance Engineer with more than 30 years’ experience within the gas and oil industry. Following a number of years as a sub-contractor providing auditing services to CORGI, he has now joined the company full-time as a Contracts Manager and Auditor.
Chris’ qualifications include CORGI’s Level 3 VRQ Certificate in Gas Auditing Processes, Natural Gas and LPG ACS certification, OFTEC 101 registration , an engineering degree and numerous industry specific qualifications.
Chris is an accomplished Gas Technical Lead, with vast experience in the leadership of diverse and complex projects in the gas and oil industry. He has significant expertise in the field of quality management and control, including roles as Quality Assurance Engineer for natural gas, LPG, oil and electrical services. He is also an adept trouble-shooter, continually focused on system/process optimisation, while effectively mitigating risk via testing, audit and inspection.
Chris now supports CORGI customers in Central Scotland and the Scottish Borders by sharing best practice to deliver the highest standards in gas safety, helping to keep residents, communities and assets safe.
Technical Meetings: Book Your Place
2023 Autumn Diary Dates
Book your place at one of the upcoming Autumn 2023 Technical Meetings; this is a key member benefit, don’t miss out. Non-members are very welcome to attend for a nominal fee – please contact us for more information info@theascp.co.uk
5 October Scotland: Double Tree by Hilton Glasgow, 1 St Andrews Drive, Cumbernauld G68 0EW
10 October Yorks/North East: Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8QZ
11 October North West: Lancashire Manor Hotel, Prescott Road, Pimbo, Nr. Wigan WN8 9QD
17 October South East: Aubrey Park Hotel, Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourn, Hemel Hempstead AL3 7AF
18 October Midlands/South West: Village Hotel, Bristol Bullfinch Close, Bristol BS34 6FG
“Great forum with the CORGI tech team and guest speakers! Well worth the time out.”
Chris Brown, Senior Surveyor (Heating), South Cambridgeshire District Council
“A great day of networking with colleagues in the industry. The technical meeting covered a wide range of compliance topics for everyone. Thanks to the ASCP Team for another great Technical Meeting.”
Tara Jones, Compliance Manager, Gloucester City Homes
“Great day yesterday at the ASCP Spring Technical Meeting in Wetherby. Thanks to all the ASCP Team for an engaging and informative session.”
Phil Trickett, Heating Services Delivery Manager, Platform Housing Group
We are currently working on the Agenda – but you can expect the usual mix of regulatory and Technical Bulletin updates, topical subjects and technical inputs and product updates from a few select suppliers. Once again these meetings will be combined, covering various areas of compliance – working towards a more holistic and integrated approach to resident safety. And of course, it’s the chance to catch up with the CORGI Technical Services team and to interact with your peers from other social housing providers. We are stronger together!
