Security Case Study
Security Case Study
An affordable housing provider of choice in the Herefordshire area, Connexus has been committed to providing good quality homes through a variety of systems and schemes, including the pioneering Rent to Buy, Shared Ownership and HomePoint affordable rentals, since the group was formed in 2017.
Their trademark blend of a caring approach for some of the most vulnerable residents in Hereford, with the efficiency and discerning eye for detail that’s earned them their position as a highly sought-after social housing provider.
Coupled with their ambitious vision for a brighter and more prosperous future for all of the Herefordshire area, it’s clear that Connexus are a company whose interests align closely with those of the local community.
With Connexus’ residents often being more vulnerable or susceptible to the risks that are posed by rental properties, the service must go uninterrupted and incident-free, especially in the colder winter months.
One of the more inherent risks in properties of this nature, especially in Connexus’ infamous maisonettes, is fire. Hazards like heaters, electric blankets and other sources of warmth all carry with them the very real threat of fires which can spread rapidly and indiscriminately without proper monitoring and addressing of those issues.
That was further compounded by the urgent need for Connexus to upgrade its fire alarm system to better comply with structure and property regulations. With the current system deemed insufficient, Connexus took it upon themselves to swiftly source a replacement.
In the interests of resident safety, and providing an additional layer of reassurance for their diverse residents, Connexus sought out a more dedicated monitoring system for their properties and settled on a comprehensive Fire Watch package.
From the get-go, it was apparent that a rapid and effective response was the only course of action. With a complete Fire Watch service needed while systems were brought up to code, Connexus approached ProFM Group in late July of 2023.
We acted with the impetus a project of this nature demanded, scheduling a site visit for just a week later to fully assess what was needed, and to provide a complete sense of reassurance and comfort. This was followed by numerous discussions and roundtables to ensure that everything that needed to be in place was covered comprehensively.
Our experts identified the need for a robust and all-encompassing Waking Watch service while the alarm systems were upgraded, operating on a 24-hour basis with routine patrols around each building to be conducted every half hour. This was coupled with a vehicle designed for emergency response procedures, as well as two welfare units for the on-site officers.
In less than a month after Connexus approached us, we created a comprehensive, bespoke solution for their site. With such a pressing issue at hand, we were ready when Connexus gave us the go-ahead at 4:25pm on the 23rd August 2023. By 8pm sharp, we had the requisite 5 officers on site.
Further external surveys found that more stringent Fire Watch services were needed, and within just 4 hours on the 1st September, ProFM were able to mobilise a further 3 officers, bringing the total professionals on-site to 8.
Our exceptional Waking Watch service provided 24-hour coverage, 7 days a week, allowing Connexus to provide an advanced level of safety for their residents. Our Head Office team have maintained a great working relationship with Connexus, communicating frequently and in detail throughout the project. This extends to our fantastic Waking Watch officers, who’ve formed great relationships with the tenants.