social housing

In a sector where the demand far outpaces supply, and as the cost of living continues to rise in the UK, housing associations are under increasing pressure to deliver affordable housing. 

Spindogs addresses the challenges faced by housing associations and discusses the opportunities offered by digital. 

Technological capabilities and tenant expectations are rapidly changing, placing even greater pressures on housing associations. Increased demands create an increased need to invest in new technologies to better service users. 

A campaign to change-up the national conversation around social housing safety and compliance with landlords, residents, government and suppliers, is calling for safety pledges ahead of the first annual National Social Housing Safety and Compliance Week. 

Running 21st – 25th June, the inaugural awareness week is spearheaded by the Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP), in association with CORGI, to raise standards in safety, compliance, learning, competence and collaboration for a safer future for social housing.

We begin this episode with Regional Specification Manager Alex Parker and special guest Paul Meadows, Director of Salus Approved Inspectors. Alex and Paul discuss the changes in building control over the last 15 years and how Salus work to support their clients.

Next, Will Lloyd, Technical Manager from the Fire Industry Association, returns to the studio alongside Andy Speake and Paul Cartwright; together, they explore the change in industry standards, working groups and best practice.

Lastly, we revisit our CIH Ideas Lab with Regional Specification Manager, Tony Boyle, to examine the Scottish Standards.

The “best yet” is how Gilberts Blackpool is describing its latest range of smoke evacuation dampers for multi-storey buildings.

The UK’s market leader in the sector, Gilberts is taking its reputation to new heights with its new Series 60 smoke evacuation damper range.

Believed to be the only vent of its kind designed and manufactured in the UK, Series 60 offers what Gilberts claims will the biggest standard range of EN13501-3 compliant fire-tested dampers. The initial launch provides seven sizes, from 440mm x 440mm up to 1000mm x 1125mm, and all CE marked to EN12101-8; further sizes in just 1mm increments will follow.

Chubb has recently announced the launch of CareUnity® Digital – a new, future-proof dispersed alarm unit that supports the latest 4G technology. Designed to encourage independent living, CareUnity® Digital sets new standards for technology-enabled care, ensuring the home environment is monitored 24 hours a day. Chubb is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

Welcome to the tenth episode of Aico TV!

For the first segment, we will be speaking to Aico’s four Mental Health First Aiders, Jane Pritchard, Lily Ellis, Julie Weaving and Andy Sturgess, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Next, we are joined by Curtis Langley from local charity, The Movement Centre; Curtis discusses the work they do and the Captain Tom 100 Challenge.

Finally, we join David Watts from Sparky Ninja for the final discussion in the mini-series. This week, David, Carl and Andy discuss the E5 Group and their goals of improving standards.

Building owners and operators have always played a vital role in ensuring the fire safety of their properties. However, with the Fire Safety Act 2021 becoming law this April, the responsibilities of those managing multi-occupant residential buildings are now more stringently defined. It states that they are accountable for reducing fire risk of the structure and external walls, and any entry doors between flats and communal areas. Although we are still waiting for the updated guidance to be released, it is imperative that housing associations of all kinds get to work now to ensure the safety of their tenants, including ensuring effective passive fire protection.