Orwell Housing was facing a backlog of approximately 1000 properties that were overdue EICRs. DSA Electrical was initially awarded the contract to carry out EICRs on approximately 600 properties over three months. These were all occupied properties and included sheltered housing and communal areas. The programme was tight to get through the required number of properties in a short space of time. The wide geographical spread of the properties was an additional complication. Working within sheltered housing schemes presents particular challenges around the safeguarding and needs of often vulnerable residents.
To fulfil the contract, DSA Electrical pulled extra resource from our extensive and flexible workforce to dedicate to the Orwell Housing contract. Sensitive liaison between our Resident Liaison team was vital to ensure that residents were kept fully informed, carers notified where necessary and any fears or questions addressed thoroughly. This approach ensures we have excellent access rates, facilitating the timely completion of programmes. Our fully qualified engineers are highly experienced in working in occupied properties, DBS checked and trained in Equality & Diversity. Our Planner software details any health or safeguarding issues our engineers need to be aware of so they can arrive at appointments fully able to address residents’ needs.
DSA Electrical was so successful in carrying out EICRs on the contracted 600 properties that Orwell Housing has since contracted us to complete EICRs on a further approximately 200 properties in 2020 and LD2 smoke alarm upgrades to 100 properties.