South Somerset Homes awarded ‘demonstration status’ for gas servicing partnering contract
18 April 2005

South Somerset Homes have been awarded ‘demonstration status’ for their gas servicing partnering contract with Connaught Gas Services. The award of ‘demonstration status’ was given by Constructing Excellence, who are part funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. Their aim is to achieve a dramatic change in construction productivity by tackling market failures and encouraging continuous improvement.

In order to gain ‘demonstration status’ South Somerset Homes and Connaught Gas Services had to present details of their gas servicing partnering contract to a number of peer organisations. Feedback forms were completed by the peer organisations and the results scored by Constructing Excellence to determine whether they were good enough to be awarded ‘demonstration status.’

The key issues that Constructing Excellence set out to address are health and safety, respect for people, effective procurement, sustainability and energy efficiency and best practice awareness.

Pictured here is Glen Smith (Gas Servicing Engineer) carrying out some work on a tenant’s boiler

Mike Kay, Director of Asset Management for South Somerset Homes said, “We were encouraged by the National Housing Federation to enter our demonstration project on gas servicing as very few submissions focused on maintenance and servicing.

“It is imperative that we get Gas servicing right as it is fundamentally about saving peoples lives by keeping them safe in their home.

“Using a partnering approach to Gas Servicing allows us to track costs, focus on quality rather than volume, do the job properly and to share strategic information. Keeping our customers happy is at the core of what we do and to achieve this our service must be reliable, consistent and transparent.”

Mike Roberts, Western Regional Director for Connaught said, “A good working relationship and professional operatives make for excellent results, and this recognition reaffirms the success of our partnership with South Somerset Homes. We are committed to maintaining the highest quality of work possible.”

Colin James, Head of Responsive Repairs of South Somerset Homes said, “By working together we have achieved 100% service delivery, 100% gas regulation compliance, satisfied tenants and peace of mind for tenants, staff and board.

“Being awarded ‘demonstration status’ will allow us to share with other like-minded organisations this success giving them the opportunity to incorporate some or all of what we do to enhance their own service delivery and contribute to the Health and Safety national agenda.

Pictured here is Glen Smith (Gas Servicing Engineer) and the jointly branded partnership van