Established in 2001 as a not-for-profit organisation, the Slough Home Improvement Agency (SHIA) assists the elderly, disabled and vulnerable members of the community to improve, maintain or adapt their properties, thus enabling them to remain in their own homes and enjoy a safe, secure and independent environment. In 2005, robbery and burglary offences in the Slough area were over twice the national average. Therefore, in December last year, the SHIA established the Homesafe Slough Scheme in partnership with the Thames Valley Police, Age Concern Slough and Response Electronics.
The scheme offers each member of the carefully selected client group installation of a burglar alarm free of charge. Referrals are usually made following a burglary (or an attempted burglary), in which case the system is fitted within 24 hours. The scheme is financed by using existing Council grant funding, and over 325 alarm systems have been fitted post-inception. Feedback from service users has been extremely positive, and is a clear endorsement of the success of this particular partnership.
Runners-Up:
Dedicated Micros
Dedicated Micros’ ground-breaking installer partnership programme, DM Fusion, was created to deliver enhanced back-up and support to key installers in the UK and Ireland. Installers who sign-up unlock a number of key benefits, including: a dedicated account manager to act as a central point of contact, priority access to the company’s demonstration teams, discounts on demonstration stock, enhanced technical support, tailored technical and sales training and a ‘collect and return’ repairs policy.
G4S Security Services (UK) and Land Securities Trillium
At Land Securities Trillium, G4S Security Services (UK) works with a number of service providers across different disciplines. As part of this process, the ‘Working Together’ initiative recognises that true integration requires a ‘Back to Basics’ approach. Working groups were formed to analyse operations at a site level, and identify barriers to improved customer service. The project is being rolled out across the whole estate (approximately 650 sites) over the coming 12 months.
Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International and Industry Partners
The Security Research Initiative is an ambitious project based on industry-wide partnerships. It involves cutting edge research that has a practical relevance and generates new insights, enhancing the professionalism of the security sector. Supporters of the research – which has already looked at procurement and security as a ‘value add’ proposition – include the BSIA, The Security Institute, ASIS International Chapter 208 and CMP Information, publisher of SMT and Security Installer.
Southern Rail/British Transport Police/Attlaw Security
In March 2004, Southern adopted a ‘Complementary Policing’ approach to providing security on trains and stations. The team created to do so consisted of five Southern revenue protection officers, one dedicated officer from the British Transport Police (to enforce the law) and four private security officers supplied by Attlaw Security (for effective security support to the team).
Wilson James and Linklaters
Wilson James was appointed security guarding solutions provider to Linklaters four years ago, and has since worked alongside the client in a true partnership to jointly achieve security improvements. An holistic strategy was devised to unite the in-house and contract teams and raise their profile. The team makes a presentation to all new joiners, and there’s a bi-annual Security Roadshow.