Building Services team sparkle!

Whilst many of our frontline services have had their efforts recognised in recent weeks, we’d like to shine the light on the ‘unseen’ heroes of the Council workforce – The Building Services Team.

Already a 24/7 emergency service before the outbreak, the team are used to delivering essential services under challenging circumstances.

However, since the outbreak of Covid-19, they have shown exceptional flexibility and determination to continue to fullfil their duties. Many have been re-allocated and have dedicated extra hours, weekends and bank holidays to provide a rolling service.

To help reduce the potential spread of the virus both in Council buildings and the school hubs, Building Cleaning management have worked in tandem with colleagues to accommodate the individual cleaning requirements of each premises. They’ve succeeded in recruiting a number of redeployed staff, and where possible, have used their own resources to provide respite for external school cleaners.

Council and public buildings have also benefitted from a ‘deep clean’ service, as well as the application of viricidal cleaning solutions to all hard surfaces.

As well as keeping buildings clean, the team work round the clock to keep them secure. Thanks to the Security and Facilities Support Services teams, staff have continued safe access to buildings and a degree of business continuity has been maintained. 

Alongside their regular duties, both service management and internal courier staff have been on hand to assist with the PPE distribution program, delivering vital protective items to other frontline workers.

Essential repairs are being sustained in corporate and public buildings, with the services also responding to some improvement works. As a result, many projects have been progressed whilst the buildings remain closed or empty.

Repairs have also been made to Council housing. Continuing to prepare high quality housing for those who need it, the team are preparing homes ready for the next tenants. There has also been a reported increase in domestic violence during the crisis which has seen maintenance staff regularly working in homes to improve safety for victims.

Despite the new dangers posed by the virus, the risk from poorly maintained properties is still very real. The Housing and Corporate Compliance teams continue to service gas appliances and electrical circuits and investigate legionella and fire risks. Whilst checking empty buildings may not seem top priority, it will that buildings will be able to re-open smoothly and safely in future.

Simon Bowden, Cleaning and Security Manager, has praised the efforts of the department:

“I’m so proud of all members of my team who sprang into action when Covid-19 first reared its head. Immediately, they began to issue Viricidal Cleaning Solutions to all sites and instructed staff where to focus their energies to minimise the possibility of transference of the virus.  

“The attitude of the frontline staff has been spot-on, and they have been completely understanding of the need to adapt and change the way we operate, as we all work together to get through these uncertain times.”

Without a doubt, the Building Services team play a key role in putting the ‘new normal’ into practice. Their often-unseen work helps safeguard the lives of residents and colleagues providing us all with a sense of safety and security during these challenging times.