Housing Fire Safety Policy Monitoring, accountability, continuous improvement and resources

Published: 1 August 2024

Contents

14. Monitoring and Accountability 

14.1. Given the importance of us effectively dealing with and managing fire safety, we will ensure we maintain an up-to-date status of our fire safety work and an ‘audit trail’ of all our actions relating to all cases. 

14.2. Our arrangements for monitoring and accountability will comprise: o Maintaining accurate and complete records of all our day-to-day repair reports and actions relating fire safety equipment installations. o Including key metrics and status of all required fire safety equipment testing and servicing on our Compliance Dashboard, with reporting and monitoring of the dashboard to Executive Team and Councillors. 

15. Continuous improvement Learning from Past Cases 

15.1. We recognise the importance of using case data of our experience of carrying out required fire safety works as an opportunity for learning and improvement. 

15.2. To achieve this, we will review our arrangements and procedures on a regular basis, at least annually, to see if they remain sufficiently robust and effective, in line with best practice. Staff Training 

15.3. We are committed to ensuring that staff training supports our zero-tolerance approach to our fire safety work. 

15.4. To do this, we will ensure that all front-line staff, including customer service teams and surveyors, are trained in fire safety awareness and in how it applies to WBC buildings and residents. We will ensure any new staff complete the training within twelve months of joining and the training will be refreshed periodically at appropriate intervals dependant o the post. 

15.5. In addition, the Building Safety and Compliance Manager may be required to hold the Level 4 Diploma in Asset and Building Management Compliance, which includes a module on managing fire safety within social housing. Resident Engagement 

15.6. Effectively managing fire safety in residential properties requires a joint effort between Landlord & Tenant. Therefore, we will seek to engage as positively as we can with residents to remind them of the importance of properly managing their tenancy to minimise fire safety risks, as well as allowing us to access to their home for us to carry out our essential, legally required, work. 

15.7. We will therefore ensure we provide residents with written and verbal advice that is consistent, accurate, and up to date. This will include advice on:

  • The use of candles.
  • The storage and keeping of items within homes and on balconies/terraces, as well as in communal areas.
  • The arrangements in place for their building in the event of fire or other serious incident, including evacuation procedures.
  • Any arrangements in place for specific individuals in the event of fire, most notably Personal Emergency Evacation Plans (PEEPS).
  • Any other items or issues that arise from time to time. 

17. Responsibility and review 

17.1. The Head of Housing Assets is responsible for the review and implementation of this policy document, and it’s associated process. 

17.2. This policy was first published on 1st August 2024 and will be reviewed every 2 years.