Livin and Mears Sedgefield have been working to upgrade the wall insulation of 170 homes, install new boundary walls and develop off street parking. The upgrades were intended to improve the lives of local resident’s and ensure that they stay warm and well during the winter months.The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) which was started in 1997, operates a voluntary Code of Considerate Practice, to which participating construction sites and companies register. The Livin and Mears project was inspected by the CCS and achieved a ‘Beyond Compliance Award’ by scoring highly in all categories: care about appearance, respect the community, protect the environment, secure everyone’s safety and value their workforce.The site was managed with a firm focus on the community. Tenants were kept well informed before and during the works, with work areas being kept extremely clean, tidy and well organised. Tenants were given the opportunity to provide feedback after the improvements had been completed and satisfaction levels exceeded targets, demonstrating the team’s commitment to customer care.Livin and Mears maintain high levels of safety with regular inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A recent inspection found no issues and confirmed the high level of safety standards on the project site. The project demonstrated a commitment to energy conservation with extensive use of energy and water saving features incorporated into the cabins. The team also promoted energy saving with tenants by offering tips and advice.
To support the wider community the Livin and Mears team offered their expertise, on a voluntary basis, to local projects and charity groups. By forging links with local colleges and schools, offering advice, apprenticeships, and training, the project has also assisted young people in their search for employment.The assessors found that Mears value their workforce and have been awarded Investors in People status. All staff are supported by knowledgeable managers and receive ongoing training to enhance their skills and career opportunities. The site team has demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and fully embrace the CCS ethos and values.Yvonne Hickling a resident of Tudloe Manor, enthused about the positive impact her new insulation had made: “It used to cost me £30 a week to heat my home but, since the works were completed, it’s now only costing me £15 per week. I can use the savings to put money away for my new business venture. I would like to thank Mears and Livin personally for what they have done to improve my life.”Alan Small, Mears Group Partnership Manager said: “This is a fantastic project and I’m delighted that we have won a Beyond Compliance Award from the CCS. It demonstrates the commitment of the Livin and Mears team not only to delivering an excellent service but to the wider community as a whole.”Click here to download and view the certificate.