From December 2022, Sentinel Group Security has provided security services for Supported Housing Provider as part of our engagement with National Housing Association.

Supported Housing Provider is a sheltered housing organisation providing support for up to 60 young people affected by homelessness. This enables people to live independently and find a pathway back to employment. The organisation is part of National Housing Association, which is dedicated to providing affordable and specialised housing across England, such as:

Shelter for people affected by homelessness
Supported Living Services in homes designed for Extra Care services
Homes with lower rents than the private sector
Affordable home ownership options

Services we deliver

Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents, we deploy 3 core Security Officers and 3 reserve Officers at Supported Housing Provider to deliver the following services:

Preventing unauthorised personnel from entering the site at any time
Conducting car park checks
Conducting site checks
Reporting hazards and incidents to Supported Housing Provider’s Facilities Manager
Supervising all contractors on site
Monitoring fire alarm panel and CCTV
Carrying out added value tasks as agreed with the client, such as safeguarding

Overcoming key challenges

As many of the residents at Supported Housing Provider can be considered vulnerable, the main challenge has been to provide Security Officers capable of sensitively handling any difficult situations. To achieve this, we provide Officers who are already vetted, trained and ready to deliver the specific requirements of the client. For example, during the recruitment process, we thoroughly evaluate the following:

Security Industry Association (SIA) License authentication appropriate to each candidate’s job role, including Guarding, CCTV, Mobile and Close Protection
Complete background check, including employment history
ID checks
Enhanced DBS checks and screening
Character reference checks
Right to Work checks
Completion of First Aid and Fire Marshall training at minimum

Delivering success

Demonstrating our commitment to providing a high standard of security services, we have achieved tangible benefits for Supported Housing Provider including:

Continuity of service: Promoting familiarity between residents and staff, our dedicated core team of Officers have prevented escalating situations, avoided unnecessary police involvement and spotted early signs of safeguarding concerns on multiple occasions
Improved resident safety: Supported Housing Provider has experienced a significant reduction in unauthorised access attempts and reported incidents on-site

Evidencing our success, we received the following feedback from Sarah Shaw, Senior Foyer Support Officer:

“SGS have provided a reliable and efficient service from the beginning of the contract. They excel in response times. For example, if I need urgent cover they do all they can to get this sorted for me; they respond immediately to emails and then follow up with updates thereafter usually the same day e.g. if I need cover for next week. They also email a 2 week rota to us each week so we know who is expected onto site. SGS understand our client group and allocate regular guards where possible so our residents know them and feel safe. Of course there have been issues with some guards, however, the response is always quick and professional with removal of guards and replacements or further training if need be. I have recommended an extension to the contract accordingly.”