HOUSING BOSS ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVES TO SUPPORT CLEANING PROGRAMME TO PROTECT VULNERABLE TENANTS

A Norfolk housing association boss is proving that actions speak louder than words by incorporating cleaning duties into his working week – as staff from right across the organisation are drafted in to help with an intensive sanitisation programme designed to protect its most vulnerable residents.

Michael Newey, chief executive at Broadland Housing Association, is joining other members of his senior team to ensure that ‘touch points’ in communal areas at the association’s sheltered housing schemes are sanitised daily during the Coronavirus crisis.

Michael reported for duty at York Place, a sheltered scheme of 48 flats and  bungalows in Dereham, where he received his training and induction from Elaine Browne, cleaning supervisor with the association’s in-house cleaning service.

He will join redeployed repairs staff, managers and other directors in undertaking the vital regular sanitisation duty for the duration of the crisis.

“These are extraordinary times, and we are starting to find the new normal,” said Mr Newey.  “Our number one priority has to be to protect our tenants, and especially the most vulnerable tenants, and that means we all have to lend a hand to do what needs to be done.

“There is a really strong ‘we’re all in this together’ feeling throughout the organisation, with a real desire to keep everybody safe and well.”

The daily sanitisation routine will see touch points such as door handles, light switches, cupboards and banisters disinfected every day, in addition to twice weekly deep-cleans of sheltered schemes such as York Place.

Staff across Broadland Housing Association are also stepping up to provide practical and emotional support for tenants, with all vulnerable people being phoned regularly to ensure they have what they need, or simply for a chat to alleviate the isolation.