At Smarter Services, we know that our job goes beyond keeping buildings clean and tidy. When it comes to the communities we work with, our top priority is supporting the vulnerable residents who call these spaces home.
As Ian, our COO, explains, “We have schemes with a wide spread of residents including individuals, young families, and more senior residents. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, both our teams and the residents.”
That means being thoughtful about how we do our work. “We avoid noisy tasks early in the morning or on weekends, since we know that can really upset some people,” says Ian. “And our teams always keep an eye out, ready to lend a hand if they see someone struggling with their groceries or packages.”
It’s not just about adjusting schedules, though. Smarter Services also invests heavily in training our staff to handle sensitive situations. “All our people are DBS checked and go through safeguarding courses,” Ian notes. “We want them to be able to recognise any issues and respond in a caring, professional way.”
Our staff understand the importance of their role and the impact they can have. It's not something we teach them – it's part of their moral compass, and we're proud to support them in making a difference.
Becoming part of the community
And it’s not just the right thing to do – it’s also smart business. “The housing associations we work with really value partners who understand the needs of vulnerable residents,” Ian explains. “It helps us build strong relationships and become a true part of the community.”
Beyond the day-to-day, Smarter Services also looks for ways to give back. “We’ve sponsored local sports teams, helped with community gardening projects, even provided funding for people to stay in crisis shelters over the holidays,” Ian shares. “It’s about more than just doing our jobs – it’s about being a good neighbour.”
Empathy in action
A recent study by the National Housing Federation found that nearly 1 in 4 social housing residents in the UK are considered vulnerable – they’re dealing with things like physical or mental health challenges, disabilities and financial instabilities (National Housing Federation, 2022).
The experts say that when these people feel safe, supported, and included in their neighbourhoods, it’s a real game-changer, for everyone. Because it doesn’t just help them personally, but it strengthens the whole community.
So, by making the needs of vulnerable residents a top priority, forward-thinking facilities management companies like Smarter Services are really setting a new standard.
At the end of the day, Ian says it best: “Our people get it. They know how important it is to treat everyone with respect and compassion. That’s not something we have to force – it’s just part of who they are.”
For Smarter Services, supporting vulnerable residents isn’t an add-on or a nice-to-have. It’s fundamental to how we do business and who we are as a company. By putting people first, we’re not just meeting our ethical obligations – we’re building stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone!
