The contract outline was to provide maintenance, reactive and lifecycle works for a Facilities Management (FM) contract managed by Kier, the principal contractor. The contract involves the provision of FM & refurbishment services across eight sites in Lewisham.
Premises Kiasu Workforce Are Involved With
- Bonus Pastor Catholic College (2 sites)
- Conisborough College
- Deptford Green School
- Drumbeat Primary School (special needs)
- Prendergast Vale School
- Sedgehill Academy
- Trinity All Through School (Secondary Phase)
Implemented Works on This Case
- Like-for-like internal & external redecoration, including for various access equipment
- Flooring replacements – carpet, vinyl, cap & cove, screed, stair nosings
- Carpentry – decking, sleepers, boxing replacements, bespoke furniture/equipment construction
- Science lab installations
Our Solution & Challenges
The Solution
This contract required the use and coordination of numerous tradespeople with different specialisations; our comprehensive offering meant the client rarely needed to engage with other suppliers.
As quotes were often requested by the client at short notice, and with limited information provided to guide the estimate, we produced quotes based on a combination of statistical and analogous estimating methods, using our experience with similar projects as a baseline for costs. Best practice change control was then used for any further changes to the quoted works.
The Challenges
A significant challenge in delivering this contract was the extremely tight deadlines given by the client.
We met these deadlines by using agile resourcing, whereby we increased our workforce at short notice via approved and vetted self-employed subcontractors, rearranged our schedule, and rebooked other works to free up Kiasu engineers as required, with weekend working arranged where necessary.
Our Innovation & Added Value to The Projects
We have proposed and introduced several bespoke solutions for work requests (approx. 10% of total works). For example, we designed and procured bespoke aluminium roof capping sections to rectify storm wind damage.
As there was no O&M information available, we fabricated them based on dimensions and data taken from original capping sections. We also removed a fence which had been poorly installed by a previous contractor and replaced it with a picket fence with custom brickwork and steps.
The existing fence panels were repurposed to form finger-guards for a larger perimeter fence, ensuring minimal waste was produced.
Our Contractors Compliance & Training
As a school site, all engineers had enhanced DBS checks and underwent additional safeguarding toolbox talks. All were trained and competent in IPAF, compliant with Kier site H&S policies, and were issued staircase-specific PASMA training as requested by the site.
Risk Assessment for These Projects
Drumbeat School caters for children on the autism spectrum and having behavioural disorders.
All RAMS therefore needed to consider a range of additional considerations, such as robust segregation of work areas, planning work so as not to coincide with pupil presence on site, and ensuring installed products were ‘harm-proofed’ by checking and eliminating sharp edges, climbable points, and bare woods to remove splinter risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Subcontractors Selected to Deliver Facilities Management Services Across School Sites?
At Kiasu Workforce our M&E contractors undergo rigorous training and we allocate workers based on qualifications, expertise and track record in facilities management services.
For projects such as schools we also carry out DBS checks of all engineers and provide additional safeguarding toolbox talks. All our staff are highly trained and skilled individuals that can carry out their duties to a high standard across the board regardless of facility type.
Our bespoke facilities management strategies align with UK standards and regulations to keep sites safe and secure, we also carry out regular performance reviews and audits to monitor compliance.
Effective communication channels facilitate seamless coordination between our M&E contractors team ensuring a smooth delivery of services across sites.
What Measures Are in Place to Handle Emergency Maintenance Situations in Different School Environments?
At Kiasu Workforce we have robust emergency response protocols that are individually tailored to every site, our M&E contractors will respond to any emergency 24/7.
We provide around the clock maintenance to ensure facilities and systems are running at optimal levels. Emergency contact lines and communication systems ensure immediate response to identify and resolve any issues rapidly.
How Do You Manage Risks Associated with Maintenance and Refurbishment Works of School Sites?
Our M&E contractors will carry out comprehensive risk assessments before commencing any work to address hazards and developing mitigation strategies.
Our expert team is trained to anticipate site specific needs and risks across different schools.
Our commercial facilities management strictly follows UK health and safety regulations throughout any project to ensure the safety of all occupants during maintenance and refurbishment works.
Collaboration with school stakeholders and M&E contractors allows us to tailor our approach to specific concerns.