Social Housing Consultancy Services

Areas we support

• Estate Services Reviews

  At Thornton & Lowe, we offer comprehensive estate services audits and reviews to help housing associations improve their in-house or outsourced estate services delivery. Our audits cover a wide range of areas, including grounds maintenance, communal cleaning, pest control, bulky waste management, and park and winter services.

  Our team, led by Steven, our Head of Social Housing Consultancy with 25 years of experience, will assess your current estate services and provide recommendations based on industry best practices and high-performing solutions. We focus on identifying opportunities for improved quality, efficiency, and maximising your team's time.

  
  

  Our estate services audit is a three-stage process tailored to your specific requirements:

  1. Desktop analysis and preparation: We review your documentation, benchmark costs, and assess your service charge approach.
  2. Auditing and analysis: We conduct staff focus groups, site visits, and tenant focus groups to gather insights and monitor standards.
  3. Collation and feedback: We provide a comprehensive report with our findings, recommendations, and a proposed delivery plan aligned with your goals.

  
  

  Whether you need support with a specific aspect of your estate services, such as grounds maintenance or GIS and site maps, or a full-scale audit prior to re-tendering, our bespoke solutions are designed to meet your needs. We act as a "Critical Friend" throughout the process, helping you achieve continuity and modernisation of your estate services.

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• Grounds Maintenance Consultancy

  We know a thing or two when it comes to grounds maintenance, from both a contractor and procurement perspective. With over 30 years' experience, we offer:

  In-House Service Transition Support

  1. Cost-benefit analysis and business planning
  2. Recruitment and staff training strategies
  3. Equipment procurement advice
  4. Regulatory compliance guidance
  5. Health and safety procedure development
  6. Minimising service disruption during transition

  
  

  Outsourced Contract Management

  1. Expertise in estate services contract management
  2. Time-saving solutions to free up staff resources
  3. Cost-saving opportunities through informed negotiations
  4. Service quality improvement through proactive review
  5. Risk management ensuring supplier compliance

  
  

  Grounds Maintenance Performance Management Training

  • Customised specifications tailored to your needs
  • Procurement preparation including site mapping
  • Staffing structure optimisation for efficiency
  • Alignment with your organisation's goals and values
  • Regular feedback and continuous mentorship
  • Skills development for your team members

  
  

  Whether you're considering bringing grounds maintenance in-house or looking to enhance your outsourced contract management, Thornton & Lowe has the expertise to support your success. Our flexible packages range from 3-month interventions to ongoing 12-month programmes, with training options starting at just £1,350 + VAT per organisation.

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• Service Specification Creation

  Service Specifications can't be generic. They need to be based around your unique needs and challenges. We create best practice and bespoke specifications for our clients - we do this by spending time with your team, on your sites and estates, understanding exactly what is needed to ensure your grounds maintenance operations are effective, compliant, and deliver value for money.

  Our Practical Approach:

  On-Site Assessments

  • Thorough site visits to understand your specific maintenance requirements
  • Identification of areas for improvement and potential cost savings
  • Consideration of site-specific challenges and opportunities

  
  

  Stakeholder Engagement

  • Interviews with key personnel to gather insights and expectations
  • Collaboration with your team to ensure specifications align with your goals
  • Incorporation of feedback from residents and end-users

  
  

  Data-Driven Analysis

  • Review of historical maintenance data and performance metrics
  • Identification of trends, patterns, and areas for optimisation
  • Benchmarking against industry standards and best practices

  
  

  Customised Specification Development

  • Creation of detailed, site-specific maintenance standards and schedules
  • Inclusion of clear performance indicators and reporting requirements
  • Incorporation of sustainability and environmental best practices
  • Ensuring specifications are easily understandable and actionable

  
  
  

  Implementation Support

  • Training for your team to ensure effective specification implementation
  • Assistance with procurement exercises and contractor selection
  • Ongoing support and guidance to maintain specification relevance and effectiveness

  
  

  Continuous Improvement

  • Regular audits and performance reviews to identify areas for enhancement
  • Updating specifications based on changing needs and industry advancements
  • Ongoing collaboration with your team to drive continuous improvement

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• Contract Mobilisation

  After developing the perfect specification, engaging relevant suppliers, and running a compliant and highly effective procurement process - don't let mobilisation let you down. We find this is often neglected, with not enough time nor capacity given to ensuring the success of the contract. This can't just be on the contractor; it requires a collaborative effort from both parties to set the stage for a successful partnership.

  Our Comprehensive Contract Mobilisation Support:

  • Mobilisation Planning
    • Development of a detailed mobilisation plan and timeline
    • Identification of key milestones and dependencies
    • Allocation of resources and responsibilities for both parties
    • Establishment of clear communication channels and reporting mechanisms

  
  

  
  

  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
    • Thorough analysis of potential risks and challenges during mobilisation
    • Creation of contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies
    • Identification of critical success factors and performance indicators
    • Establishment of a robust issue resolution process

  
  

  
  

  • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
    • Identification of key stakeholders and their roles in the mobilisation process
    • Development of a comprehensive communication plan
    • Regular progress updates and stakeholder meetings
    • Ensuring all parties are aligned and informed throughout the process

  
  

  
  

  • Transition Management
    • Smooth handover from the previous contractor or in-house team
    • Coordination of logistics, equipment, and personnel
    • Minimisation of service disruptions during the transition period
    • Establishment of a clear scope of work and performance expectations

  
  

  
  

  • Training and Knowledge Transfer
    • Identification of training needs for the contractor's staff
    • Facilitation of knowledge transfer sessions between the client and contractor
    • Ensuring the contractor's team is fully equipped to deliver the service
    • Continuous learning and development opportunities throughout the contract

  
  

  
  

  • Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
    • Establishment of a robust performance monitoring framework
    • Regular audits and inspections to ensure contract compliance
    • Identification of areas for improvement and implementation of corrective actions
    • Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

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• Producing Site Plans & GIS

  We understand the importance of having accurate and comprehensive site plans to effectively manage your grounds maintenance operations. That's why we offer a specialised service to produce high-quality site plans and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tailored to your specific needs.

  Our GIS Mapping Service:

  • Detailed Site Surveys
    • Thorough on-site assessments to capture accurate data
    • Identification of key features, assets, and maintenance requirements
    • Collection of geo-referenced data for precise mapping

  
  

  • Customised GIS Mapping
    • Creation of interactive, user-friendly GIS maps
    • Integration of site-specific data, such as asset locations and maintenance schedules
    • Customisation of map layers and attributes to suit your needs
    • Compatibility with your existing systems and software

  
  

  • Asset Management Integration
    • Linking of GIS data with your asset management system
    • Enabling efficient planning, scheduling, and tracking of maintenance activities
    • Facilitating data-driven decision making and resource optimisation

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• Tree Surveys

  Tree surveys are an essential tool for housing associations to effectively manage risk and budgets associated with the trees on their properties. As a responsible landlord, housing associations have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their tenants, staff, and the general public. By conducting regular tree surveys, housing associations can identify potential hazards, assess tree health, and take proactive measures to mitigate risks and maintain the aesthetic value of their estates.

  One of the primary benefits of tree surveys is that they help housing associations comply with legal obligations. Under common and statute law, housing associations are required to maintain and manage trees on their properties properly to minimise any associated risks. Failure to do so could result in claims of negligence if a tree were to cause injury or damage. By keeping records of tree conditions through regular surveys, housing associations can demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling their duty of care and protect themselves from potential legal disputes.

  
  

  In addition to legal compliance, tree surveys support better estate management and budget planning. By understanding the species, health, and maintenance requirements of the trees on their properties, housing associations can develop cost-effective strategies for tree care. Surveys can help prioritise work based on the condition and location of trees, allowing for the optimisation of resources and the enhancement of the overall appearance of the housing estate. Well-maintained trees not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the property but can also increase property values and improve tenant satisfaction.

  
  

  Furthermore, tree surveys play a key role in mitigating risks to people and property. By identifying hazardous trees, such as those with structural weaknesses or diseases, housing associations can take prompt action to remove or treat them before they cause harm. This proactive approach not only protects residents and their property but also demonstrates the association's commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.

  
  

  To effectively assess and manage tree stock, housing associations can benefit from the expertise of professional tree surveyors. At Thornton & Lowe, we offer comprehensive tree surveys to help housing associations manage their green spaces more effectively. Our surveys assess the health and safety of trees on the properties, identify issues early, and provide recommendations for timely maintenance. By adopting a proactive approach, our clients can save money by avoiding costly emergency repairs and ensuring the long-term health of their trees.
  

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• Sustainability & Biodiversity

  We are committed to helping housing associations and other organisations integrate sustainable practices and enhance biodiversity across their estates.

  Our Sustainable Grounds Maintenance Approach:

  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Strategies
    • Developing comprehensive BNG strategies aligned with the Environment Act 2021
    • Identifying opportunities to enhance biodiversity through habitat creation and restoration
    • Advising on the generation and sale of biodiversity credits to support conservation efforts
    • Ensuring compliance with BNG requirements in new developments and existing estates

  
  

  • Sustainable Maintenance Practices
    • Promoting the use of native, pollinator-friendly plant species
    • Implementing water-efficient irrigation systems and drought-tolerant landscaping
    • Reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides through integrated pest management
    • Encouraging composting and the use of organic fertilisers to improve soil health

  
  

  • Community Engagement and Education
    • Collaborating with residents to create community gardens and green spaces
    • Providing educational resources and workshops on sustainable gardening practices
    • Engaging residents in biodiversity monitoring and conservation initiatives
    • Fostering a sense of stewardship and connection with nature

  
  

  • Sustainable Procurement and Waste Management
    • Sourcing materials and products from sustainable, locally-sourced suppliers
    • Implementing eco-friendly waste management practices, such as composting and recycling
    • Reducing the carbon footprint of grounds maintenance operations through efficient logistics
    • Promoting the use of electric or low-emission maintenance equipment

  
  

  • Monitoring and Reporting
    • Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability and biodiversity
    • Regularly monitoring and assessing the impact of sustainable grounds maintenance practices
    • Reporting on progress and achievements to stakeholders and the wider community
    • Continuously improving and adapting strategies based on data-driven insights

  
  

  By embracing sustainability and biodiversity in grounds maintenance, housing associations and other organisations can create healthier, more vibrant communities while contributing to the fight against climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Our team of experts is here to guide you on this journey, providing tailored strategies and support to help you achieve your sustainability goals.

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• Benchmarking & Finding Efficiencies

  At Thornton & Lowe, we help you deliver value for money and ensure the efficiency of your commercial services through expert benchmarking and service charge analysis. Our comprehensive approach includes conducting comparative analyses to identify best practices and potential efficiency gains, analysing your service charge structure to ensure compliance and transparency, and providing data-driven insights to guide decision-making. We also assist in developing effective communication strategies to foster positive relationships with residents and ensure clarity in service charge communications. Our team works closely with you to understand your unique challenges and provide tailored solutions that drive continuous improvement. By leveraging our expertise, you can optimise your commercial services, enhance resident satisfaction, and achieve long-term success in social housing.

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• Procurement Consultancy

  Outsourced Procurement Manager

  Thornton & Lowe's 'Outsourced Procurement Manager' model is designed for public sector bodies and housing associations that need consistent procurement support and expertise without employing full-time roles. Our experienced team offers a range of services, including procurement audits and appraisals, procurement support, contract implementation and management, procurement compliance, supplier relationships management, and procurement options appraisals.

  
  

  Procurement Audits and Appraisals

  Our team conducts thorough reviews of your existing procurement practices, benchmarking against industry standards and identifying areas for improvement. We analyse documentation, specifications, contracts, budgets, schedules, and performance data to provide comprehensive insights and recommendations. Our audits help you ensure compliance, maximise value for money, and optimise your procurement processes.

  
  

  Estate Services Procurement Support

  Our estate services audits help housing associations prepare for procurement exercises by identifying areas for improvement and cost savings in grounds maintenance and cleaning services. We work closely with your team to ensure resident satisfaction, compliance, and value for money. Our expertise in procurement and contract management allows us to guide you through the entire process, from developing specifications to implementing and managing contracts.

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