Industry
Social Housing
Challenge
Access difficulties and tight deadlines required close collaboration with the client to ensure all Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments were completed before the expiry of existing reports.
Results
Firntec successfully delivered 200 FRAs on time, maintaining full compliance and improving safety outcomes for vulnerable residents across Rochdale’s housing stock.
Key Product
Type 3 FRA
Client Background
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual housing society, managing over 12,000 homes across the borough of Rochdale. As a community-focused housing provider, RBH works in partnership with tenants and employees to create safe, sustainable, and supportive living environments. Their housing stock includes general needs, sheltered, and supported housing, with a strong emphasis on resident involvement and long-term community development.Project Overview
Firntec was commissioned by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to deliver Type 3 Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) across sheltered accommodation and low-risk housing stock. The programme covered 200 FRAs, with the first 100 completed within the first two months and the remaining delivered across the following four months. Type 3 FRAs are more intrusive than standard assessments, requiring checks on compartmentation and fire stopping, and were carried out in live residential environments with tenants present.
The client was already using Riskbase, which enabled a seamless transition into our service delivery, with invoicing managed via NetSuite. Effective tenant liaison and engagement were central to ensuring smooth access and minimal disruption throughout the project. This was Firntec’s first time working with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, who are also a Ventro customer.
Challenges & Solutions
One of the primary challenges was access to properties, which was successfully resolved through close collaboration and direct communication with the client. With tight deadlines to meet before the expiry of the original FRAs, Firntec ensured all assessments were completed on time. The structured programme and proactive communication strategy proved vital in meeting these deadlines without compromising quality. The project also created ongoing opportunities, with quotes submitted for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) reviews arising from FRA findings.
Added Value
Firntec exceeded client expectations by meeting all deadlines and outperforming on timeframe KPIs. The project was delivered efficiently with no reported issues, and informal feedback confirmed high levels of client satisfaction.
Social Value
The project provided clear social benefits by enhancing fire safety for vulnerable communities, including supported housing residents and those experiencing homelessness. Innovative approaches were applied to overcome access challenges and build resident trust, ensuring tenants felt safe and reassured throughout the assessment process.
Results
The project successfully delivered 200 Type 3 FRAs on time and to a high standard, maintaining full compliance for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Tight deadlines were met, access challenges were overcome, and the client received detailed reports to inform future safety planning. This not only strengthened compliance but also improved safety outcomes for some of Rochdale’s most vulnerable residents.
Lessons Learnt
This project highlighted the importance of adhering strictly to client-set schedules and reinforced Firntec’s ability to deliver under pressure without compromising quality. The success of the programme has laid the groundwork for continued collaboration, with further service opportunities already under consideration.
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