Latest news with #Bield
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Biggar pilot housing project with smart sensors hailed a resounding success
Sensors monitored property conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion. A groundbreaking smart tech pilot project at a retirement complex in South Lanarkshire has been hailed a resounding success. The recently-completed six-month project saw the installation of a range of unobtrusive sensors at a facility in Biggar. And it is believed there could be 'significant benefits for both tenants and the housing providers' as well as an estimated annual saving of £18.5 million when applied across all of Scotland's sheltered housing developments. Covering retired individuals at Bield's Langvout Court in Biggar, the project involved sensors being placed around communal spaces and ten individual properties at the development in order to monitor property conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion. Gavin Wright, head of property management at Bield, commented: 'This project exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can support older people to live independently, safely and with dignity. 'We're proud to have played a key role in a partnership that's delivering real, positive change. The smart technology we trialled at Langvout Court has brought clear cost savings and improved safety. As a result, we're now exploring how this approach can be rolled out across our wider estate.' Involving Glasgow-based digital health innovator Archangel alongside Bield Housing and Care and the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI), the completed project underwent a comprehensive assessment by Edinburgh-based digital technology consultancy firm FarrPoint. The project, entitled 'Evaluating care delivery in rural settings', showcased the latest technology innovations and was funded by the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme. Data was relayed immediately to Archangel's ambient assisted living (AAL) secure technology platform and automatically monitored 24/7 to proactively address any potential issues that might arise in relation to the living conditions of tenants. The sensors were connected via the Angelnet resilient connectivity network, with the data then becoming available to all stakeholders via the Archangel platform. The project delivered an annual £7670 saving in heating costs and an annual £2825 saving in maintenance costs. An £18.5 million annual saving is estimated when factored out across all of Scotland's sheltered housing developments. Tom Morton, CEO of Archangel, commented: 'The independent FarrPoint evaluation confirms real, measurable outcomes that address today's operational, financial and regulatory pressures as well as a return on investment within the first year. By aggregating data across housing and care environments, the Archangel platform delivers safer homes, reduces energy and maintenance costs, improves compliance and frees up staff time. 'This isn't about experimenting with innovation. It's about helping leaders turn information into action, confidently and cost-effectively. Our partners are empowered to deploy secure, proven, scalable solutions with real-time insights available 24/7 that drive strategic impact, operational efficiency and better outcomes for people and communities.' The final report, produced by FarrPoint, demonstrates the considerable impact that the use of smart sensors can have in the housing sector: ■ Reduced utility costs ■ Reduced maintenance costs ■ Reduced manual checks ■ Improved tenant safety ■ Improved regulatory compliance The use of smart technology can also be used to monitor other environmental conditions to detect risks such as legionella. Kate Milne, economist at FarrPoint, who led the assessment, said: 'As independent consultants, we often do studies evaluating the real impact that technology can bring, and I'm pleased that this particular assessment showed positive benefits of intelligent sensors to residents at Langvout Court. Not only did it enhance their sense of safety and wellbeing but also supported Bield staff to deliver more timely, informed responses.' The innovation scheme has been made possible through funding from the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme. Janette Hughes, director of planning and performance with DHI (and Chair of the UKTIN Health Working Group), who alerted Archangel to the funding opportunity, added: 'This is ultimately about making housing more connected and safer, which allows for more responsive communities creating the conditions for people to live happier, longer and more secure lives in their own properties.' And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Edinburgh Reporter
16-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Leading housing provider seeks new Board Members
Scotland's leading provider of housing and care for older people has launched a recruitment campaign for new Board Members as it continues a transformative five-year strategy. Bield Housing and Care is seeking to appoint voluntary Board Members with strategic expertise across a range of fields including finance, housing regulation, HR, construction, and corporate development. The recruitment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation, which supports more than 5,000 tenants across over 170 developments and is guided by an ambitious strategy to enhance independent living, digital transformation and environmental impact. New Board Members will play a key role in delivering Bield's vision of a Scotland where people of all ages are respected, can make their own choices and live fulfilled lives within their communities. Paul Edie, Chair of the Bield Board, said: 'Providing high-quality housing and care is one of the most meaningful challenges facing Scotland today, and we need passionate, forward-thinking leaders to help guide our response. 'This is a rare opportunity to shape policy and practice at the very top of one of Scotland's most progressive housing organisations.' Applications are being invited from individuals with experience in older people policy, finance and treasury, housing regulation, development and construction, corporate transformation, HR and technology. Katie Smart, who joined the Board recently, said: 'As a new Board Member, I have been fully welcomed into Bield by the existing Board Members and the Executive Management Team. We are all invested in supporting Bield to provide the best services to our customers whilst ensuring we can deliver on our long-term commitments.' Bield's 2023-2028 Corporate Strategy sets out a bold vision to lead the global standard for ageing at home. With key strategic aims including digital innovation, new housing development, improved energy efficiency and personalised care, the role of the Board is more vital than ever. Graeme Russell, a long-serving Board Member, added: 'I firmly believe that everyone, irrespective of their background, should have access to a well-managed, well-maintained and affordable home.' Angus MacRae, who also sits on the Board, said: 'Having retired from private practice, I was keen to take on a rewarding voluntary role and was immediately drawn to Bield's ambitious business development plans and sector-leading initiatives like TAPPI.' Applicants may be based in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Dundee, with meetings held in a mix of in-person and virtual formats to encourage broad participation. Interested candidates should apply before the closing date of 26 May 2025. For more information about Bield or to arrange a discussion with the Chair, please contact Michelle Breen, Governance Officer, via email at: For a recruitment pack, please email: Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
29-04-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Tenant voices drive rise in satisfaction
Tenants in Scotland are more content, with new figures from a leading housing provider revealing that nearly 85% are happy with the overall service provided, marking a significant uplift from the previous year. A comprehensive new report reveals that 84.9% of tenants are now 'very' or 'fairly' satisfied with their housing, up from 80.3% just a year ago, and surpassing internal targets. Bield Housing and Care, the organisation behind the initiative, says the strategy has empowered frontline teams to respond more effectively while also offering clearer insight into evolving tenant priorities. Fuelled by a fresh approach to tenant feedback, the uplift reflects changes such as the move to rolling satisfaction surveys and the launch of a Tenant Insight Network, allowing teams to act swiftly on what matters most to tenants. While the results show encouraging progress, Bield is clear that the work doesn't stop here. Leaders say the uplift is a step in the right direction, but not the finish line. Robert Black, Bield's Policy & Insight Officer, said: 'By listening more regularly and more closely to our tenants, we are reshaping services to better reflect their priorities. This year's improvements are proof that when tenants feel heard, trust grows, and satisfaction follows. 'While we're pleased to see overall satisfaction increasing, we know there is more work to do. Our focus now is on maintaining momentum and targeting areas that matter most to our residents.' With more than 1,850 responses spanning over 144 developments, the survey provides one of the most detailed snapshots yet of life in supported housing for older people across Scotland. Repairs remain a key focus area, with satisfaction levels showing encouraging progress but still falling slightly short of internal targets. This year's report shows that 84.3% of tenants were satisfied with their most recent repair—an increase from 81.5% in 2023—though below the target of 88%. In response, the housing provider has already taken steps to address concerns raised. These include enhanced training for trades teams, clearer repair communications, and better coordination of visits to ensure issues are resolved right first time. More than 86% said that living in their home helped them live independently, with 80% agreeing it had improved their quality of life. Over 92% of those using Bield Response 24 (BR24) emergency response services said it made them feel safer and more independent. Zhan McIntyre, Head of Policy & Customer Standards at Bield, added: 'This is just the beginning. I've seen first-hand the positive impact we can have, but we know we can go further. This report sets a strong foundation, and now we're building on it with even greater ambition. 'We're investing where it matters most, deepening our engagement with tenants, and pushing to raise standards across the board. 'Whether it's through better communication, smarter services or shaping national policy, Bield is determined to play a leading role in the future of housing and care in Scotland.' Tenants also highlighted areas for future investment; listing upgrades to windows, heating systems and bathrooms as top priorities. In line with this, Bield is planning targeted capital investment in key developments over the coming year, supported by local insight data. Complementing the new rolling survey model, the organisation is also investing in regional forums and its Tenant Insight Network, a platform designed to deepen participation and bring lived experience into service decisions. Tenant satisfaction with opportunities to participate now stands at 62.9%, up from 57.4% the previous year, and ahead of the organisation's own target of 60%. As the housing landscape continues to evolve, the report suggests that putting tenants at the heart of operations is not only ethically sound – but strategically essential. The full report can be found here: Founded in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to become a leading housing charity in Scotland. Today, it provides support for over 5,000 tenants across more than 170 developments, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older people through innovative care and housing solutions. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Tenant voices drive rise in housing satisfaction
Satisfaction among tenants across Scotland has surged, with new figures from a leading housing provider revealing that nearly 85 per cent are content with the overall service provided, marking a significant uplift from the previous year Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A comprehensive new report reveals that 84.9% of tenants are now 'very' or 'fairly' satisfied with their housing, up from 80.3 per cent just a year ago, and surpassing internal targets. Bield Housing and Care, the organisation behind the initiative, says the strategy has empowered frontline teams to respond more effectively while also offering clearer insight into evolving tenant priorities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fuelled by a fresh approach to tenant feedback, the uplift reflects changes such as the move to rolling satisfaction surveys and the launch of a Tenant Insight Network, allowing teams to act swiftly on what matters most to tenants. The Bield research shows an uptick in tenant satisfaction While the results show encouraging progress, Bield is clear that the work doesn't stop here. Leaders say the uplift is a step in the right direction, but not the finish line. Robert Black, Bield's Policy & Insight Officer, said: 'By listening more regularly and more closely to our tenants, we are reshaping services to better reflect their priorities. This year's improvements are proof that when tenants feel heard, trust grows, and satisfaction follows. 'While we're pleased to see overall satisfaction increasing, we know there is more work to do. Our focus now is on maintaining momentum and targeting areas that matter most to our residents.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With more than 1,850 responses spanning over 144 developments, the survey provides one of the most detailed snapshots yet of life in supported housing for older people across Scotland. Repairs remain a key focus area, with satisfaction levels showing encouraging progress but still falling slightly short of internal targets. This year's report shows that 84.3% of tenants were satisfied with their most recent repair—an increase from 81.5 per cent in 2023—though below the target of 88 per cent. In response, the housing provider has already taken steps to address concerns raised. These include enhanced training for trades teams, clearer repair communications, and better coordination of visits to ensure issues are resolved right first time. More than 86 per cent said that living in their home helped them live independently, with 80% agreeing it had improved their quality of life. Over 92% of those using Bield Response 24 (BR24) emergency response services said it made them feel safer and more independent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Zhan McIntyre, Head of Policy & Customer Standards at Bield, added: 'This is just the beginning. I've seen first-hand the positive impact we can have, but we know we can go further. This report sets a strong foundation, and now we're building on it with even greater ambition. 'We're investing where it matters most, deepening our engagement with tenants, and pushing to raise standards across the board. 'Whether it's through better communication, smarter services or shaping national policy, Bield is determined to play a leading role in the future of housing and care in Scotland.' Tenants also highlighted areas for future investment; listing upgrades to windows, heating systems and bathrooms as top priorities. In line with this, Bield is planning targeted capital investment in key developments over the coming year, supported by local insight data. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Complementing the new rolling survey model, the organisation is also investing in regional forums and its Tenant Insight Network, a platform designed to deepen participation and bring lived experience into service decisions. Tenant satisfaction with opportunities to participate now stands at 62.9 per cent, up from 57.4 per cent the previous year, and ahead of the organisation's own target of 60%. As the housing landscape continues to evolve, the report suggests that putting tenants at the heart of operations is not only ethically sound - but strategically essential.
