Image: Dreamstime/Rik Trottier
More members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have been sharing their stories of how their businesses are coping with the coronavirus lockdown.
Roger Gillespie, managing director of Training LMS, an accredited CIOB training provider, explained how his team has quickly turned its largely face-to-face delivery into online content.
Gillespie said: “We have been using Zoom to keep in regular contact with each other and have been experimenting with different platforms to decide on the best way of delivering online learning.
“We have already delivered one-to-one sessions using Zoom, and have a group webinar with an Irish contractor to continue their Chartered Membership Programme. Our next priority is to support those working towards MCIOB via the Professional Review. It’s been amazing to see what can be achieved when we are forced to innovate.”
Meanwhile, Russell Thompson, executive director of property services at developer and landlord Thirteen, and a CIOB member, explained that his firm is using the agile working process it had already put in place to allow its teams to stay connected.
“We’ve ensured we can can still help and support customers by phone, through email, our self-service portal and social media,” he said.
“While covid-19 has affected the service we provide, we’re still delivering our essential services, including emergency repairs and we’re continuing to closely monitor and follow all government guidance, including working from home wherever possible and taking extra precautions to help against the spread of the virus.”
The company has been using all of its communication channels to keep customers informed, including electronic noticeboards in some buildings and hard copy newsletters.
He added: “Staff members from across the business, have got together to phone and check on the wellbeing of all of our customers, asking if they, or anyone in their household, is self-isolating because they may have covid-19, or because they’re in the vulnerable category, as well as if they need any extra support. Our expert money advice team is also on hand to support customers who are struggling to pay their rent because their income has been reduced as a result of the impact of covid-19.”
