Training Housing Associations in CDM Excellence

Client: Connexus 
Sector: Housing 
Services: Training 
Location: Shropshire and Herefordshire  

The Client 

Connexus is a rural housing association providing over 10,000 affordable homes for rent in Shropshire and Herefordshire. As a trusted landlord, it aims to have a positive impact on the communities it serves. 

The Challenge 

In 2023, Connexus performed an internal review of its safety-related processes and procedures for both minor and major construction projects within its portfolio. The organisation identified several improvements that would ensure compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015. New procedures were required to establish a robust approach to the safe management of projects in line with the spirit of the CDM regulations. Its internal teams would need training on the new procedures as well as a refresher course on CDM awareness. 

iON’s Solution 

The CDM team at iON Consultants was appointed to work closely with the Interim Head of Health, Safety and Compliance at Connexus to review the organisation's new CDM procedures and ensure that they met the needs of the business going forward.  

Upon completion, we delivered a number of training sessions to relevant personnel in the various departments, including Assets, Development, and Repair and Maintenance. This training built on the participants' previous understanding of the CDM regulations, including the requirements of specific duty holders such as the Client, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. We also reinforced what the new processes and procedures would mean for the day-to-day management of all current and future construction projects. 

Following the success of this initiative, a follow-on project was commissioned by Connexus to undertake a strategic health and safety review of the Repair and Maintenance department. This was designed to provide the senior management team with a broader insight into compliance and is ongoing. 

"We required construction safety experts to work with us to raise the bar on CDM compliance and deliver engaging and interesting training. Our teams enjoyed the sessions, which were tailored to our organisational needs. We look forward to Richard and his team delivering further training in the near future."

Stephen Trenery, Interim Head of Health, Safety and Compliance 

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