Castlehill Housing Associations Journey from Analogue to Digital
In March 2023, I was tasked with exploring options for upgrading the telecare systems within Castlehill Housing Association's sheltered housing schemes. With limited prior experience, I embarked on a journey of research, meetings, and collaborations, including a valuable partnership with the Digital Office. By December 2023, I had compiled an options appraisal tailored to our organisation's needs.
In early 2024, we decided to proactively upgrade our systems, allocating budget funds and beginning the procurement process for digitalising our fire panels, lifts, and telecare. For the fire panels, we chose the CSL Dualcom Radio device, successfully tested and rolled out across 18 sites by October 2024. The lift upgrades were awarded to Avire, who completed the work by the end of the 2024/25 financial year, providing excellent service and support.
The most challenging task was upgrading the telecare at our four very sheltered housing sites. With the help of a Quantity Surveyor, we navigated the complex tendering process and awarded the contract to Appello Smart Living. Despite some initial hurdles, including arranging digital lines and resolving postcode issues, the installations were completed, making our sites digitally compliant.
Key takeaways from our journey include ensuring digital lines are in place before contractors begin, including all necessary peripherals in cost analysis, and providing thorough staff training. Additionally, programming fobs for the Appello door entry system proved to be a two-person job, and we incurred extra costs for lift engineers and electrical installations.
The final phase involved decommissioning telecare at our 24 sheltered housing sites, transitioning to an "Independent Living" model due to funding cuts. This required extensive tenant consultation and coordination with local authorities for dispersed alarms. The door entry system upgrades are ongoing and expected to be completed by September 2025.
Our A2D journey has been a significant undertaking, demanding considerable staff time and resources. Despite the challenges, it has been a rewarding experience, broadening my knowledge and ensuring compliance.
