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July 2012

Thames Valley Housing Invest in Staff as well as Communities

Purchased as part of SoloProtect, the fully managed solution with inclusive billing incorporating the Identicom device, 24/7 manned monitoring, SIM Card and mobile network usage, device training and monthly reporting. Connexion2 provides SoloProtect solutions to thousands of lone workers in the UK - all are compliant with BS8484 (British Standard for Lone Worker Device Services) and as such guarantee a Police escalation one level above a 999 call where appropriate.

Thames Valley Housing Association is a leading provider of homes in communities across London and South East England. The Association owns, manages or administers 16,500 affordable homes in an area that stretches from Oxford in the North, to Southampton in the South. The company recently received an award for Best Large Development at the 'Affordable Home Ownership Awards'.

SoloProtect has supplied Identicom lone worker devices to a range of employees including Accommodation Officers, Revenue Teams and Neighbourhood Officers. As most personnel work on their own, ether on a regular basis or periodically, Thames Valley Housing Association has extended the use of Identicom to office based staff who work on their own occasionally, late nights and weekends, including Directors.

Previously Thames Valley Housing Association had used mobile and landline phones combined with an emergency code to raise the alarm should a lone worker feel threatened. Now Identicom, together with ongoing support from Connexion2 and their existing risk assessment activities, provides the basis for a strong lone worker policy.

"Safety is paramount to us and we have therefore made Identicom part of our health and safety policy", said Suki Kahlon, Facilities Officer at Thames Valley Housing Association. "We decided we needed a more robust system than we were previously using for our lone workers. With Identicom, personnel can use the 'Red Alert' at any time they feel vulnerable knowing that, if required, they can quickly get support should they feel threatened".

Now, when a user is entering a new or potentially hazardous situation, the user can activate the 'Amber Alert' function. This allows them to leave a quick 20-second voice message outlining whom and where they are, and what risks they are facing. This is accessed by the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) should there be a 'Red Alert' subsequently actioned on the device. During such an alert, dedicated staff at the Alarm Receiving Centre can discreetly listen in to what is happening and make an assessment as to the level of support required - involving the Police if necessary. All audio captured through the device is recorded for future use as admissible evidence in court if required.

As manufacturer of Identicom, Connexion2 supply solutions direct to market through the SoloProtect brand while supplying indirectly through a number of authorised Partners. Identicom has also been awarded 'Secured by Design' status by the Association of Chief Police Officers for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To find out more about Identicom and how it can help protect your staff, please click here.

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