Member Blog

The Team

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) manages the delivery of health- and human-related services for all North Carolinians. They are especially involved with helping those more vulnerable citizens – the elderly, disabled, children, and low-income families. The Department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen.

The Challenge

Given the often-sensitive nature of their work, the NCDHHS required a discreet escalation system that could add another level of security to their existing protocols. They needed an enterprise-level solution that could be rolled out across multiple, remote locations, as they have over 30 different sites throughout North Carolina. 

Each building needed the ability to send alerts internally, without notifying other sites (although this functionality could be configured if needed). They also required specific escalation paths for each individual building, so that named teams could be alerted in a certain order (in case the first team is unable to respond, for example).

The Success

Little Green Button was very successfully deployed and implemented across multiple NCDHHS sites. For this enterprise-level solution, we were able to offer a hands-on approach to the installation and set-up, ensuring that the software was configured alongside their complex security needs. Staff are more safe and secure at work, and they’ve now been using Little Green Button for a number of years – they are consistently happy with the level of service and safety provided.

The Team

The Criterion Theatre is one of London’s premiere West End Theatres found at the heart of the capital. With seating capacity for over 500 guests each performance, the venue caters for a huge volume of visitors each day.

The Challenge

Due to the high volume of visitors and the complex layout of the venue, staff needed a quick method of calling for support and alerting the network to an incident – even when internet or phone signal may be an issue. A potential terrorism incident in the heart of London caused a influx of members of the public seeking shelter in the building. Front line staff needed a panic alarm solution to immediately notify the network in case of future events.

The Success

Little Green Button has been implemented quickly and easily, fulfilling the theatres dedication to staff and visitor safety. Deployed discreetly on devices across the network, the team can call for assistance or raise an alert regardless of mobile signal or internet availability.

The Team

Somerset House is London’s working arts centre built on historic foundations around one of the most beautiful courtyards in Europe. Situated at the very heart of the capital, we are home to the UK’s largest and most exciting creative community and are overflowing with new ideas, young businesses and fresh perspectives.

The Challenge

The Challenge was to enhance their existing safety and security processes by empowering their security team and reception staff with a soft escalation system that they could use when required. Being in the heart of London, in a very public space, the team need to be prepared for all scenarios – and so our easy-to-implement and roll-out solution seemed ideal.

The Success

Fortunately, the team hasn’t had a live incident on site yet. However, our product was so easy to roll-out and implement that all staff had the software up and running within the first 24 hours of purchase. Using our simple how-to guides, they’ve implemented a process for testing their little green buttons alongside their regular fire alarm drills. Staff are happy and secure in the knowledge that their workplace is safer thanks to LGB.

There has been an outpouring of support for healthcare workers in the UK throughout 2020. The pandemic has changed the way people think of frontline workers and led to the creation of many campaigns designed to provide support and help for members of staff in the healthcare industry.

However, 2020 has also been an extremely challenging year for the NHS and wider healthcare sector. The pandemic itself has had serious impacts on care provision, and many areas are still identifying ways in which Covid-19 will affect them.

One key area that has unfortunately seen a sharp rise during the pandemic is workplace violence. A common issue even before the added stress of a pandemic, workplace violence is an increasingly worrying issue for many healthcare employers.

With mask-wearing requirements and social distancing measures in place and requiring enforcement, coupled with the increased pressure on the healthcare sector, violence in the workplace is something you really need to be thinking about.

Increasing violence and healthcare: the statistics

So, is Covid-19 causing an increase in incidents of workplace violence? It’s still early, but recent statistics and anecdotal evidence points to yes.

• While the NHS Staff Survey for 2020 hasn’t been released yet, in the 2019 survey 9% of staff said they had experienced physical violence in the past year, up from 14.6% the year before.
• For ambulance staff, the 2019 figure was 34% – a worrying trend as emergency healthcare becomes even more essential.
• An article published in The Lancet in May described anecdotal evidence of increased attacks in healthcare workplaces during the pandemic.
• Mental health is a crucial issue during Covid-19, with lockdown measures affecting everyone. The 2019 NHS Staff Survey saw 20.2% of staff working in Mental Health or Learning Disability Trusts affected by workplace violence, an increase of over 5% compared to the average across the NHS.
• New mask wearing guidelines are being cited as a common trigger for the increased workplace violence issues being reported.
• As the pandemic continues to take its toll, there’s a lot more stress, uncertainty and anxiety around, especially in the healthcare sector. Are you prepared for patients with potentially much shorter fuses?

What are your workplace violence responsibilities as a healthcare employer?

As an employer, it’s essential that you understand your responsibilities to deal with and prevent workplace violence.

There are serious legal obligations on you as an employer to prevent threats and violence against your employees. You should be addressing this as part of your health and safety policies.

Within the NHS, as a response to the challenges of Covid-19, NHS England have stressed a “statutory duty of care”, and announced that by December 2020 an NHS violence reduction standard will be launched.

The Health and Safety Executive European guidance on preventing workplace harassment also applies. This details a number of key employer responsibilities, such as providing clear information on your policies to members of staff, explaining the support that’s available, and demonstrating that you’ve taken steps to prevent or control any risks.

There are lots of other legal obligations that apply across all industries and sectors. Find out more in our article on what responsibilities employers have to prevent workplace violence.

Tips and advice on preventing workplace violence

So, how do you take steps to prevent workplace violence as an employer? Here are some of our tips:

• Invest in training your staff. Proper training on de-escalation and conflict resolution can empower your staff to take ownership of safety issues. A focus on training and support on mental health for your staff will also have a big impact.
• Focus on communication. Instigate support plans, encourage reporting, and have a system of regular check-ups with staff. Make sure that these communications are empathetic and sensitive. It’s a difficult and worrying time, so your aim should be to reassure and calm staff – not stress them out.
• Identify problem areas. Receptionists and triage staff can often bear the brunt of workplace violence or threats. While your workplace violence policy must cover all employees, it’s effective to focus your resources on targeted support for those who most need it.
• Look at your security measures. Are they appropriate? Do you need to invest in additional hardware or software security measures? Make sure your security measures are up to the task.
• Think about physical changes if you can. For example, waiting rooms and reception desks could be redesigned to enhance safety. As you may be making changes to these areas anyway to enhance social distancing, now may be a good time to look at this.
• Do you have enough security staff? You may be looking at staffing levels and increased security to ensure compliance with social distancing and occupancy rules – so is now a good time to look at your security levels?

How Little Green Button can help

Our software and hardware solutions provide a fast, discreet option for duress alarms, using your existing computers and networks.

Our panic alarm software solution is robust and easy to use. You can pair it with hardware buttons or keyboard shortcuts if you’d prefer. It’s the ideal solution for receptionists and triage areas with ready access to computers.

We also offer a mobile app which is perfect for roving members of staff who might not be staffing a fixed location.

With Little Green Button’s software, it’s easy to set up specific locations, groups and escalation paths, so the right person always responds.

As part of a robust strategy to protect your employees from increasing workplace violence, Little Green Button is the perfect panic alarm solution.

If you’d like to find out more about how Little Green Button could help with workplace violence in your healthcare setting, please get in touch.

Panic alarm systems are helping to save lives in the workplace and keep staff safe on a daily basis. Whether it’s the improved speed of response to a medical emergency or making sure the right people are in the right place to help de-escalate a potentially dangerous confrontation, they have proven their worth time and again.

But with a growing number of panic alarm systems available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best option for your workplace. This is certainly not a “one size fits all” situation.

We’ve put together a list of questions for you to consider that we hope will help you narrow down your choices so you can identify the best system for your individual circumstances.

What do you need the system for?

What are the most likely scenarios your workforce might face that you hope a panic alarm system will help with? Do you have customer-facing staff who may be exposed to tricky face-to-face conversations with disgruntled customers? Do the general public have access to your premises? Does your team work in a high risk environment where the chance of injury or sudden illness is above average? Thinking through these questions is a sensible place to start. 

Do you need direct contact with the emergency services?

Some systems can be tied into a direct response from emergency services. This may be suitable for some cases, but often situations can be resolved without having to draw on emergency resources.

Do you need an audible alarm?

For some scenarios, it’s important that a loud, audible alarm sounds to alert all members of staff that action is needed. However, in many cases, discretion is called for. Being able to silently call for help without drawing attention to the fact can prevent an aggressive member of the public feeling further aggravated.

Do you need a mobile app-only system, or would a desktop option also be helpful?

Some panic alarm systems are purely mobile-based. Whilst this can be really helpful, particularly for remote workers, there are some drawbacks. What if someone doesn’t have their phone with them, or the battery dies? What if you work somewhere where mobile phones are not permitted? A desktop option would be a better solution here.

But remember to compare the detail around desktop systems too. For example, will it still work when a computer is in screensaver mode and password protected? This ensures a colleague can raise an alert from any computer on the system, not just their own, potentially saving critical seconds in the event of an emergency.

How does the system identify someone’s location?

GPS tracking integrated into a mobile app can be very helpful in locating remote workers. But within an office environment, being able to narrow an alert to a particular office may be enough.

What is the connection technology?

Whilst most panic alarm systems these days are wireless, some may rely on having Wi-Fi or mobile signal. Whilst this is sufficient in most connected societies, there are still some instances where these signals can fail. If this is a likely scenario for your workers, check out other options including satellite, Bluetooth, or a hardwired system.

Is the system scalable?

Workforces do change over time. How easy would it be to add new personnel to your panic alarm system? How will this impact the overall cost? You don’t want to outgrow your system soon after having installed it.

Are updates free?

As with all technology, any panic alarm system worth its salt will be evolving and improving over time. Check that you will have access to the latest updates without having to pay for an upgrade each time. Otherwise, you may quickly be left with an out-of-date system.

What is the ongoing support like?

Reading reviews of systems and checking out the level of online support available is a good place to start. How easy is it to reach the support team? How responsive are they? Is there someone you can talk to if you have any problems? There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to get help with technology and meeting nothing but silence in return. In the worst scenario, it can render your entire system next to useless.

Is there a free trial?

One of the best ways to help finalise your decision as to which is the best panic alarm system for you is to trial it. Many companies will offer a free trial before you have to commit. This gives you the opportunity to see first-hand how the system works, put it through its paces and gather feedback from your colleagues.

The importance of getting it right

Choosing the wrong accounts package for your company can lead to frustration, wasted time and perhaps wasted money. But choosing the wrong panic alarm system can have much more serious implications. If a member of your team is unable to get the help they need when they need it, health and safety may be put at risk. So, it’s important to take the time to ask all of these questions before rushing into a buying decision.

If you have any questions about whether Little Green Button might be the best panic alarm system for you, please do get in touch. A member of our support team will be happy to help. And we offer a free 21-day trial too!

You wouldn’t install a fire alarm and not test it – it’s no different with Little Green Button. We always recommend scheduling regular test alerts to check that everything’s working as it should, and to help train your staff about what to do in an emergency. 

Why should I run a test alert?

• If any buttons are grey, you will need to investigate. It may be that there is currently no-one available to respond, or that the button is not connecting to other buttons. If an alert is not raised on a particular device, check that there aren’t any other buttons sharing the same location name.
• A practice run allows everyone to understand how they can help in a panic situation, and gives them peace of mind that they can raise an alert and get assistance if they should need it.
• Testing can help to flag up where Little Green Button may not be installed if you have recently replaced or upgraded any PCs.
• Overall, a proactive approach means you can be prepared, so that if a real-life alert does occur, everyone knows what to do and has confidence in your agreed procedure for an alert.

How do I run a test alert?

We understand that every organisation will want to use Little Green Button slightly differently, and it’s completely up to you how you decide to make it part of your day-to-day, working life. Having said that, here’s some tips we’ve learned from over a decade of our users running alerts through Little Green Button.

• Some users dedicate a time each week to run an alert practice, so that all staff know it is a practice and have it marked in their diary. On the other hand, you may prefer to set a different time each week or month, so that it feels more like a real life scenario.
• Before the alert- staff should be adequately trained on what to do if the alert is raised. Little Green Button should be installed on all relevant devices.
• During the alert- make sure your testing schedule allows for each button to be pressed, so that you know each relevant device can raise an alert. And also, ensure each device can respond to an alert too. You should check that each Little Green Button installation is correctly configured for its location.
• After the alert- a team debrief is a good idea- it allows you to make any necessary changes to your procedures, contact Little Green Button support team if necessary, and it helps everyone to feel safe in an emergency situation.

  If you have any questions at all – head to our Contact page. 

Care homes have a clear responsibility to keep their residents, staff and visitors safe. However, they face a unique set of challenges which make this remit complicated, difficult and potentially expensive.

What challenges do care homes face when it comes to protecting its people?

Care homes can often be spread over a larger area. There may be multiple ways in and out of the building. This is essential for fire safety and allowing residents access to outside space, but also presents multiple vulnerabilities for intruders to expose. With large amounts of expensive equipment and medication on site, care homes can represent a desirable target for unscrupulous thieves.

Many of the residents within a care home will be particularly vulnerable. Due to their age or medical conditions, it’s not unusual for slips, falls or medical emergencies to occur. A swift response to such incidents is absolutely critical. Some conditions, such as dementia, can increase the risk of unpredictable, and sometimes violent, behaviour which can threaten residents, visitors and staff alike.

There is a strong desire to maintain an “open door” policy within care homes. The aim is to achieve a good standard of living which feels as close to “home” as possible, rather than having restrictions in place which make the environment feel more akin to a hospital or facility. Visitors are often encouraged to come and go, visiting their loved one when they like. However, this can be difficult to monitor.

The number of professional visitors – GPs, hairdressers, entertainers – as well as large proportions of temporary or bank care staff also means there are new faces in and out of the building with some regularity. Some of these people may not be fully aware of individual care needs or personalities, with the potential to cause accidental upset. Some will not be equipped with the skills needed to deal with an unexpected situation in such a specific setting.

There are added challenges too when residents are taken on day trips, away from the equipment and backup that the care home itself will have available. Is it possible for the home’s security measures to extend to cover remote visits?

What security options are there for care homes?

One of the main challenges for care homes when assessing security options is striking the right balance between ensuring safety whilst maintaining the freedom of residents and visitors. Options include:

Access control systems – restricting access to the home, or certain areas within in using a swipe card system, for example.

Visitor logging – from a simple paper-based system, to a PC-based log which takes photographs of visitors.

CCTV – recording the outside of the building, with the option to also mount cameras internally.

Panic buttons – with options for fixed, PC-based or app-based for staff and visitors to raise an alarm when they need help or backup.

ANPR – to capture the number plates of all visitors. Visitors could be asked to pre-register so automated access is only allowed for recognised vehicles.

Intruder alarms – particularly for doors which are designed for emergency access only and for protecting the setting at night.

Perimeter protection – to prevent unauthorised access to the setting by those with criminal intent.

There are pros and cons to all of these options. The downside of options like CCTV and access control systems, for example, is that they may feel intrusive to residents and visitors. Any alarm system which relies on raising an alert by creating loud noises or obvious visual cues runs the risk of unnecessarily upsetting a wider group of residents, causing a situation to escalate rather than helping to control it. And some of these options may be prohibitively expensive, particularly for homes with limited budgets.

Ultimately, an effective security strategy is likely to include a combination of measures whose potential impacts, both positive and negative, will need to be assessed on a case by case basis.

Why care homes are turning to our Little Green Button

We mentioned panic buttons as one of the options above with good reason. We’ve had more and more care homes embrace Little Green Button as an effective part of their security plan.

It offers a customisable solution that can be tailored to each facility. The interface is very intuitive, and the network can be expanded simply so temporary staff can add the app to their mobiles, enabling them to quickly summon an extra pair of hands if needed with minimal fuss and no training. There’s no big noise, it just provides the reassurance that should there be a medical emergency, some unsettling behaviour or any concern over a suspicious guest, backup can be called discreetly. It also works off-site, so those remote visits are covered too.

If you’re a care home owner looking to upgrade your current security system, our team is on hand to answer any of your questions and give you a demo of our panic button software.

It is a sad fact that a growing number of faith communities have come under attack in the US, and around the world, in recent years. The news has been full of high-profile cases. The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings which targeted a number of churches, the attacks at two mosques in New Zealand in 2019 and the 2018 attack on a synagogue in Pennsylvania are some of the most shocking examples. But smaller scale hate crimes and other security threats are happening on an increasingly regular basis.

There are a number of unique vulnerabilities that churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions share which make them a target for terrorists. Their very symbolism attracts hate crimes, and in rare cases active shooters. But there are a number of other factors which increase their vulnerability to attack:

• A perceived lack of security
• Use of volunteers
• Front doors remaining unlocked to welcome all
• Buildings left empty for days at a time
• Large crowds gathering, particularly during religious holidays and holy days
• Meeting times which are well-publicised and available to all
• Vulnerable congregations with children and the elderly
• Some also function as tourist attractions, welcoming a wide variety of visitors.

However, terrorism and hate crime aren’t the only potential security threats which religious institutions may face. Vandalism, theft and assault also make the list.

What is being done about it in the US?

FBI hate crime statistics show that incidents in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques in the US increased 34.8% between 2014 and 2018, the last year for which FBI data is available. The data is definitive enough that key organisations are taking notice.

The Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (FB-ISAO) provides threat assessments and risk-mitigation strategies to communities of all faiths and denominations. They have a range of resources and services available to support faith-based organisations address their security concerns.

In June 2019, the FBI invited faith leaders to a roundtable discussion about how to protect themselves and their congregants from bias-based attacks.

This focus highlights that there is a very real security challenge. All religious institutions, regardless of denomination, must take steps to minimise the risk of terrorism, crime and workplace violence.

Improving security in religious institutions

To ensure the safety of their congregations, religious institutions need to have an integrated security plan including three main elements: prevention, preparation and response.

Prevention

One of the first steps is to understand the threat and identify vulnerable situations.

Strengthening community relationships can play an important part in building up a picture locally. Engagement should take place within a wider social engagement context. Outreach groups such as interfaith councils can help with this, as can interacting with local law enforcement and first responders.

It is important to increase awareness of suspicious activity indicators amongst all those who play a role within the institution. Consider training with religious groups and leaders and first responders to promote a common understanding of the indicators of radicalisation and mobilisation of violence. Those who are most frequently greeting the congregation, for example, could be trained to look out for suspicious activity and encouraged to interact with anyone they don’t recognise.

Ask your congregation and the wider community to be the eyes and ears of security. The more people watching out for any warning and suspicious activity, the better.

The welcoming and open nature of such institutions is often at odds with the levels of security required to meet high threat levels. One of the main challenges is to make sure any steps taken security-wise do not alienate potential newcomers or create a culture of fear and suspicion.

Reducing the risk of crimes of opportunity can be achieved by simply locking the doors at night, but it’s important to weigh this up against the need to be open to all. Another option is to remove and secure places where money and valuables are stored.

Preparation

The integration of design and use of technology can decrease the risk of an incident escalating. Collaborate with security and design professionals to assess your options.

Structural improvements to security may be limited by your location. Many older buildings don’t comply with modern security standards and significant improvement (such as blast protection) may not be an option.

Limited budgets faced by many also pose a particularly tough security challenge. However, there are some simple steps which should be accessible to all. Security cameras, for instance, can act as a deterrent against theft or help highlight any suspicious activity.

Panic buttons, like our Little Green Button, can also provide a cost-effective solution to help quickly raise an alarm or call for help when a difficult situation arises. With options for desktop-based software, a mobile app, or a physical big green button, the simple act of being able to summon backup can help diffuse a situation. It can also offer peace of mind to faith leaders and volunteers alike that they are not on their own.

Review emergency and evacuation procedures and consider conducting a drill. The effectiveness of an emergency response may depend on the ability to evacuate a large crowd quickly and safely.

Response

Building relationships with local law enforcement and first responders and planning responses to certain scenarios will help ensure everyone knows what to do should the worst happen.

You could consider active shooter training for all regular congregants if you have identified this as a threat. Training like this was identified as one of the reasons that the number of victims at the tragic Pittsburgh synagogue shooting was not higher.

The overriding message is a simple one: be ready. Acknowledging the risk and making preparations could make all the difference.

Receptionists are often the unsung heroes of the workplace. As well as being the first person many visitors will see – and therefore responsible for creating that all-valuable “positive first impression” – they may have a raft of other duties to perform.

But one often overlooked element of a receptionist’s job is that of the first line of defence. The gatekeeper. They play a key role in keeping the workplace safe for everyone in it. They have to be ready to handle whatever situation may walk through the door. Their vigilance and ability to respond could mean the difference between a minor disruption and a significant incident.

The risk to receptionists will clearly vary depending on the industry and company they work for. For example, workplaces that handle money, or those dealing with visitors in high stress situations such as doctor’s surgeries and hospitals, may present more obvious risks. But receptionists at any business where members of the public can walk through the door risk physical and verbal assaults, threats and intimidation, as well as the potential for being faced with a medical emergency, on a daily basis.

There are a number of measures which could be considered to help minimise these risks and give the receptionist themselves the confidence that they have the tools they need to handle any incident.

Assess the space

Every business should conduct a thorough risk assessment of their reception area on a regular basis. Take a good hard look at the space and eliminate any physical security gaps. If you haven’t already, consider whether it is appropriate and possible to install CCTV. Arranging the space with security in mind is a key first step in keeping your building and people safe. 

Rethink the receptionist’s duties

A receptionist’s role will vary depending on how many visitors are likely to pass through their doors. However, it’s quite common for them to field all incoming calls and sign for packages coming into the building too. Take a moment to step back and reconsider whether these functions are best performed by your receptionist.

For example, does your receptionist have training on spotting suspicious packages? Could a risk be reduced here by getting them delivered elsewhere in the building?

If they are constantly on the phone, are they really able to give an appropriate level of attention as to who is coming and going?

It’s important that a receptionist’s duties do not take them away from the reception area leaving it unmonitored. 

Review the processes

Do you have a clear visitor policy? If not, it’s time you put one in place. It’s important that your receptionist is clear on the policy and applies it religiously for all visitors. Applying the same rules to everyone sends a clear message that you take security seriously.

Getting visitors to sign in is a must so you know who is in the building in case of an emergency, but you can step security up a further notch by asking for ID or taking a photo.

As well as a visitor policy, you should have a clear emergency response procedure that all members of staff are familiar with. Your receptionist may have a very specific role to play in this response – alerting the emergency services, for example. Make sure they are 100% confident that they can do what’s required of them. 

Improve the receptionist’s safety

One of the most important steps to take is to make sure that your receptionist receives proper training in how to identify potential security threats. This should include spotting the signs of emerging aggression. They also need to learn how to diffuse a difficult situation.

Even with these skills, there may be some situations they’re simply not able to handle on their own. Do they have a means to summon help quickly and effectively without leaving their post?

There are several ways this can be done, but choosing the right route can be critical in managing a situation. For example, often an aggravated person just wants to know they’re being listened to. Having a way that the receptionist can continue to listen attentively whilst subtly summoning help could make the difference between keeping a situation contained or sparking an even more violent reaction.

A panic button like our Little Green Button can be the ideal solution. The receptionist does not need to leave their post to call for help from a colleague. They can use it without worrying that they’re overreacting, even if they’re just feeling a little uncomfortable. No one should feel like that at work. Having a colleague appear in reception without any fanfare is often enough to diffuse a difficult situation.

So, recognising that receptionists play a crucial role in security of your business, make sure they have the tools at their disposal to perform this duty effectively.

Earlier this month in the United States, the Florida Senate approved a measure that would mandate that a mobile panic alarm system must be installed in all schools throughout the state. This progress in Florida follows hot on the heels of New Jersey – the first state to pass “Alyssa’s Law” back in June 2019.

What is Alyssa’s Law?

The creation of Alyssa’s Law was prompted by the tragic 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida which left 17 dead and 15 injured. Long and heartfelt campaigning by Lori Alhadeff who lost her 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, during the shooting is beginning to pay off. As well as New Jersey and Florida, New York and Nebraska are working on similar bills.

Alyssa’s Law requires each public and charter school to have a silent mobile panic alarm system, linked to law enforcement, for life-threatening emergency situations. School employees must be able to activate the alarm from any building or location on campus.

The aim of the Law is to provide the fastest possible response during a so-called code red event. In an emergency situation, every second counts. If an alert could have reached all teachers during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School incident, teachers may have had time to respond properly and take measures to keep more students out of the line of fire.

Petitions have been started to ensure that Alyssa’s Law gets passed at a national level. It has inspired the School Violence Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2019 (HR3665) which was introduced to congress in July 2019. Whilst still at the first stage of the lengthy legislative process, this demonstrates just how powerful the US believes this measure could be. With that in mind, is it time that other countries followed their lead and, at the very least, encouraged schools to prioritise the implementation of panic button technology?

How does a school panic button system work?

Managing health and safety in schools can be a difficult task. But against a backdrop of rising levels of classroom violence, accidents and emergency incidents worldwide, those in the education sector have been looking to other industries for solutions. Panic buttons, which have been commonly used in banks and other customer-facing businesses for many years, are definitely on the agenda

The aim of a panic button is to improve the outcome of any emergency by enabling faster responses and better communication. This could be a health-related emergency, a terrorist incident, violence against a teacher, or a fire.

The amount of time it takes to report and respond to an emergency incident can mean the difference between life and death. A panic button system can accelerate both internal and external response, lessening the time between an incident occurring and help arriving.

Some schools have old, rather rudimentary systems in place, such as coded bell rings. However, these are flawed – they don’t give enough information and, critically, they are far from silent, alerting any potential intruder that action has been taken and risking an escalation of the situation.

Old fashioned fixed panic button systems may be in place in some schools. The clear drawback with this is that someone needs to be in the right place to be able to trigger the alarm. This is not always possible – on a sports field, for example, where the chances of a medical emergency or accident are higher. Some traditional systems are linked to direct response from police. Not every incident warrants police response. An additional member of staff appearing can be enough to diffuse more minor situations.

Modern panic button technology has addressed these issues and is relatively inexpensive to implement. Panic button apps can be activated quickly by authorised personnel from any location via their smart device. This will send out simultaneous alerts to staff, administrators and, where appropriate, the emergency services. Many systems will allow alerts to be sent to specific groups of staff, such as those who are first aid trained.

However, relying solely on an app might not be the right solution either – lost or left behind phones and flat batteries are all realities. Some systems integrate with a desktop system too, or even a physical button, that may be more appropriate for the school receptionist who will be able to unobtrusively trigger an alert if they feel threatened.

The existence of a modern panic button system within a school is a simple way to help protect students and staff on a daily basis, making them all feel safer and better able to respond in an emergency situation. This can have a positive knock-on effect of improving overall wellbeing across the board.

Choosing the right panic button system for your school

The Florida bill initially required that all school districts use a specific mobile panic alarm system to be selected by the state. However, some questioned the one-size-fits-all approach. Whilst their Department of Education will still solicit a contract for a single system that districts may implement, district officials are free to select an alternative system if they feel it will work better for their region.

The key things to look out for when choosing your system is that it is scalable and suits your needs. For example, are you happy with mobile only, or would it be helpful to have desktop system too?

Our other top tip is to ensure that your system includes free software/app updates so you don’t get stuck with an outdated system. Technology moves on quickly and you don’t want to get left behind when lives are potentially at stake.

The most important thing is to take action now. It’s no good wishing you had a system once an incident has already occurred.

Why not speak to a member of our team? We’ve plenty of experience in the education setting – take a look at a case study here. 

In a bid to keep the UK economy moving during the coronavirus pandemic, staff are gradually being encouraged to return to work when it is safe to do so. But it will be some time before things can be deemed “normal” again. In the meantime, we will all have to adapt to new ways of working.

For some businesses, this may mean an increase in the number of people working on their own, be that from home, in the office, or during site or client visits. The fewer people everyone is coming into contact with at the moment, the better.

Whilst this move may be a sensible one in terms of limiting the spread of the virus, it may inadvertently increase other risks to staff. For example:

• What if a member of staff is taken ill or has an accident whilst they are on their own?
• What if they face a threat from someone they are visiting when there is no one else around?
• What if they are the only person in the reception area when there is a problem?

As an employer, it is your responsibility to assess these risks and put measures in place to minimise them.

Tips for keeping your lone workers safe Provide appropriate training

Putting in place the right support and training is key. Ensure your staff are able to identify situations which pose a potential risk. Providing training in conflict resolution may also prove helpful. Staff will feel more confident that they have the skills needed to help de-escalate a tricky situation before it becomes a dangerous one.

Prepare for medical emergencies

Be sure that your staff have the knowledge and equipment to deal with a first aid emergency. There’s plenty of first aid training available which can be delivered from an appropriate distance, or virtually. Provide any relevant staff with a first aid kit to have close to them at all times. Implement a clear and simple emergency procedure so all lone workers know who to call, and in which order, during any medical emergency.

Keep in regular contact

Stress is a very real risk for lone workers who may be working long hours in difficult conditions. It’s important that they feel supported by their employer. Keep in regular direct contact so they know you have their interest at heart, and so they have someone to talk to. Look out for any signs of stress and be prepared to take action to address this.

Share your schedules

At the beginning of each working day, ensure you have a schedule of any lone worker’s day, so you know where they are likely to be at any time. Share your schedule with them too, if relevant. Depending on their role and the risks involved, you could ask lone workers to check in at regular points throughout the day, even it is a simple email or text message to let you know they’re OK.

Invest in a mobile panic alarm system suitable for lone workers

One simple way to provide lone workers with an additional level of protection is by investing in a mobile or app-linked panic alarm system. They’re relatively low cost and easy to implement, and give lone workers confidence that they have a quick and effective way to call for help if they need it.

The Little Green Button mobile app includes location tracking, and the ability for the user to alert colleagues that they need help by simply pressing a button on their phone or tablet.

Colleagues will be alerted by either vibration, sound or both, giving them the opportunity to then attempt to call the distressed lone worker for more information and to provide assistance, or head directly to their location.

Get prepared for lone working now

The most important thing is to take action now so your staff feel prepared whenever they return to work. It’s no good waiting until an incident has occurred before acknowledging the fact that staff facing these new challenges need additional support.

If you’d like to find out more about the Little Green Button app, speak to a member of our team today.

Tendering is where you tell a group of companies what it is you want to buy, and they tell you about the products and services they offer, their price and their terms.

The competition of bidding for something can improve the prices you’re offered. Tendering can also be used to consolidate a group of items, such as PPE or stationery, into one defined price list.

Here are the steps for conducting a tender to save money.

Define the need

It’s crucial to have a clear idea of what is needed and communicate this well to the suppliers.

A specification can include anything that will be useful for the supplier, so you can write it up, or add drawings, or have plans of your buildings, or photos of where products will go.

Allowing the supplier to come back with alternative ideas can open you up to new innovations or services, too.

Deciding Who’s Best

When you receive the responses back from suppliers, you need a way to choose who is the best fit. This is called the ‘scoring criteria.’

Things you could score are:

• Previous performance
• Quality
• Lead time
• Sustainability measures
• Made in Britain
• Availability of technical support
• Price

The company must be a good fit for you to work with. It’s no good to be buying the best product if the company is really frustrating communicate with and they always deliver late.

Similarly, they should have similar values to you. If you’re telling your customer that you care about sustainability, then your suppliers are a great opportunity to further that agenda. 

It’s still important to know what the company needs and values before you go out to tender. This is because you want to limit the amount of times you go back to the supplier for extra information. Plus, you want to receive the goods or services that you really want, first time round.

Sending the Tender

When sending the tender to your potential suppliers, you can send:

• Your Terms and Conditions
• The specification
• Any drawings, plans or detailed information that’s required
• Contact details of who they should respond to
• A deadline for response!

Review Responses

The first step is to check that they include what you’ve asked for. Only you can judge it but ask yourself whether it fulfils the specification you put together. Is it the right quality product? Will the lead time match your requirements? Do they have the insurance levels, ISO standards or other certifications you need? Are there elements of their response that you’re not sure about?

Next, compare the prices. Are some way out? I often give suppliers the chance to review their response and double check that they included everything if they’re super cheap or haven’t overdone it if they’re really expensive. Other buyers will automatically exclude the most expensive and cheapest suppliers.

There are basically three criteria to check:

1. The quality and technical aspect
2. Whether you could work together. For example, with their lead times, order process and communication methods
3. The price

You can weigh up a supplier that is giving better quality against the cost – are you willing to pay that much extra for that quality? Only you can decide.

Agreeing The Contract

At this point you could just decide on a supplier, ring them up and tell them they’ve got the work. In the UK, verbal contracts are still binding. But they leave a lot of scope for misunderstanding and if something goes wrong you’ve got nothing to rely on in your argument.

Both sides need to understand what to expect and what their responsibilities are. Formalising the contract in writing means the supplier knows EXACTLY what they need to deliver, and you know when you’ll receive it and how much you need to pay.

There’s no set format for how a contract needs to be laid out. It could be as little as a one-page document stating that both parties agree to proceed as per the price list, until a fixed date.

Think of the contract as a pack of documents that someone could pick up in future and know exactly what’s involved, without needing to hear the history. It should have reference to the original specification you sent, the quote you received back and any clarifications that were made during the negotiation stage.

Contract Management

The purchase of something doesn’t end when you’ve signed the contract. You want to know that they deliver on time and that the goods or services are the right quality.

For ongoing needs, try and maintain a positive, useful relationship with the supplier. One of the ways to do this is to have a regular review meeting with them.  In this, both sides get to discuss performance, safety, communication. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss future cost saving measures!

Another way to manage the contract is to monitor the performance with metrics, if you have them. If you have a computer system that can analyse your POs and tell you when you get late deliveries, that can help a lot.

Other routine checks can include random price checks against the list of prices you agreed.

It’s always good to check with your own team members who are using the products or services, too. Your Warehouse team is best placed to tell you if all the products come in packaged well. And the first people who use the office in the morning can tell you what the cleaning standards are like.

It’s easier to pick up on the small problems as they occur than let them fester. It costs you a lot of time and energy to manage a poor-performing supplier than one that does everything right first time.

Right Back Where We Started

You might have realised that the diagram for the tender process was a circle. That’s because when you’re managing a contract, there comes a point when you need to check that you’re still buying the right products and services.

Your business goals might have changed, so you need to look at alternative ways to fulfil orders to your customers.

Be in control of defining what your business needs and how you fulfil those needs with your suppliers. Otherwise, your suppliers will end up defining it.

Take the initiative and continually improve.

If you want to learn more about tendering, give Beth a call on 07588 071975 or check out the full eGuide on How To Tender here: https://payhip.com/b/C0tl