Charities have always provided much-needed support to the most vulnerable in our society.
However, the pressure is now really on, following government spending cuts: charities are relying more on donations, at the same time as the need for their services is increasing.
We work with a huge number of charities and volunteer organisations who are under pressure to maintain this vital support – shelters, refuges, addiction services, etc. - effectively on a shoestring.
But these are organisations that face HR pressures just like any other business – including managing lone worker risk. This is often a big issue for charities because they employ case workers and volunteers who are dealing with service users on a one to one basis, often in the client’s own home.
Therefore, they need a system that allows workers to easily check in and out with an update of their movements, and gives them the ability to trigger a panic alarm should something unexpected happen to them.
How do charities tackle lone worker safety?
We speak to many charities who have understandably tried to tackle lone worker risk using a simple (and free!) ‘buddy’ system. This is where workers call a colleague to let them know that they are okay.
This may work for some. But in most cases the lone worker just forgets to check in or their buddy forgets to check on them. Also there is no facility for the lone worker to trigger an alarm should they get into an emergency situation.
This may work for some. But in most cases the lone worker just forgets to check in or their buddy forgets to check on them. Also there is no facility for the lone worker to trigger an alarm should they get into an emergency situation.
The other way many charities currently manage lone worker risk is to use a ‘check in/ out’ book. This operates pretty much on the same principle. Again the flaws are obvious, and it is a difficult system to manage when you have multiple lone workers to look after.
Affordable lone worker safety systems
The automated lone worker safety system is a mature market. There are so many solutions available that is hard to make sense of the noise. But there are simple and affordable solutions available – mobile-systems, in particular, make sense for price sensitive organisations.
All you pay is the license fee avoiding any expensive up-front capital costs.
If you do decide to use an automated lone worker safety system, remember this: it really doesn’t have to cost the earth.
There are a number of systems available catering to different user groups and many of the more advanced systems (with GPS or man-down, for example) will cost more. If you want a simple check in/ out system with automated alarms and panic button facility, then there are providers available who offer genuine value for money, so you can put back hard-fought funds into front-line service provision.
Lookout Call is a well-established supplier of automated lone worker safety systems. Our mobile based solution is used by charities across the UK to enhance the safety of their lone working staff and volunteers. Here is what just some of our customers have to say about Lookout Call:
“The system has saved us money in terms of time and resources, and the service we have received from the support team has been fantastic.”Addaction
“We looked at other lone worker safety systems but Lookout Call offered the best combination of flexibility, functionality and cost, which is important to us as a charity. We are now confident that we are keeping our lone workers as safe as possible.”Women’s Aid Integrated Services
“As a responsible employer it is imperative for us to have an effective lone worker safety system in place that allows our staff to carry out that important work. Lookout Call has ticked all the right boxes, in terms of price, flexibility and support.” Launchpad Reading
“Lookout Call is excellent value for money and I was ready to place an order as soon as I had seen a demonstration.” Scotscare
“Lookout Call is very unobtrusive, which is really important for us, as our success depends on us building relationships and trust with our clients.” Crime Reduction Initiative
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