We are open and working as usual. The safety of our team is a top priority - followed closely by helping our clients manage their response to COVID-19 [otherwise known as coronavirus]. We work predominantly in, or with, the healthcare sector - supporting the NHS, our public health and public sector colleagues in local authorities and the care sector [which includes care providers].
In addition to supporting them through the uncertainty, fear and panic, we want to help our business - and your business or organisation - carry on as normal. We’re your trusted agency partner, and that means supporting you to get through what is a difficult period.
As a result, we have taken a number of actions set out in our business continuity plan [effective from the 12th March 2020]. We feel it is important to take these steps. Imagine your entire workforce was off sick for two weeks? For most small to medium-sized businesses, this would lead to doors being closed for good. We don't want to see that happen so if we are in good health, we plan to carry on as normal. To ensure this happens, this is our plan:
Remote working
Currently, the UK Government is asking us to 'work from home wherever possible'. To protect both the Social Change UK team and the organisations we work with, we have made the decision to work from home until this advice changes. We are making the most of our remote working capabilities. We have ensured that our team members have whatever they need to work remotely and to continue doing their jobs securely. We have increased channels of internal communication, and as always, we prioritize communication with you, our clients, so you can remain focused on your business challenges and goals. We have several secure collaboration applications to allow us to work as a team remotely. You can ask us for more information on our systems and processes. Just drop your Account Manager or Project Manager an email.
How to communicate with us when the office is closed
Email is the best form of communication during this period. We always aim to get back to our clients quickly - and always on the same day. We ask you to email your account manager or dedicated lead and should you get an out of office, instructions on who to contact will be available in that out of office message. We have VOIP phones so our telephone numbers will still work. Please call our head office number [01522 775060] and you will be transferred to a member of the team. You shouldn't notice any difference in the level of service.
Updates
We will continue to meticulously monitor news from the World Health Organization, among other sources and guidelines, and we will be following the UK Government official guidance throughout this period. We are committed to reassessing the situation and adjusting our plans accordingly.
A final word
We wish you all good health and we thank you for continuing to place your trust in us. We kindly ask that you please support small businesses like ours during this time. This is truly unprecedented. If you need communications, some research and data experts or a hand [thoroughly washed of course] with your creative or social, we’re all set up and ready to support you with whatever you need.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Or if you are also working from home and feeling quite isolated or lonely, reach out to us for a remote chat! We would love that...
Kelly Hunstone, Chief Executive