FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What security solutions do you provide?
Our security solutions are based on 15 years’ experience and are in line with ‘Master Locksmith Association’ and ‘Level 5 Crime Prevention’ qualifications. Our Professional Security Engineers assess home security and discuss concerns with referred Clients. We fit a combination of security products to protect perimeter and access points of the property. Locks used are of the highest spec. We also fit from a range of secondary security products, lighting options and recording devices. We tailor security solutions to individual Client needs and property layout.
Who is 24-7 locks and what’s their connection to Secure Horizon?
24-7 Locks was our original company trading name and company name from our naissance as a traditional locksmith company. However, we have moved considerably away from these beginnings as we moved into contractual target hardening, adaptations and handyperson services. We underwent a re-branding process seeking a new name which better reflects the breadth of the services we now offer. Our registered company name is now ‘24-7 Locks Secure Horizon Ltd’.
We like our new trading name, Secure Horizon and hope you like it too.
Do you bid for Public Contracts?
Yes. We have a bid writing team and seek to secure suitable public contracts.
We keep an eye out for opportunities that arise and look to provide the best possible tender submissions. We bid for future opportunities where we believe we can provide improvements to service delivery or successfully kick-start brand new projects. When successful in bidding processes we meet with commissioners to discuss exact requirements and best ways of proceeding. Where we have taken over as provider, we are consistently told by Commissioners that they are impressed with our mobilisation, professionalism, service delivery and value for money.
How do you balance commissioning partner objectives with end-user needs?
In the mobilisation stage of new contracts, we work with Commissioners and Stakeholders to discuss any differing perspectives, establish best working practices and get schemes up and running to the benefit of End Service Users. We don’t find it problematic balancing Commissioner needs with End Service User needs. As a rule, both Secure Horizon Management Team and Local Authority Commissioners have the mutual objective of achieving the best possible outcomes for Service Users.
Publicly funded services offer best value when all concerned are on the same page and are focused on the achieving maximum benefit for Service Users.
Can you mobilise quickly?
There is always a busy period in between contract award and Go-Live. We appreciate it when Commissioners have planned for sufficiently lengthy mobilisation periods. However, we also appreciate that this is not always possible and procurement processes can be complex. We have mobilised effectively on dozens of public sector contracts including some with very tight timeframes. It can be a race against the clock, but we are always ready for commencement.
Do you work nationally or only in certain regions?
We provide services nationally. What this means is that we cover the parts of the UK where we have been successful in securing contracts and funding. Our operational model is that local services are delivered by personnel who are based locally. This reduces travel times, reduces carbon footprint and speeds up service delivery.
As our coverage increases and extends into new areas, we are able to offer further employment opportunities.
What makes Secure Horizon different from other security/adaptation providers?
We can now point to several examples where we have taken over from previous providers and Commissioners have gone on to say that we provide a higher standard of service and better value for public money. We would never wish to denigrate competitors in any way and only wish for our high-quality services to set a benchmark for all agencies/companies involved in delivering publicly funded services.
We put processes in place that ensure polite and people-focused booking process; logistically efficient and timely arrival at Clients’ homes; professional personnel in terms of skill sets, respect and Client interaction; and continuous oversight from a hands-on Management Team. We never rest on our laurels and always seek to evolve our services to the benefit of referred Clients.
Sanctuary - Target Hardening
How soon can you secure a property after a crime?
We understand how frightening it is for residents to remain in a property after a domestic abuse incident, burglary, attempted break in, or any other type of crime has been experienced. That’s why our target hardening service is designed to respond rapidly. We can be on site within 48 hours of referral. By acting quickly, we help victims feel safe again, while reducing the risk of repeat victimisation, which is known to be highest in the days immediately after an incident. All contractual work includes timeframe KPIs which we consistently improve upon.
Do residents have a say in the security measures installed?
Yes. Our security assessments are carried out in conjunction with the referred householder. They know what their security concerns are and we need to know about these concerns so we can effectively combat risk. We are the security experts but ensure that our security solutions are Client-focused. We want DA Survivors and other at-risk Service Users to be fully engaged in the security upgrade process.
What about residents who are anxious or traumatised?
We provide trauma-informed services. When we recruit new personnel, they go through a multi-faceted period of training to prepare them for this work. This includes shadowing of senior staff members on multiple home security visits, so they can see for themselves the standards we expect.
Domestic Abuse Awareness, Safeguarding Adults and Children, Trauma Training and Vicarious Trauma Training are all part of our employee development programme.
We have a very caring and empathetic approach when we are working the homes of vulnerable people whilst maintaining professionalism and the appropriate boundaries at all times.
What makes your target hardening service effective?
Secure Horizon employees involved in the delivery of target hardening services are fully trained and trusted members of our team. Our ethos is to provide the best possible service within the remits and budgets of the different schemes we operate.
Our training and preparation of employees for this work is led by highly qualified Management Level Staff with long experience in the art of assessing and upgrading home security. We listen to and involve referred Clients so that their security solutions are tailored to their security needs. Outcomes are effective when Clients and their families feel safer within their own homes.
Minor Adaptations
What kind of adaptations do you provide?
We specialise in the small but important changes that can transform someone’s day-to-day life. This includes grab rails in bathrooms, ramps for easier access, stair rails, lever taps, door widening, and key safes. Each adaptation is chosen to meet the resident’s specific needs, helping them stay safe and independent in their own home.
Are your adaptations suitable for older or disabled residents?
The adaptation products we fit are primarily for elderly residents. We also provide these services and fittings for all residents with disabilities. Our provisions and services are in correspond with statutory requirements as stated in the Care Act 2014.
Can adaptations really prevent hospital admissions?
We fit adaptations at the entrance to the home, in hallways, stairways, bedrooms, bathrooms etc. The equipment and products are aimed at keeping people safe, reducing the risk of slips, trips & falls, preventing injuries and reducing hospital admissions. According to research/publications from various bodies such as London School of Economics and Public Health England adaptations are a cost-effective way of reducing likelihood of hospital admissions.
Handyperson
What tasks are covered by your handyperson service?
The service covers a wide range of small household jobs that often go unresolved but have a big impact on safety and comfort. This includes moving furniture, adjusting doors or windows, changing lightbulbs, basic carpentry, fitting locks and door chains. We carry out jobs which require a step ladder. We carry out home safety and security checks. We can also refer Clients onward to wider support networks which can help with isolation, heating costs and more. Commissioners can specify the scope of service to suit local needs, ensuring residents get practical, timely support.
How does this service support residents?
The service supports residents to continue living at home with reduced risk of injury due to slips, falls or trying to complete tasks that require climbing, carrying or reaching. This enables them to retain their independence. It enables a feeling of wellbeing and reduces loneliness. As well as reduced risks in the home and getting small jobs completed, many Service Users also look forward to having someone come who they can chat to.
Why is this valuable to commissioners?
These are publicly funded services and Commissioners weigh up costs. Commissioners can see that the cost of helping elderly people and people with disabilities to remain living in their own homes is less than the cost of re-housing. Furthermore, these schemes include work to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and injuries which could potentially result in hospitalisation. These services ease pressure on the NHS and A&E Departments and therefore can be seen as ultimately cost-effective.
Hospital Discharge
How do you help patients return home safely?
We work closely with NHS discharge teams to prepare homes so patients can return promptly and securely. This might involve fitting grab rails, installing a key safe, or making small door adjustments. By completing these works before discharge, we ensure the home is ready, the patient feels safe, and the family has peace of mind.
Do you work directly with NHS discharge teams?
Yes. Across our different contracts we work in partnership with those who are involved with the hospital discharge process. We are fully aware of the necessity to collaborate successfully and ensure Service Users are back home in the shortest possible timeframe, hospital bed spaces are freed up and pressure on A&E and Ambulance services is lessened.
How quickly can you respond to a discharge request?
Our commitment is to respond within 24-hours of hospital discharge requests being logged. We play our part in ensuring that patients can be discharged from hospital discharged in the shortest possible timeframe.
Profit for purpose, CSR and social value
What does Profit for Purpose mean at Secure Horizon?
This means that Secure Horizon is not about lining the pockets of shareholders or individuals. We strive to provide the best possible services at value-for-money price points. Our ethos is that services are End User focused and that our Team Members are given the chance to grow and better themselves. We want to make a positive impact in all regions where we operate.
How does Secure Horizon put Corporate Social Responsibility into practice?
We are committed to providing the best possible value for authorities, police forces, housing providers and therefore for taxpayers and Service Users. We are Real Living Wage employer and believe that all Team Members should benefit from company growth in terms of job satisfaction, remuneration, learning and career progression. This is augmented with many benefits, incentives and bonus schemes. All employees are given the opportunity of paid volunteering days each year.
How do you offer Social Value?
Our social value is embedded within each scheme and in each area of operation across the country. We seek to provide local employment opportunities. We look to reach people who are unemployed or facing disadvantages by committing to interviewing candidates who are not currently in work. We are a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and offer opportunities to veterans where we can. Secure Horizon makes donations to charities and good causes across the country both in terms of cash donations and volunteering.
Ask us anything
Let’s work together to create safer homes and stronger communities.
3 Bath Walk,
off Edward Rd,
Birmingham,
B12 9RH
Unit 6B Tuffley Park,
Lower Tuffley Lane,
Gloucester,
GL2 5DE