The brief

What the client needed

This Grade II listed heritage site in Northamptonshire recently completed a comprehensive renovation programme and is currently used for events, weddings, corporate and private hire. The Abbey is designated in the top 8% of heritage sites and listed by Historic England as a registered battlefield. It has witnessed everything from royal visits and intrigue to technological innovation, world wars and dissolution.

The Abbey needed help and guidance through procedures involved in leasehold occupancy of its land and ongoing support regarding Health & Safety provisions.

Our response

What we did

Cognitious, an Ashridge Group company, provided security consultancy to identify potential risks so that Delapré Abbey could maintain a safe and secure environment. A security survey was undertaken and a full report provided, followed by a comprehensive security strategy and technical solutions document.

After an extensive consultation, engaging with various stakeholder groups and representatives of the Local Authority, a 150-page Health & Safety Policy was written and compiled into a formal procedures manual. This was made available in both digital and hard copy formats, then supplemented with familiarisation training for the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust – a charity formed in 2006 to aid Northampton Borough Council with the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the Abbey.

Cognitious also provided ongoing contract client support in Health & Safety matters, including a ‘Competent Person’ designated to act on behalf of the Abbey Trust.

Outcome

What changed

The Abbey has achieved continued success with healthy visitor numbers and many people enjoying the public event-programme.

They have continued to work with and utilise the Cognitious service in an ongoing capacity for two years. For example, a recent review was required for a detailed risk assessment regarding a festive event with specialist equipment. Operating templates were quickly established and this was further supported with continuous communication and advisory conference calls.

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