The policies that govern us
SSA employs a number of key policies to effectively manage our business, our personnel and the way that we operate.
Quality Management
The Company is committed to providing the highest standards of architecture with quality and service at the heart of our business.
Our projects are completed to the highest possible standard through diligent adherence to a framework within which all projects are undertaken. The framework is built around:
- realistic, prudent and economical feasibility
- commitment to value engineering and seeking innovative solutions
- conveying accurate information throughout the project
- entirely fulfilling the needs of the end user
Environmental Management
The Company is committed to maintaining an ethos within the Practice which promotes acting in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
We recognise that we have the opportunity to design for the longest possible building life span, and to use the least environmentally damaging resources. We will wherever possible conserve existing buildings, use renewable resources and promote re-use of materials with consequent energy and material savings.
We utilise specialist software produced by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to assess environmental performance of the buildings we design and we strive to achieve the highest BREEAM (Environment Assessment Method) and / or Code for Sustainable Homes rating(s).
Health & Safety
CDM RegulationsThe Company is fully committed to ensuring the provision and maintenance of a healthy and safe working environment for all its employees and any other person who may be affected by its work activities. We adhere to the following Health and Safety Executive (HSE) laws and regulations:
- Construction Design Management (CDM) - the purpose is to assist all parties in ensuring that their construction project is safe to build, safe to use, safe to maintain and delivers good value.
- Approved Code(s) of Practice (ACoP) – the purpose is to provide practical advice regarding compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Equal Opportunities
The Company is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees in all aspects of its business and in its provision of services and related facilities.
We aim to ensure that our personnel achieve their full potential and that all employment decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria.
Investors in People (IiP)
SSA is proud to hold the Investors in People accreditation.
The Standard provides a framework that helps our organisation to improve its performance and to realise its business and personal objectives through the effective management and development of our people.
People are vitally important to a business’s success. We know that for our organisation to succeed everyone has to perform well. To achieve this, people need the right knowledge, skills and motivation to work efficiently.
Working in partnership with our people, we endeavour to help them improve their productivity and performance and to realise their full potential.
Business Excellence
Since 2002 SSA has utilised Business Excellence to increase the overall discipline of our business. We achieved a Bronze Award (Excellence Yorkshire) in 2003.
The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model was introduced at the beginning of 1992. This provides the means for assessing applications for the UK Excellence Award. It is the most widely used organisational framework in Europe, where it has become the basis for the majority of national and regional Excellence Awards.
Whilst Excellence Awards were the early focus for many users (including SSA), the true measure of the Excellence Model's effectiveness is its widespread use as a management system.
