How Night Staffing Requirements Factor Into a Commissioners Decision Making About Who to Award a Contract to When Selecting a Homeless Hostel
Homelessness is a growing problem in the UK, with an estimated 4,677 people sleeping rough on a single night in 2021. This number is only expected to grow in the coming years, as the cost of living continues to rise and social support services are cut.
Homeless hostels play a vital role in providing shelter and support to homeless people. However, they are often underfunded and understaffed. This can make it difficult for them to provide the level of care that homeless people need.
One of the most important factors that commissioners consider when selecting a homeless hostel is the hostel’s night staffing requirements. Commissioners want to ensure that homeless people have access to safe and secure accommodation at all times, and that they have someone to turn to if they need help or support during the night.
When assessing night staffing requirements, commissioners will consider a number of factors, including:
- The number of homeless people who are expected to use the hostel
- The level of support that homeless people need
- The risks that homeless people face
- The availability of staff
- The cost of staffing
Commissioners will also want to be satisfied that the hostel has a robust and effective night staffing plan in place. This plan should include details of the number of staff who will be on duty at night, their roles and responsibilities, and how they will be supported.
The night staffing plan should also be tailored to the specific needs of the hostel and the homeless people it serves. For example, a hostel that caters to people with complex needs may need to have more staff on duty at night than a hostel that caters to people without complex needs.
By taking all of these factors into account, commissioners can make an informed decision about who to award a contract to when selecting a homeless hostel.
What Should a Homeless Hostel Consider When Selecting a Company to Provide Night Staff to Them?
When selecting a company to provide night staff, a homeless hostel should consider a number of factors, including:
- Experience. The company should have experience providing night staff to homeless hostels. This experience will give them the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best possible care to homeless people.
- Reputation. The company should have a good reputation in the industry. This means that they should be reliable and trustworthy, and that they should have a track record of providing high-quality services.
- Qualifications. The company’s staff should be qualified to work with homeless people. This means that they should have the necessary training and experience to provide the care that homeless people need.
- Cost. The cost of providing night staff should be affordable for the hostel. However, the hostel should not sacrifice quality for cost. It is important to find a company that provides high-quality services at a reasonable price.
- Flexibility. The company should be flexible and willing to work with the hostel to meet their specific needs. This means that they should be willing to adjust their services to meet the needs of the hostel and the homeless people they serve.
- Communication. The company should be able to communicate effectively with the hostel. This means that they should be able to provide clear and concise information, and that they should be responsive to the hostel’s needs.
- Support. The company should be able to provide support to the hostel. This means that they should be able to provide training and support to the hostel’s staff, and that they should be available to answer questions and provide assistance.
By considering these factors, a homeless hostel can select a company that will provide them with the best possible night staff.
Conclusion
Night staffing is an important part of providing safe and secure accommodation for homeless people. Commissioners and homeless hostels should carefully consider the factors that are important to them when selecting a company to provide night staff. By doing so, they can ensure that homeless people have access to the care and support they need.