A note from Managing Director Clive Docwra
Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to convey our best wishes to anyone impacted by the current pandemic. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected, either directly or indirectly, by the virus.
Secondly, we would like to reassure you that our commitment to our clients remains unfaltering and that we continue to be dedicated to the delivery of a first-class service, whilst safeguarding the health and well-being of our clients, colleagues and associates.
By reacting swiftly and effectively to the evolving situation, we have enabled the smooth and continuous operation of all aspects of our business and we are pleased to update you on our response below.
IT Infrastructure
Having invested heavily in our IT infrastructure over the years, we entered the lockdown period with a robust, tried-and-tested system and so we were able to instantaneously transition in to an entirely dispersed and connected way of working.
We have adopted measures that ensure continued operational effectiveness and can confirm that we remain fully operational and able to continue to deliver the high-quality service that you have come to expect from McBains.
In addition, our IT team has recently successfully secured the renewal of our Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, reflecting our continued commitment to data safeguarding and cyber security.
Culture
Our inter-disciplinary culture also means that we are well-suited to operate effectively during these unique times. We are well practised in working with geographically-disparate teams from other consultants and even other continents, with effective, high-quality communication having always underpinned our business model.
Modern technology has meant that we continue to meet regularly face-to-face, albeit virtually, through an array of video conferencing and collaboration tools. We have even managed to maintain the strong sense of family that epitomises the McBains culture, with a variety of virtual, yet social, interactions such as Q&As with management, office drinks, bingo and pub quizzes!
Resourcing
In terms of staff capacity / capability - all projects have at least two senior members of staff who are fully briefed and aware of current circumstances on projects, which gives us excellent resilience in the case of staff members being unwell. Our multidisciplinary structure also means that there is further resilience as a result of the allocation of senior resources from more than one discipline, which will allow each discipline to support and provide resources on a project should it become necessary.
Site Visits
Staff needing to attend site are required to undertake a Covid19-specific risk assessment. When visiting site, staff must wear PPE and adhere to Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene routines. In certain instances, we have been able to leverage technology to undertake site visits remotely through video-conferencing and collaboration tools.
Offices
Looking ahead to when the Government may ease the lockdown restrictions further, we are actively planning the business’ phased return to the office(s) and how our working model might operate differently in the longer term, keeping the safety and well-being of staff and clients our top priority. To assist us in our planning, we recently conducted a staff survey asking employees for their views on returning to the office post-lockdown and what the future office might look like.
In the meantime, our main office number – 020 7786 7900 – remains fully operational and staff can be contacted directly on their existing mobile numbers and emails.
In Conclusion
We will obviously continue to monitor the situation, making specific reference to Government, Public Health England and World Health Organisation advice, and will update you on any changes during this challenging period.
