Handbooks and Guides

E-training

Repairs Handbook

The more information your customers can give you about repairs, the quicker your staff can take action. Providing a comprehensive, useful and attractive book means that both tenants and staff can discuss repair problems in detail and this ensures that the crucial repair reporting process runs smoothly.

We offer you the choice of developing a book specific for your organisation (see the Omfax package below) or buy our off-the-shelf Repairs Reporting Guide.

The Omfax package

Adopting our 'package' means you do not have to start from scratch. You take our professionally written text and ready designed format and develop or adapt it to ensure it genuinely reflects the way your organisation works. The handbook will:

• describe your repairs service, including information about tenant responsibilities, response times, appointments and service standards
• give guidance to tenants on how to describe repair problems with clear line drawings and prompts about the details they need to give to you
• include a selection of 'handy hints' on how tenants can deal with simple household tasks themselves, such as unblocking a sink or testing a smoke detector.

With a full library of illustrations to draw from, we ensure that the content accurately reflects your housing stock and the fittings you have provided in the homes.

How we work with you

We have a tried and tested programme for producing these handbooks.

We send you a questionnaire asking you for certain facts about your service and property features. We also ask you to identify which kind of layout you prefer and whether you want us to adapt it in any way. Take a look at the handbook design options we offer.

We then put together a first draft for you to review with staff and customers. We also submit some suggested cover designs that reflect your corporate image.

Once you have fine-tuned the text we carry out the changes you have identified. We usually only need to submit a couple of further drafts before presenting the final typeset proofs for your approval to go to print. We manage the printing process ensuring it is produced to the highest standards. We can even arrange the packaging and posting out of the handbooks to your customers.

We can give advice on all aspects of the project, including effective editing and consulting with tenants. We can also advise you on planning for future updating and reprints.

Accessibility and user-friendliness

All text and layout designs conform to RNIB readability guidance. This means that they are accessible for the majority of the reading population, including those with some sight impairment.

We can advise you on your options for providing the handbook in alternative formats and in other languages.

We offer conversion of your handbook into an attractive interactive on-line e-book. This conforms to AA web-standards, which means that it will function effectively with most disability browsers and therefore becomes accessible on-line to those who may not be able to read conventional print easily, or at all. Find out more about e-books

Environmental standards

All paper used in prints our handbooks is made from managed, fully sustainable forests and the printing process meets the highest environmental standards in the use and disposal of materials.

Our printers have been chosen on the basis of good value for money and high standards of service and print quality. They hold the prestigious ISO 14001 Environmental Standard Award and offer full FSC and PEFC stock chain of custody.

 Our handbooks will show the recycling and FSC logos.

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