Gentoo statement following tragic fire at Grenfell Tower

We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news from Grenfell Tower last night and our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.

At Gentoo, we are committed to ensuring our customers feel safe in their homes. We are confident we exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements in relation to fire safety and we work jointly with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) on what is one of our key priorities.

From a customer safety perspective, we have a range of safety measures in place, including:

• Extensive fire and heat detection measures
• 24-hour concierge service which monitors fire alarm activations in individual flats
• Providing them with fire prevention advice in conjunction with TWFRS

Our local teams will be contacting customers living in high rise buildings across Sunderland over the coming days to reinforce the measures listed above and to confirm our ongoing commitment to keeping them safe.

As part of our ongoing monitoring and review of fire safety, we carry out fire risk assessments to priority buildings on an annual basis. The most recent assessment was carried out by an external independent specialist, which gave us further assurance on the effectiveness of the measures we have in place.

To ensure continued compliance, we also have a rigid Permit to Work Policy which prevents unauthorised work from being carried out in these buildings.

We continue to work in partnership with TWFRS and last year worked together on a number of initiatives, including emergency training exercises for fires in high rise buildings and the installation of a full sprinkler system at our D’arcy Court high rise, which was part of planned modernisation programme.

In light of recent events, we will, of course, be reviewing our policies and procedures around fire safety in conjunction with TWFRS.

John Craggs                                                                                  

Chief Executive Officer, Gentoo Group