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Fire safety is a top priority for local authorities, housing providers, and the public sector across the UK. For communities in the north of England, there are complex challenges, with a mix of post-war high-rise blocks, multi-occupancy social housing and large public buildings.

One measure that has proven critical in bridging the gap between risk identification and long-term remediation is the deployment of Waking Watch services.

What is Waking Watch?

Waking Watch is a fire safety measure involving trained personnel patrolling buildings around the clock to detect early signs of fire and raise the alarm, ensuring a swift evacuation if necessary. Originally conceived as a short-term emergency measure, it has become a key component of fire risk mitigation strategies for buildings identified with serious safety concerns—especially those with fire safety defects.

Protecting High-Rise and Multi-Occupancy Buildings

The North of England is home to thousands of high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings, many of which were not originally designed with today’s fire safety standards in mind. Waking Watch provides a vital layer of protection in these settings, especially where traditional stay-put policies have been suspended. For residents, knowing that trained personnel are on-site 24/7 offers reassurance and reduces anxiety in the face of heightened fire risk.

In multi-occupancy buildings where evacuation can be complex, the human element of Waking Watch is essential. Patrollers can assist vulnerable residents, coordinate safe egress, and communicate directly with the fire and rescue service in an emergency - reducing response times and potentially saving lives.

The importance of Waking Watch

Waking Watch has emerged as a solution to keep residents safe and for many councils and housing associations in the North, this service has been instrumental in allowing buildings to remain occupied while long-term safety improvements are planned and delivered.

Government guidance has continued to evolve, but Waking Watch remains a critical tool in the interim management of risk. The introduction of the Waking Watch Relief Fund has also helped to ease the financial burden on leaseholders, enabling providers to maintain high standards of coverage without passing unsustainable costs onto tenants and residents.

However, this should not be used as a long-term stop gap. Building owners must advance other elements of their fire safety strategy. And, for those still yet to complete cladding remediation, time is ticking. The government has set a deadline by the end of 2029.

Supporting Major Retrofit and Refurbishment Projects

The North is undergoing a wave of retrofit and refurbishment work aimed at upgrading housing stock to meet modern safety and energy efficiency standards. During these projects, fire systems may be temporarily offline, routes obstructed, or updates taking place - all of which can elevate fire risk. Waking Watch personnel play a key role during these vulnerable periods, monitoring conditions, responding to alarms, and liaising with construction teams to maintain safety compliance.

Safeguarding Vacant and Empty Buildings

Waking Watch is also invaluable for protecting vacant and empty properties. Empty high-rise or multi-occupancy buildings can be at heightened risk of arson, vandalism, and unauthorised entry, all of which can lead to fires. A visible, patrolled presence not only reduces these risks but also reassures neighbouring communities. By preventing small incidents from escalating, Waking Watch helps to protect valuable public housing assets and minimise the cost of fire damage and subsequent repairs.

For local authorities managing decant programmes or housing providers waiting to carry out major works, this service ensures that vacant buildings remain secure and monitored until they can be brought back into safe use.

A Vital Public Sector Investment

While Waking Watch is sometimes criticised for its cost, its value as a safety measure cannot be overstated. For local authorities and housing providers, investing in robust Waking Watch services is not only about compliance, it is about fulfilling their duty of care to residents, protecting property, and preventing incidents.

As the North of England continues its journey toward safer, more resilient housing, Waking Watch will remain an essential safeguard. It is a visible, human commitment to keeping people safe in their homes, and a powerful reminder that fire safety is not just a matter of regulation, but of trust between housing providers and the communities they serve.

To find out more about how NPA and our pre-approved appointed companies can help you ensure the safety of your residents and buildings, go to: https://www.northernprocurement.org.uk/frameworks/property-protection-and-maintenance/