Who Is HICA Group's New Head Of Estates Rob Harrison And What Are His Plans For Health & Safety?

Ever walked into a place and just felt it was right? Maybe the garden was lovely, the paint was fresh, and it just felt safe and cared for. Getting that feeling doesn't happen by accident. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes, especially in a place like a care home. That's why it's interesting to hear that the HICA Group, a social care organisation based in Yorkshire, has just given a big new job to Rob Harrison.

He's their new head of estates and health & safety, which sounds very official, but what it really means is that he's the person in charge of making sure all their homes are brilliant places to live and work. He's been with the company since 2016, so it's a familiar face stepping up to look after the future of their services and homes.

What does a head of estates and health & safety actually do?

It's a job title that can sound a bit corporate, but it's one of the most practical jobs you can get. The 'estates' part is basically everything to do with the buildings and the land they sit on. Think of it like being the ultimate caretaker for a whole group of homes. Rob Harrison and his team will be looking after a whole host of things to ensure the residents are comfortable and secure. This isn't just a bit of light gardening; it's a huge responsibility.

Here's a little breakdown of what lands on his desk:

• Maintenance: This is the nitty-gritty stuff. Keeping the heating on, making sure the plumbing works, and fixing things that break. It's essential for the day-to-day comfort and health of everyone in the building.
• Decoration: A freshly painted room or a well-chosen colour scheme can make a place feel much more welcoming and modern. This part of the job is about making homes feel less like an institution and more like, well, a home.
• Grounds Care: Looking after the gardens and outdoor spaces. A nice place to sit outside can make a massive difference to someone's day, offering a peaceful spot for residents and their families to spend time together.
• Project Works: This is about the bigger stuff. Maybe a home needs a new roof, or they want to build a new conservatory. These are big improvements that invest in the future.
• Health & Safety: And of course, there's the huge topic of health & safety. This means making sure all the legal rules are followed, but more importantly, it's about creating an environment where the risk of accidents is as low as possible for residents, their families, and all the colleagues who work there.

Basically, his team is responsible for making sure all the HICA Group's homes and services are safe, modern, and genuinely welcoming places. It's a role that directly impacts the daily lives of hundreds of people.

Meet Rob Harrison

So, who is the person taking on this vital role? Rob Harrison isn't new to the HICA Group. He's been part of the team for years, working his way up. He first started as a maintenance supervisor at one of their retirement villages before moving into a management role. This journey shows he knows the organisation from the ground up, which is always a good sign. The new head of estates has a really interesting background. He's originally from Bolton and now lives over in Chorley. Before getting into social care, he started his career in electrical engineering and even worked in the entertainment industry. That's quite a switch!

But when you think about it, those skills are incredibly useful. Electrical engineering is all about precision and safety, while the entertainment industry often involves managing big, complex projects under pressure. Over the last nine years, he's really focused on his career in this sector, getting top qualifications in health and safety from bodies like IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health). These are the gold-standard qualifications that show someone truly understands how to keep people safe at work. They prove his commitment to improving standards of health.

Creating homes people are proud of

When asked what he's most excited about, Rob Harrison didn't talk about budgets or buildings. He talked about people. He said: "I'm most looking forward to working alongside the senior team to create environments our people are proud to work in and our residents truly enjoy. Engaging with service users and their families, listening to their needs and making practical health and safety improvements will be incredibly rewarding as we continue to modernise our homes. I am particularly passionate about enhancing our outdoor spaces, creating vibrant and welcoming environments that support wellbeing and quality of life."

This really gets to the heart of it. It's not just about compliance; it's about creating a positive feeling. He's focused on making practical improvements that residents and their families will actually notice. His passion for outdoor spaces is particularly great to hear, as these areas are so important for both mental and physical health. The goal is to make these homes places that colleagues feel proud of and where residents can live their lives to the fullest. Better health is always the goal.

What does this mean for the future?

This appointment sends a clear message. The HICA Group is serious about its commitment to providing high-quality care environments. The CEO, Terry Peel, reinforced this. He said:

"We're delighted to appoint Rob as our new Head of Estates and Health & Safety. He has already made a significant impact during his time with HICA and his skills, experience and passion for improving our environments will continue to deliver real benefits for our residents, families and colleagues. This is a key role for us as we invest in the future of our homes and services."

The words 'invest in the future' are key here. Appointing someone like Rob Harrison, with his hands-on experience and dedication, shows a long-term plan. It's about making continuous improvements to maintenance, decoration, grounds care, and overall safety standards. For the families of residents, it's reassuring to know there's a dedicated person championing a safe, modern, and welcoming environment. It shows that the organisation is focused not just on care services, but on the very bricks and mortar that make up a home, ensuring the highest standards of health & safety for everyone.