Creating a legacy with technical expertise and ethical delivery
When Crimewatch Alarms Ltd (also known as CWE), was selected to deliver the electrical and fire safety systems at Glan Yr Afon Court, a flagship residential development for Kingfisher Developments (Wales) Ltd, the company saw an opportunity to demonstrate its values alongside its installation expertise.
The project is backed by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grants and the Strategic Housing Team at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council with the aim to leave a positive legacy in the area. This was a chance for CWE to demonstrate how its ethical employment, workforce competence, and robust standards can directly support both community development and the Welsh Government’s wider goals for Fair Work and social value.
Delivering confidence through JIB standards
As a proud member of the Joint Industry Board (JIB), CWE brings more than technical expertise to site. It brings a certified guarantee that every operative on the project holds the right qualifications, up-to-date health and safety knowledge and has access to continuous professional development.
With all operatives registered under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), and their credentials verifiable in real-time via ECS Check, CWE ensures transparency and compliance with zero tolerance for unqualified labour. This is critical for maintaining project quality, achieving client expectations and meeting insurance and health and safety requirements.
Real social value beyond ticking boxes
What made this project different was the embedded Fair Work principles. Operating under the JIB’s national collective agreement – negotiated by Unite the Union and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) – CWE guaranteed fair pay, holiday entitlement, pensions, and a route to early resolution of workforce issues through recognised union structures.
The team on site benefited from:
• Industry-agreed minimum pay rates across all grades, reviewed to reflect real-world living costs.
• Access to apprenticeships and upskilling, helping to close local skills gaps and build career pathways.
• Recognition through Unite the Union, ensuring every voice had a route to be heard and shape their workplace.
Stable, supported teams reduce turnover, increase morale, and deliver continuity – minimising labour risk for clients and supporting consistent quality on site. This is good for workers and good for business.
“It isn’t just about compliance – it is about doing the right thing for our team” says Andrew Hutchins – Managing Director, CWE.
Supporting Government priorities on net zero, growth and fair work
The JIB Collective Agreement is a key component of the UK’s most trusted industrial partnership. Unite the Union and the ECA deliver the nation’s leading private sector collective agreement as well as the most technologically advanced personnel certification scheme in the built environment. Together this underpins a highly skilled, fairly-employed electrotechnical workforce which is essential for the UK’s safety, productivity and clean energy.
By engaging with JIB member firms such as CWE, clients and public bodies support:
• Fair, direct employment with enforceable terms and secure working conditions
• Independent resolution of grievances, promoting stability and trust
• Ongoing workforce development, improving technical excellence and worker wellbeing
• Competency assurance, critical to meeting Net Zero and infrastructure goals
For Glan Yr Afon and Kingfisher Developments (Wales) Ltd, this meant a project delivered by competent people, who were fairly treated, appropriately paid and motivated to deliver their best.
Local impact and a lasting legacy
“We are carrying out the full electrical installations to 20 new homes for the Social Housing sector, including the installation of in-roof solar photovoltaic panels complete with 10kW of battery storage to the property, this will offset the energy required to supply the air source heating systems. We have also installed a MVHR ventilation system to ensure improved air quality throughout the whole building, and not in just specific rooms. The project which started in April 2025 is due to complete in December 2025 for the new residents to move into, hopefully before Christmas.” – Crimewatch Alarms Ltd
This project shows how modern electrotechnical work goes beyond the technical skills to install cables and circuits. It also delivers public value through ethical employment, community skills development and the highest professional standards. This is what JIB membership, and the sectoral bargaining agreement achieves for clients, contractors and residents.
Ethical delivery with practical impact
CWE’s work at Glan Yr Afon exemplifies how the JIB model enables a fair, skilled, and secure workforce, aligned with the Welsh Government’s ambitions for Fair Work, sustainable employment, and inclusive growth.
Through transparent practices, verifiable competence, and a focus on social value, they’ve shown that technical quality and ethical delivery go hand in hand.
