Community Concierge SA (CCSA) was launched by Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc., a leading local Disability Employment Service (DES), after the company saw a need for an alternative to today’s security-focused concierges.
CBS Inc. Executive Manager Corporate Services and Projects, Abby McKay would like to see a concierge in every government building.
“Every State Government building could do with the service we provide because when you think about some of the buildings that you go into, there’s no signage anywhere,” said McKay.
“When I think about Lot Fourteen, that’s a good example. There’s six separate buildings and no one knows where to go.”
The social enterprise employs and trains people with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities, as Concierge Officers in corporate office buildings. Security remains a component, but it is “subtle and reserved”, with traditional concierge services tailored to each building.
“What we found with the service is that it’s having a real impact in the buildings with the tenants and the environment. It’s creating more of an inclusive environment for everyone,” she said.
“Our Concierge Officers provide that real customer service. They don’t sit down behind the desk, they stand up, they greet people.”
Social enterprises are on the rise in Australia, with both the government and corporate sectors engaging with them and doing “business for good”.
In June this year, the South Australian Government released its own procurement guidelines.
McKay said jobs for people with a disability tended to be away from public view and with the concierge service they had “flipped the coin”.
“One of the key points of difference with our organisation is, we’re all about putting people with a disability into real jobs at award wages,” she said.
The social enterprise uses a strengths-based model for placing people in employment, unleashing their potential.
“We focus on what people with a disability are good at and give them the resources and the tools to support them to do that. And we’ve proved it works,” she explained.
“For every single staff member providing the concierge service across the buildings, it’s just so natural for them, because [their role is] based on what they’re good at.
“We’re always happy to trial the service for a period. Basically, to prove that it works and that our Concierge Officers can do a better job than commercial concierge services, who are really more like security services.”
McKay said they had been working with the Adelaide office of global real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), with Concierge staff in 25 Grenfell Street since 2018. JLL continues to support this initiative and its viability for both their business and the community.
Community Concierge SA is eager to build its hometown client base.
Community Concierge SA recently won the Social Procurement Game Changer Award for SA/WA through Social Traders Australia. As a result, Community Concierge SA is a finalist for the Social Procurement Trailblazer – National Award 2022. The winner will be announced during the Social Enterprise World Forum 2022 being held in Brisbane at the end of this month.
By using a Social Enterprise Business, like Community Concierge SA, companies can increase their social impact, support diversity in the workforce and create a more equitable Australia. McKay is keen to make contact.
“We’re more than happy to provide a service at any building that would like to welcome us with open arms,” she said.
