12–Apr–2026
Northmarque
In short:
- The caretaking agreement includes items on the schedules that do not exist within the scheme.
- This makes it an imperfect tool for enforcing specific works, and the committee is working with Aspire to establish a practical service schedule that reflects the scheme as it actually is.
- The committee’s expectation is that Aspire’s team don’t just ‘turn up’ and look for things to do. Effective caretaking means attending with purpose – the right people, at the right time, completing the right work.
- The former caretaking arrangement was a reminder that a contractor who does just enough to tick boxes is not good value for anyone.
- The committee’s goal is a genuine working relationship with Aspire that delivers real outcomes for the scheme – not a compliance exercise.
The Chair and Secretary confirmed there are no set days specified in the caretaking agreement – this was not required when the caretaker lived on site. The agreement requires caretaking tasks to be completed, not attendance on specified days. Aspire Facility Services confirmed there is usually someone on site on 3 to 5 days each week, though not necessarily for a full day.
Some owners may have been given the impression that because the caretaking agreement includes daily, weekly and monthly activity schedules, this translates to a need for the caretaking contractor to be on site every day. This interpretation is incorrect. It is also not logical and potentially unreasonable.
The committee is actively working to ensure the scheme gets the best possible value from the arrangement. That means establishing a clear and documented service schedule with Aspire so that the scope of works is well understood by everyone, and holding the contractor to it.