Workstation DSE Assessments for The British Library
VergoUK Partners with The Great British Library, Providing Workplace Comfort and Productivity
The British Library is the UK’s national library and one of the largest in the world. Established in 1973, it holds over 170 million items in its collection, spanning books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, sound recordings, and digital content from every corner of the globe. With sites in both London and Yorkshire, the Library hosts millions of visitors and researchers each year, serving as a vital centre for knowledge, culture, and innovation.
As an organisation of this scale, maintaining a healthy, safe, and comfortable working environment for staff using DSE is essential. The Health and Safety team plays a crucial role in ensuring that every employee, whether working onsite or from home, has access to the right ergonomic support and equipment to carry out their work effectively and comfortably.
Challenges
Before working with VergoUK, the Library partnered with another ergonomic supplier but began experiencing ongoing issues with their service. According to Evelyn Hong, Health and Safety Manager at the British Library, the previous supplier “often turned up late or didn’t show up for booked assessments for staff onsite.”
This created significant challenges for the Health and Safety team, who had to spend time chasing rescheduled appointments and waiting for replies to queries. Evelyn explained, “Our main requirement was finding a supplier who could provide ergonomic/DSE assessments for specialist cases — staff who didn’t require standard DSE equipment or furniture.”
Recognising the need for a more reliable and responsive partner, the British Library decided to switch suppliers — and began working with VergoUK.
How We Helped
After forming a relationship with VergoUK, Evelyn quickly noticed a positive change in communication and service.
“VergoUK Customer Services has always been prompt with replying to email queries and providing quotations. John Mina has often provided valuable insights, such as suggesting alternative equipment or solutions when something isn’t available.”
Evelyn also praised the professionalism of VergoUK’s onsite team:
“I have appreciated the reliability and professional manner of Ellie Clayton when required to visit onsite to conduct DSE assessments for staff, make recommendations, or set up new furniture.”
Over the past year, the Health and Safety department has received more complex DSE queries from staff with chronic health issues or those recovering from surgery who require specialist advice.
“VergoUK has been reliable, providing in-depth DSE assessments and recommendations for relevant equipment,” Evelyn shared. “This has been reassuring for me, as I always seek to help my colleagues to the best of my ability and know that I can turn to VergoUK for support.”
Solution
Since partnering with VergoUK, the British Library has benefited from prompt and reliable communication, with quick turnaround times for quotations and queries. The team has provided professional onsite DSE assessments for both standard and specialist cases, along with expert recommendations tailored to staff who have complex health or ergonomic needs. This partnership has also given the library greater confidence in supporting staff wellbeing and comfort across all working environments.
The partnership between VergoUK and the British Library has created a smoother, more responsive process for managing ergonomic needs — both onsite and for staff working from home. Through prompt communication, professional assessments, and specialist advice, VergoUK has become a trusted partner in supporting The British Library’s commitment to staff wellbeing.
“Excellent and reliable customer service.”
Evelyn Hong, Health and Safety Manager