PRIVACY POLICY
ESS: Environmental Stability (“ESS”, “we”, “our”) provides environmental stability assessments for care environments. We are committed to protecting the privacy of users, managers, staff, residents, visitors, and other individuals who may appear within an environment assessed using ESS.
Information We Process
ESS is designed to process video locally on the user's device. Video recordings used for an assessment do not leave the user's device and are not uploaded to, transmitted to, or stored on ESS servers.
Depending on how ESS is used, the application may process:
• Video data selected by the user for assessment, which is processed locally on the user's device to identify relevant environmental conditions and generate an assessment.
• Assessment information derived from the video, such as observations relating to movement patterns, access routes, obstructions, clutter, lighting, and other environmental conditions relevant to the assessment.
• Technical information, such as device type, timestamps, diagnostic information, and report-generation logs required to operate, support, and maintain the application.
How We Use Information
Information processed by ESS may be used:
• To generate ESS Standard and ESS Premium Reports.
• To provide specialty-specific environmental interpretation.
• To support quality assurance, safety, reliability, and system improvement.
• To maintain and improve the functionality of the ESS application.
• To provide customer support where technical information or user-provided information is required.
Video Data Handling
• Video is processed locally on the user's device and does not leave the device as part of the ESS assessment process.
• ESS does not upload, transmit, or store raw video on ESS servers.
• ESS does not use facial recognition, facial identification, or behavioural profiling.
• Where ESS generates an anonymised version of a video, the anonymised video remains under the user's control and is made available for download to the user's device only if the user chooses to download it.
• ESS does not receive or store an anonymised video downloaded by the user.
• Users are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate permission or lawful basis to record and process video within the environment being assessed.
Data Sharing
ESS does not sell personal data or share assessment video with third parties.
Because assessment video is processed locally, it is not transmitted to ESS for processing or storage.
Information may only be disclosed where:
• Required by law or legal process.
• Necessary to protect the safety of an individual or the public.
• Authorised or requested by the user or customer, where appropriate.
Where third-party services are used for functions such as account management, payments, hosting, customer support, or other operational purposes, only the information necessary for that service is shared, in accordance with our contractual and legal obligations.
Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect information processed by ESS against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
Video used for assessments remains on the user's device and is not transmitted to ESS servers.
Where information is transmitted or stored as part of other ESS services, appropriate security measures are applied, including encryption and access controls where appropriate.
User Rights
Depending on the nature of the information processed and applicable data protection law, users may have the right to:
• Request access to personal information held about them.
• Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Request deletion of personal information where applicable.
• Request information about how their personal information is processed.
• Raise concerns about the handling of their personal information.
Because assessment video is processed locally and is not transmitted to or stored by ESS, ESS cannot access or delete video that remains solely on a user's device.
Data Retention
ESS does not retain raw assessment video on its servers.
Information generated from an assessment is retained only where necessary for the purposes for which it was created, to provide the service, meet legal or regulatory obligations, resolve disputes, or maintain appropriate business and security records.
Users remain responsible for managing and deleting video or other assessment files stored locally on their own devices.
Children and Vulnerable Individuals
ESS may be used in care environments where residents or other vulnerable individuals may be present. Users and organisations using ESS are responsible for ensuring that its use is appropriate and lawful, including obtaining any necessary permissions, providing appropriate information to individuals, and applying suitable safeguards when recording environments containing identifiable individuals.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to ESS, applicable law, or our privacy practices. The latest version will be made available through the ESS website or application.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how ESS processes information, please contact us through the contact details provided on the ESS website.
Last updated: 11/09/2026
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Terms of Use
By using ESS Snapshot, you agree to the following terms.
Purpose of ESS
ESS provides environmental stability assessments to support safety awareness, internal governance, and regulatory alignment. ESS does not replace professional judgement, clinical assessment, or statutory inspection.
User Responsibilities
Users must:
• upload only appropriate video content,
• ensure permission to record the environment,
• use ESS reports responsibly,
• avoid misuse, reverse-engineering, or unauthorised distribution.
Report Limitations
ESS Reports:
• provide environmental stability insights,
• highlight potential risks,
• support walk-round inspections,
• align with CQC good practice principles.
They do not guarantee compliance, safety, or regulatory outcomes.
Intellectual Property
All ESS content, reports, metrics, and methodology are owned by ESS Snapshot. Users may use reports internally but may not copy, modify, or publish ESS intellectual property without permission.
Service Availability
ESS may update or modify features at any time. We are not liable for downtime or technical issues.
Liability
ESS Snapshot is not responsible for decisions made based on ESS Reports. Users retain full responsibility for safety, compliance, and operational actions.
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Safety & Fire Alignment Policy
ESS Snapshot supports safety awareness by analysing environmental stability factors that may influence fire safety and general risk management.
Purpose
This policy explains how ESS aligns with recognised safety principles including:
• movement flow,
• clutter reduction,
• escape route clarity,
• lighting and visibility,
• environmental predictability.
How ESS Supports Fire Safety Awareness
ESS Reports highlight:
• blocked or narrowed pathways,
• clutter accumulation,
• poor movement flow,
• environmental instability affecting evacuation,
• specialty-specific risks (mobility, cognition, equipment).
Regulatory Alignment
ESS uses:
• CQC good practice principles,
• widely recognised safety guidance,
• general dementia-friendly environmental concepts (no external proprietary tools referenced).
Limitations
ESS does not:
• replace fire risk assessments,
• certify compliance,
• provide statutory inspection outcomes.
User Responsibilities
Managers must:
• conduct formal fire risk assessments,
• maintain statutory documentation,
• act on ESS findings appropriately.
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ESS Methodology Summary
ESS Snapshot uses a structured, multi-stage methodology to analyse environmental stability and generate actionable reports.
1. Video Processing (ESS Standard)
Uploaded video is processed to extract:
• movement flow patterns,
• clutter indicators,
• lighting consistency,
• environmental rhythm,
• hesitation points,
• hazard markers.
No raw video is stored unless required for support.
2. Metric Generation
ESS produces six core stability metrics:
• Drift
• Hesitation
• Noise
• Flow
• Hazard
• Rhythm
These metrics form the foundation of both Standard and Premium Reports.
3. Specialty Interpretation (ESS Premium)
Processed data is run through the chosen specialty, adapting interpretation for:
• dementia care,
• general nursing,
• acute wards,
• supported living,
• residential care,
• community environments.
4. Good Practice Alignment
Premium Reports incorporate:
• CQC good practice principles,
• general dementia-friendly environmental concepts,
• fire safety awareness factors,
• environmental risk expectations.
No external proprietary tools are referenced or used.
5. Report Output
ESS generates:
• risk levels,
• specialty-specific examples,
• specialty-specific fixes,
• regulator-aligned guidance,
• walk-round inspection support.
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ESS Standard Report
Current Status
This is the headline summary of the environment based on the video. It shows one of four possible states: Stable, Minor Issues, Needs Attention, or Unstable. Managers use this to understand the overall stability level at a glance.
Colour Risk Bar
A four colour bar (green, yellow, orange, red) showing the risk category visually. This allows managers to instantly see the severity level without reading detailed text.
ESS Score (0–100)
A numerical stability score generated from the video. 0 means highly unstable, 100 means fully stable. Managers use this score to compare scans over time or between different areas.
ESS Risk Level
A text label that matches the colour bar. It states the risk category in words (e.g., Stable, Low Risk, Moderate Risk, High Risk) so managers can understand the level clearly.
Stability Metrics (Six Outputs)
These six metrics explain what the system detected in the video and why the score is at its current level:
• Drift – Measures directional changes in movement.
• Hesitation – Measures pauses or irregular timing.
• Noise – Measures background visual activity or clutter.
• Flow – Measures smoothness and continuity of movement.
• Hazard – Measures potential risk indicators detected visually.
• Rhythm – Measures consistency of movement over time.
Managers use these to understand which types of instability are present.
Stage Icons (0–6)
A row of icons showing the stability stage. The highlighted icon represents the current stage for the scan, ranging from fully stable (0) to high instability (6). This provides a quick visual reference.
Scan Code
A unique identifier for the scan (e.g., ESSXXXXXXXXXXXX). Used for audit trails, documentation, and referencing the scan in meetings. It ensures every scan is traceable.
Timestamp
Shows the exact date and time the scan was generated. Managers use this for shift handover, incident review, compliance documentation, and tracking changes over time.
Footer Message
A short reminder reinforcing the purpose of ESS: early detection, proactive review, and environmental awareness.
ESS PREMIUM REPORT — WHAT EACH ELEMENT MEANS
Risk Scale
A colour coded scale showing the five possible risk levels: Stable, Minor Issues, Needs Attention, Unstable, and Critical. This gives managers a clear visual indication of severity.
Industry
The sector the environment belongs to (e.g., Healthcare, Residential Care, Clinical, Community). This ensures the interpretation is relevant to the manager’s setting.
Specialty
The specific area within the sector (e.g., Dementia Care, Acute Nursing, Supported Living). This allows the report to tailor its explanations to the correct specialty.
Interpretation Section
Explains what each stability metric represents for the environment:
• Drift – Meaning of directional changes.
• Hesitation – Meaning of pauses or irregular timing.
• Noise – Meaning of background activity or clutter.
• Flow – Meaning of movement smoothness.
• Hazard – Meaning of detected risk indicators.
• Rhythm – Meaning of consistency over time.
This section translates the metrics into clear, practical meaning for managers.
Examples Section
Provides practical examples of what the detected instability might look like in real environments. Helps managers visualise the issue clearly.
Fixes Section
Gives simple, actionable steps managers can take to improve stability. These are practical, real world fixes that can be applied immediately.
Regulator Guidance
Shows how the findings relate to regulatory expectations. Includes:
• CQC Principle – How the issue links to safety, quality, or oversight.
• FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS – Universal fire safety principles relevant to movement, clutter, visibility, and escape routes.
• Environment – How the environment aligns with regulatory environmental standards.
This helps managers use the report as evidence during inspections.
Metadata Section
Provides factual details about the environment, such as:
• Environment Type – The kind of setting scanned.
• Population – Who is present in the environment.
• Risk Category – The assigned risk level for documentation.
This supports audit trails and compliance.
ESS Score (0–100)
A numerical stability score generated from the video. 0 means highly unstable, 100 means fully stable. Used to compare scans and track changes over time.
ESS Risk Level
A text label matching the risk scale. States the risk category in words so managers can clearly understand the level.
Stage Icons (0–6)
A row of icons showing the stability stage. The highlighted icon represents the current stage, from fully stable (0) to high instability (6). Provides a quick visual reference.
Report Code
A unique identifier automatically generated for each ESS scan. It links the report to the exact video and timestamp, supports audit trails, and ensures every scan is traceable for compliance and documentation.
Footer Message
A short reminder reinforcing the purpose of ESS: early detection, proactive review, and environmental awareness.
Why the Specialty Dropdown Exists
The specialty dropdown allows the Premium Report to adapt its interpretation to the exact type of service being assessed. Different environments have different risks, workflows, and regulatory expectations. Selecting the correct specialty ensures the report speaks directly to the manager’s real-world setting across all specialties, including dementia care, general nursing, acute wards, supported living, residential care, and community environments.
How It Improves the Premium Report
• Tailored Interpretation
ESS Basic has already analysed the video and produced the stability data. The Premium Report does not reprocess the video — instead, it takes that processed ESS data and runs it through the chosen specialty. This ensures each metric (Drift, Hesitation, Noise, Flow, Hazard, Rhythm) is interpreted in a way that is relevant to that specific service.
• Relevant Examples
Examples shown in the Premium Report match the chosen specialty, helping managers immediately recognise what instability looks like in their own environment.
• Accurate Fixes
Recommended actions become specialty-specific, giving managers practical steps that genuinely apply to their service type.
• Regulator Alignment
The dropdown ensures the CQC Principle, dementia friendly environmental principles (based on widely recognised good practice, without referencing any external tool), Fire Safety Awareness, and Environmental guidance sections align with the expectations of that specialty. The Premium Report also uses CQC good practice data to shape its explanations, examples, and improvement actions, strengthening its value during inspections.
Why It Matters for Assessment, Training, Evidence
The dropdown supports:
• staff assessment (clear, specialty specific explanations),
• training (examples and fixes tailored to the service),
• evidence (reports showing specialty relevant risk awareness).
This refers only to general principles of assessment, training, and evidence based environmental review — not any branded or proprietary framework.
Why It Makes Walk Round Inspections Better
Walkround inspections depend on managers spotting issues relevant to their service. The specialty dropdown ensures the Premium Report highlights the exact risks, examples, and fixes that matter for that environment. This helps managers:
• focus on the right hazards for their specialty,
• recognise instability quickly,
• link what they see to CQC good practice,
• take immediate, specialty appropriate action.
This turns walk rounds from broad checks into precise, specialty aligned inspections.
Why It Matters for General Fire Safety Awareness
Different specialties have different fire safety needs. The dropdown ensures the Fire Safety Awareness section reflects:
• appropriate escape route expectations,
• population needs (mobility, cognition, acuity),
This helps managers connect environmental instability to meaningful fire safety requirements.
Summary
The specialty dropdown transforms the Premium Report from a general stability assessment into a sector specific, regulator aligned guidance tool. It ensures every part of the report—interpretation, examples, fixes, regulatory guidance, and walk round relevance—matches the exact environment being assessed across all specialties.
App Link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nurseondemand.ess