Our office estate is larger than we need or can afford, and with limited capital and revenue budgets available in the future, it is essential the we have an Office Accommodation Strategy that aligns with our priorities and commitments.
We have committed to 'maximise use of fewer assets'. This has a number of benefits including:
- reducing revenue costs
- reducing CO2 emissions
- improving Utilisation
The Office Accommodation Policy - office focus, establishes clear principles aligned with council priorities and commitments, to drive forward efficiency and areas for improvement. These will remain in place for the next 10 years but will be reviewed annually to ensure they are still relevant to what we are trying to achieve.
- To plan and manage property as a corporate resource to drive down cost, improve efficiency, performance, and maintain safety and security for all its users.
- To invest in our key infrastructure to provide fit-for-purpose premises from which to work, to minimise the risk associated with asset ownership and operation and reduce high risk backlog maintenance.
- To maximise use of fewer assets, through the Smarter Working vision where 'work is what we do, not a place we go' supported by continued transformation and flexible working. Provide office environments which can adapt to future ways of working to improve employee and service user experience.
- To target carbon reduction and a future sustainable estate through exploration of environmental improvement and adaptation works on retained buildings, new ways of working and disposal of assets.
- To promote joint working and explore opportunities for shared use of assets with partner organisations to improve collaboration and reduce costs.