Council review of Facilities Management

15th January 2015

Highland Council Members have agreed the terms of reference for a review of the Facilities Management model which is being rolled out in schools across the Highlands.

In 2010 the Council previously agreed to take forward the Facilities Management model, the benefits of which were expected to:
· create of a universal support function to assist Head Teachers with property and grounds management;
· create a standardised operating model under specialist line management arrangements;
· create standardised job descriptions ensuring a consistent approach to facilities management across all schools; and
· is affordable within the Council's current budget allocation.

The new model commenced in August 2011 with particular emphasis on: property management; liaison with the Council's Property Team; compliance with, and the enforcement of Health and Safety responsibilities (such as asbestos management, legionella testing, and fire safety checks); and responsibility for building access and egress.

There are 9 phases to the rollout of the scheme being introduced in geographic areas of the Highlands. The FM Model has already been introduced in Nairn and East Inverness; Badenoch and Strathspey; Black Isle and Seaforth; West Inverness; and East Sutherland and East Ross areas, with partial implementation in Skye and Lochalsh, and West Sutherland and West Ross to date.

The roll out of the scheme to future phases will not continue until the review has been completed. Further though, the review will inform the deployment of this service across the authority.

Following the review, recommendations will be brought back to the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee in May 2015.

The terms of reference of the review can be viewed on the council’s website at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/67260/item_9_facilities_management_update