InFocus: News and views from the GPA (June 2023)
InFocus brings together news and views from across the Government Property Agency
News and views from across the Government Property Agency
WELCOME TO INFOCUS, June 23
Yvette Greener, Client Director
Over these past three months, we have continued to see many successes across our business. Our Workplace Services Transformation Programme continues at pace as we prepare to roll out our national service desk at the first three locations. We have also awarded our security contracts to two service providers across the four aggregated regions.
Our progress with implementing property technologies for GovPass and occupancy monitoring is generating valuable data pools to support strategic reporting and decision making. We are pleased to report more than 52,000 civil servants now have GovPass access at 31 locations, with 30 additional locations coming onboard throughout this year. And we are currently gathering occupancy data from more than 500,000m2 of government office space.
Manchester continues to gain attention with our new Government Hub at First Street recently winning three industry awards for deal of the year and lease of the year. We were also pleased to see the first concrete pour at the site in April, marking the beginning of the core foundation works.
And our collaboration with the Home Office to deliver a temporary office solution is supporting its recruitment activities in Stoke-on-Trent in preparation for its new Hub set to open in 2027.
I am also pleased to welcome three new members to our senior team: Nick Brown has joined as our Chief Financial Officer; Mandev Dass is our Chief Digital Officer and Kean Jones is our Chief Technology Officer, all further strengthening our team to enhance the services we design and deliver for you.
In this issue:
- Smarter working success: The evolution to business as usual
- Investing in technology to power our client-centric focus
- Workplace Services Transformation Programme continues at pace
- GovPass exceeds 52,000 passes and continues to grow
- Occupancy data gathering continues
- The GPA moves forward to complete new hub in Croydon
- Manchester First Street hub wins three awards!
- Our Manchester Hub gets its first concrete pour
- Stoke-on-Trent temporary solution at 2 Smithfield
- Case study: Regenerating Peterborough
- Rapid delivery to support public inquiries
- The GPA further strengthens its senior leadership team
Smarter working success: The evolution to business as usual
Smarter working was first recognised within the UK government in 2004. Since then it has evolved into a core business need and a driver for efficiency and cost savings. It allowed the Civil Service to react immediately to flexible working needs during the pandemic, and is helping to keep Britain working during the industrial strikes.
Smarter ways of working are also enabling a culture of flexibility, inclusivity and choice across the Civil Service.
We have been delivering the Government’s Smarter Working Programme since 2018. The success of this programme has enabled the ethos, culture, processes and technology to become so greatly recognised that they are embedded into business–as-usual practices. And we are continuing to lead the Civil Service smarter working expertise across the Government’s office estate.
Through the dedicated programme, 41 government departments were accessed on smarter working capabilities. Of those, 30 (73%) departments achieved ‘Mature’ status. This means these departments provided demonstrable evidence of how their people and culture, leadership, technology and workspaces are supporting, advocating and role modelling smarter ways of working.
Smarter Working Mature departments:
- BEIS
- Charity Commission
- CMA
- CPS
- DCMS
- DEFRA
- DfE
- DfT
- DHSC
- DIT
- DLUHC
- DWP
- Food Standards Agency
- Forestry Commission
- GLD
- HMRC
- Land Registry
- National Archives
- NS&I
- OAG
- OFGEM
- OFQUAL
- OFSTED
- OFWAT
- ORR
- Scotland Office
- Supreme Court
- UKEF
- UKSA
- Wales Office
Our evaluation of the effectiveness of the Smarter Working (SW) Programme has provided some key insights:
- Assessor benefits
- 95.5% of assessors felt that there had been a benefit to being involved in the programme
- 93.2% had learned new skills or knowledge
- 82% were able to transfer their knowledge to the benefit of their own smarter ways of working.
- Departmental benefits
- 96% of departmental leads reported that the SW Programme had been beneficial.
- Qualitative analysis revealed benefits as: developing cross governmental relationships, obtaining expert advice from the Business Partners (BPs), transitioning to new ways of working, keeping SW on the agenda and the programme being a key enabler of change.
- The SW Business Partner team
- 100% of respondents said they would recommend working with the BP team in future, 91.7% describing the BP support as ‘good or very good’ and 87.5% rating the quality of advice as ‘good or very good’.
- SW products and networks
- 79.2% of respondents considered the smarter working products or resources valuable to implementing SW in their own departments
- 81% considered the GPA hosted networks valuable.
The findings show the programme has been effective in several key areas: successful programme delivery, improving the quality of smarter working across the Civil Service, enabling change and bringing together a smarter working community. The evaluation highlighted the importance of continued cross-departmental support via our recently launched Community of Practice.
Community of Practice
As we continue to lead the Civil Service in implementing smarter ways of working, our Community of Practice is a cornerstone of this service: a thriving community that has evolved throughout the SW Programme helping its members to share best practice, collaborate on challenges and learn from each other:
- Tools, advice and guidance
- Events
- Community activity, including an online community members collaborate, and a six-weekly smarter working practitioner group meeting
- Smarter working thought leadership
Join our Community of Practice today by contacting our team on [email protected]
Investing in technology to power our client-centric focus
We’re continuing to invest across our organisation to make sure that we are delivering the best service possible for you and your people. That includes investment in the latest technology, which is why we’re implementing Salesforce - the cloud-based software solution - later this year as our Client Relationship Management (CRM) tool. We’re excited about its potential as an enabler to us becoming increasingly client-centric, focusing on your needs and wants in a more proactive manner.
Internal launch this Summer
We’re on track for an internal launch of the CRM tool this Summer, which will bring together all the information and open queries we have relating to our clients in one place. Alongside the bolstering of our internal capabilities and processes, this will help us bring you faster resolutions for your queries. Future phases and enhancements to the system will seek to bring the benefits and capability of Salesforce directly to you, with plans for us to be able to communicate using the tool and collaborate on open queries.
Key benefits
- Connecting our internal teams around a single source of information so that we can remove silos and work as a joined up team to provide a unified service to our clients
- Helping to find the right solution to client queries and requests more effectively
- Efficiencies from modern technology, including automation and richer management information reporting, which allow us to focus on supporting our clients
What’s next?
Watch out for more information on our internal launch this Summer. Following that, we will be reaching out to you for input into your requirements for future phases, so that we can ensure the system works for us all.
Workplace Services Transformation Programme continues at pace
Further to our previous update in InFocus, we have continued to make progress in all areas of our Workplace Services Transformation Programme (WSTP). Two key milestones to update you on include the new national service desk and improvements to our security operations.
Rolling out the national service desk
In February, we announced our strategic partnership with JLL for workplace services performance. Since then, we’ve been preparing for the introduction of the new national service desk. Starting in June, the service desk will be operational at Feethams House in Darlington, Piccadilly Gate in Manchester, and Quay House in Peterborough. And we will continue to roll out the service desk to our entire portfolio, with a go-live set for October.
The service desk will be the new way of raising building service requests and the first point of contact for any building queries. Initially, service requests will be logged by phone, and later in the year it will extend to raising requests online. This will give you the ability to track and monitor the progress of your requests, report on performance and gain valuable insights, improving your overall customer experience. The service desk will be managed by JLL.
Securing New Contracts
We have secured new Customer Safety and Response Services contracts as part of our commitment to enhancing safety and security in Government offices.
We have designed service solutions with a regional focus: London, South, Central and North to deliver a client-centric service in each location.
We have divided the responsibilities among our selected service providers, with one provider delivering services across London and the North. The other will secure key Government sites in the South and Central regions. These new partnerships will ensure the highest level of security measures across all our sites and include services like surveillance, alarm monitoring, access control, emergency response, and more.
If you have any questions about the programme, please reach out to our dedicated WSTP team - [email protected]
GovPass exceeds 52,000 passes and continues to grow
As part of the Interoperability and Property Technology work we are delivering across the Government’s office estate, we are rapidly progressing our GovPass roll out - the new access control system - with support from our delivery partners. The project’s target is to deliver GovPass into 30 new sites this year, as well as begin testing and rolling out of the GovPass API, which will further enhance system security and link it together as a single access control system.
This will mean that by the end of the year GovPass will be live in a minimum of 60 sites across the Government estate, including all new capital project sites.
GovPass installations are progressing well across a number of sites, with installations at Rosebery Court in Norwich, St Pauls Place in Sheffield and Bishopsgate House in Darlington set to complete in the next six weeks.
To date there are 31 live sites with the GovPass system and a total now exceeding 52,000 passes live across 35 agencies and departments.
For any questions please reach out to [email protected]
Occupancy data gathering continues
Following our appointment by CSOB to lead the capturing, managing and reporting on government property occupancy data, we have gathered data from over 500,000m2 to date. This is creating a comprehensive dataset for better-informed, strategic decision making. And is only possible with engagement from government departments. Thank you to the many of you who are already engaging with us.
But there is still a requirement for more data where it is available; if you would like to discuss further please contact us at [email protected].
We are progressing discovery activity to identify a new sensor product for further rollout in Q2 - Q4; a list of sites for sensor deployment is progressing based on details gathered via the client meetings and data available within the GPA.
Our occupancy team is also working with the GovPass team to identify sites where occupancy data that is gathered via GovPass can be shared; we will be contacting you shortly to agree to the safe, secure, sharing of anonymised data.
We are also creating a common reporting process that ensures reports with the anonymised data will be shared with you.
Manchester First Street hub wins three awards!
Our Manchester First Street hub, which saw the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quinn breaking ground at the site, has recently won three awards highlighting it as the deal of the year:
- CoStar Impact Award: Sale/Acquisition of the Year for the North West
- CoStar Impact Award: Lease of the Year for the North West
- Insider Media North West Property Awards: Deal of the Year
Our partners Ask Real Estate and joint venture partner, The Richardson Family secured forward funding for the site from Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), which will be investing £105 million. JLL Real Estate Advisors & Professionals, acted for the GPA.
The awards recognise the work we are doing as industry leaders and highlights our commitment to supporting the Government’s Places for Growth agenda through regional investment. While helping civil servants to deliver better public services in modern, inclusive and digitally-enabled workplaces.
The Manchester hub will house 2,500 civil servants from at least four different government departments, making it one of the largest hubs for cross-government collaboration and operation outside London. The move forms part of the Government’s Places for Growth Programme and underlines its commitment to levelling up with some 700 roles being relocated from London.
Our Manchester Hub gets its first concrete pour
The building works at our Manchester Hub in First Street rapidly progressed in April as we completed the first concrete pour to form the core base of the build.
Our project will now gather pace over the coming weeks when the structural steelwork starts to emerge from the basement and follow the concrete core up the building as we begin to create an innovative office space for civil servants in Manchester.
The GPA hub at First Street in Manchester gets its first concrete pour which starts the formation of the core base of the build.
Stoke-on-Trent temporary solution at 2 Smithfield
Under the ‘Places for Growth’ (PfG) agenda, the Home Office committed to improving its representation in the regions and identified Stoke-on-Trent as one of the places that can support this strategy. The Home Office has planned a phased recruitment programme to meet its commitment of more than 500 FTE in the city.
To support this phased recruitment, we identified a temporary solution at 2 Smithfield in Handley, Stoke-on-Trent.
We are also developing a permanent Stoke Hub, expected in 2027, which will be able to support the Home Office’s ambition to have customer facing elements in the city. It will also align with its vision of creating innovation through staff that are multi-skilled and highly trained, supported in their roles with the use of technology.
The Home Office commenced migration into 2 Smithfield from 24 April 2023, with staff being inducted into the building. Whilst more formal feedback is yet to be captured from staff, initial comments have been very positive, with the office providing staff with a great place to work in the city.
2 Smithfield enables the Home Office to become a major employer in Stoke-on-Trent for the first time, increase recruitment into the city and grow over the coming years in line with Places for Growth commitments.
We are working to deliver this project with our partners; Atkins F&G (designers), AECOM (project managers and cost consultants), Hoare Lea (security) and ISG (fit-out contractor)
We will soon be targeting the submission of the Outline Business Case later this year, to seek approval to progress with the permanent solution.
Rapid delivery to support public inquiries
We have extensive experience supporting public inquiries through the rapid sourcing, securing and adaptation of workspaces within existing government buildings and acquiring new ones.
We bring experience and expertise together to share best practice and drive results for our clients. This includes securing industry-leading deals, navigating national property control approvals, and creating secure, inclusive, digitally-connected spaces that support public hearings as well as flexible work spaces.
Our success in supporting public inquiries is underpinned by six core goals:
- Public: open, accessible, comfortable and modern
- Private: confidential, secure and dignified, and independent of Government
- Design: modern, inclusive and fit for purpose (function and acoustics)
- Smarter working: technology-enabled, offers choice to support collaboration, focus and breakout spaces
- Covid-secure: adaptable, ventilated and mitigated
- Independence: space that is impartial and private
Infected Blood Inquiry
We completed the fit out and occupation at Fleetbank House in London which included flexible office space as well as areas to conduct public hearings and a first of its kind press centre. Fleetbank House was then identified as a building within the Government’s property rationalisation plans. This meant departments were to be relocated so the building could be exited.
We completed a market search to identify the best space specific to the requirement and in accordance with value for money. We completed commercial arrangements, including governance and policy compliance. Aldwych in London was identified as the new home for the Infected Blood Inquiry requiring a design-led project and fit out. The requirement to deliver new office and hearing spaces and ensure continuity of operations during the Covid-19 lockdown period that also met their requirements through the remaining stages of the Inquiry life cycle.
UK Covid-19 Inquiry
In just 10 days, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry team moved into their new ‘start-up’ office facilities of 4,000 sq ft in London. This was achieved by our rapid response to source and secure new premises that included commercial and legal negotiations. We are now supporting the growing Inquiry team to relocate to bigger premises at Dorland House in Paddington (premises previously occupied by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry) with the hearing space amended to suit the requirements of the new Inquiry. Contracts were signed in May 2023 and the extensive fit-out programme which required planning and listed building consents is expected to complete in October 2023 ready for occupation.
Post Office Horizon Inquiry
The Post Office Horizon Inquiry team moved into their new premises in Aldwych, London in April 2023, co-located with the Infected Blood Inquiry.
We were engaged to source suitable facilities for the Inquiry team in London. With effective estate planning and workplace optimisation, we are finalising the infrastructure changes to welcome the team in the coming weeks.
Talk to our team today about your property needs at [email protected].
The GPA further strengthens its senior leadership team
Our recent recruitment drive for senior roles is part of our wider strategy to strengthen the delivery of essential government initiatives. We are pleased to announce three new Chief Officers have now joined our senior leadership team to support strategic decision making in finance, digital, data security and technology.
Nick Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Mandev Dass, Chief Digital Officer and Kean Jones, Chief Technology Officer, will further enhance our existing team to lead the GPA in our key objectives to generate growth across the UK, transform the Civil Service, contribute to Net Zero and achieve better value.
Nick Brown, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Nick previously worked at M&G Real Estate, where he held the same role, and brings more than 30 years’ experience in finance and property investment, development and management gained principally in the commercial sector.
As CFO at M&G Real Estate, Nick led the multidisciplinary team that improved how the UK’s largest real estate investment fund for retail investors was valued and operated. This enabled it to keep delivering for its clients through the market turmoil after the Brexit referendum. Nick also reduced the number of go-to market franchises, which simplified the operating model, empowered franchise leaders and helped achieve growth targets.
Nick will work closely with our CEO, Steven Boyd, and our executive team to lead on all of our financial matters, using his extensive experience to improve return on investment.
Connect with Nick Brown on LinkedIn
Kean Jones, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Prior to joining the GPA, Kean was responsible for the support, continuity and resilience of all public and internal services, including the world leading company data service at Companies House.
With over 20 years’ experience in Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT), 15 of those in DDaT leadership, Kean has a strong background in technology, service delivery and building effective cultures.
Kean’s driving passion has been to enable agility of operation and delivery for the organisation through improved technology. Decoupling organisations from the ties of a single property estate and introducing truly agile infrastructure, technology and working practices to support secure, effective delivery, from anywhere.
His experience puts him in a perfect position to lead us in achieving our plans to improve interoperability and standardisation across the Government’s office estate.
Kean is driving forward the technology that will support industry-leading hybrid workspaces and a seamless client and customer experience.
Connect with Kean Jones on LinkedIn
Mandev Dass, Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
Prior to the GPA, Mandev held various senior IT roles in the manufacturing, engineering and medical sectors. In his most recent role, he was responsible for leading a global Digital and Information Technology team driving smart and innovative IT operations. This transformed the way the organisation operated, creating value for the group through new digital services bringing revenue growth, unlocking new business opportunities, and enabling business efficiencies through the various business workstreams.
With his experience of working within complex business operations, Mandev understands the importance of being able to navigate through various regulatory controls and compliance. He brings over 15 years’ experience from his work in the private sector, with a strong background in developing and leading IT strategy, architecture, systems, security, and delivering IT transformations.
Mandev’s vast knowledge and experience is enabling our transformation in digital, data and information security services. This will ensure we deliver at scale, and at pace, to continue to meet the needs of our clients and customers.
Connect with Mandev Dass on LinkedIn