Asset Management and Planning

The work of this division is diverse; it covers Asset Management and Planning (AMP) strategy, school place planning, admissions and transport, design and maintenance.

The division is made up of the following services:

Capital Development Group
Maintenance Consultancy
Design Consultancy
School Organisation & Admissions
Business Support

Capital Development Group

This service provides support and advice to schools and the Directorate on property issues. The Development Team work with schools on school based Asset Management Plans. There are regular meetings with schools following an agenda which is set at the beginning of each term. The group produces and updates the Property Handbook for Schools. The team provide support for projects through briefing, liaison with consultants and ensuring that statutory regulations, such as planning permission are met.

The Capital team lead on AMP strategy and maintain the AMP data which is used by the Department for Children, Schools & Families when allocating capital funding to the County. SEED is managed by the Team as are the County's PFI (Private Finance Initiative) schemes. The County's Capital Programme, excluding Devolved Formula Capital is £50m in 2007/8.

Maintenance Consultancy

We can provide a team of fully experienced and qualified building and engineering surveyors for maintenance and improvement works on all school buildings. District surveyors are available on a 24 hour emergency call out rota for responsive maintenance works in school buildings and grounds.

Each school has a designated building and engineering surveyor to provide day to day maintenance advice and technical guidance for all responsive maintenance issues.

The service also provides technical guidance and can prepare detailed estimates for a range of minor works projects. For responsive maintenance works we can use the County Council approved list of schedule rates and partnership contractors, eliminating the need for formal tender procedures. Surveyors will supervise these contractors on behalf of schools ensuring quality of workmanship and value for money.

Design Consultancy

This service is the in-house multi-disciplinary design consultancy for the council. The consultancy provides professional services for the following disciplines:

Construction Project Managers
Architects
Quantity Surveyors
Structural Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Clerk of Works

As well as delivering design solutions, the consultancy can manage the process from project inception through to completion on site using construction partners. Our other services include:

Preparation of feasibility studies or option appraisals for master planning or bid purposes
Cost planning for businesses cases
Site investigations
Structural surveys or reports
Building condition and services surveys and reports

School Organisation, Admissions and Transport

We can provide a range of information, guidance and advice for headteachers that includes:

Pupil Numbers and School Capacity

Surplus Places and Oversubscription
Admissions to School Process
Admissions Appeal Process
Infant Class Size Legislation
Home to School and College Transport

Business Support

The Business Support team is a group of property professionals providing energy, estates and risk management services to the County Council.

The Energy Management Team works with schools to ensure that energy and water usage is not excessive. As part of our 'Energy Consultancy Contract' we can negotiate the bulk purchase of gas and electricity contracts, monitor monthly consumption and check invoices and also assist with the identification and repair of water leaks.

The Estates and Development Advice group is responsible for a wide range of activities relating to the ownership, acquisition and disposal of property. There is also a section which provides land surveying and digital mapping services.

The Risk and Compliance Group services include:

Coordinating servicing and testing works such as boiler servicing, fire alarm maintenance and electrical testing
Survey and monitor asbestos materials and provide advice and assistance in removal
Provide assistance on issues relating to the Disability Discrimination Act

More detailed information about building issues can be found on Staffordshire Learning Net

Find out about related Land and Premises services.

Last Modified: 04/07/2008 08:40:48
Back to top