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The States is being asked to agree a far-reaching reorganisation of its property management operations to reduce costs by millions and increase income from the £2.5 billion estate.
The programme will help deliver a key element of the States’ Public Sector Reform proposals, focused on optimising its estate.
It aims to:
Reduce overall operating costs;
Increase the flexibility and capacity of States office accommodation;
Improve efficiency and customer service by supporting modern ways of working;
Introduce new space standards for States office accommodation;
The States Medium Term Financial Plan has set a target of recurring annual savings of between £1 million and £2.2 million, through better management and rationalisation of the existing estate. It has also budgeted for capital income of £4 million over four years through property sales.
The States’ Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) is asking for up to £1 million, over two years, from the Transformation and Transition Fund, to carry out a comprehensive review of the estate and its management.
“The States has a substantial and diverse land and property portfolio," Deputy Charles Parkinson, STSB President, said.
"We have to ensure that where appropriate we maximise the value of that portfolio, not necessarily financial, and improve the way that internal services are delivered to support the States’ policy priorities. We therefore need to transform the way that we manage, operate and service the properties across the States."
This will include detailed reports of the condition, operating and maintenance costs for more than 300 buildings, and will establish the optimum operating model for the different property functions currently provided across the States.
"The proposals in the policy letter will enable some much needed changes. That includes greater definition and clarity around the different roles and responsibilities regarding the States’ Estate, coupled with better management information to ensure improve and informed decision making," Deputy Parkinson added.
"The changes are far reaching, touching all Committees, and including organisations outside of the States. This is not simply a reorganisation of the current Property Services and estates functions.”
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