The Authorities Property Company (GPA) has printed a revised model of its Authorities Office Design Information, introducing a brand new workplace design framework supposed to standardise the format of presidency workplaces whereas reflecting modifications in the way in which civil servants work. Launched on 2 July, the up to date steerage introduces a Core Design Necessities (CDR) framework, which the GPA says will present a constant method to creating inclusive, accessible, sustainable and digitally enabled workplaces throughout the federal government property.
The information is meant for these concerned in commissioning, planning, designing and managing new or considerably refurbished authorities workplaces. It goals to determine frequent requirements whereas permitting sufficient flexibility to answer the precise operational wants of particular person departments and buildings.
The revised steerage replaces the unique Authorities Office Design Information printed in 2020. In response to the GPA, the replace was prompted by modifications in office practices over the previous 5 years. Authorities departments and business our bodies have been consulted through the evaluation, alongside benchmarking towards business steerage and value evaluation.
Mark Bourgeois, chief govt of the Authorities Property Company, mentioned the brand new information supplies “a key framework for delivering workspaces which can be inclusive, sustainable and digitally linked. The up to date Authorities Office Design Information supplies the readability and consistency wanted to create fashionable and high-quality workplaces which increase the efficiency, collaboration and wellbeing of civil servants throughout the nation. This new information alerts the GPA’s dedication to supporting the federal government’s priorities, most notably the Plan for Change and transition to Web Zero, with sustainability embedded all through our new steerage.”
Alongside the design information, the GPA has printed a collection of technical handbooks protecting structure, fireplace security, Web Zero and sustainability, biodiversity and nature restoration, mechanical, electrical and plumbing methods, and the remedy of historic buildings.
The company says the brand new Core Design Necessities framework is meant to scale back redesign prices by offering clear requirements whereas permitting initiatives to adapt to native circumstances. The steerage additionally locations higher emphasis on digital connectivity and interoperability to help collaboration between civil servants working throughout totally different areas.
The information helps the Authorities Useful Commonplace for Property (GovS 004), which units necessities for the administration of the federal government property. Established in 2018, the Authorities Property Company manages greater than 53 % of the federal government’s workplace property and acts as landlord for quite a few Civil Service departments and businesses. It’s overseeing a wider office transformation programme, together with the Authorities Hubs Programme, which goals to consolidate workplace lodging throughout the UK.
