Agenda item

(1)       Mr Molloy and Mr Austerberry gave a presentation on Better WorkPlaces (formerly known as the Office Transformation Programme) and also referred to the report circulated with the agenda.   It was explained that Better WorkPlaces was a programme of change which aimed to ensure that KCC had the right buildings in the right places for the 21st century, for contact with Kent residents and for our staff, in conjunction with partner agencies, and to deliver real efficiencies (including reduced office costs).

(2)       They explained that directorates had been working in a coherent and consensual fashion since early 2008 to turn this aspiration into a realistic county-wide plan of action, based on an agreed series of protocols.  The Vision Map, circulated with the agenda, had been jointly developed to meet their needs. The report set out the future plans for the office estate, as agreed in December by the Better WorkPlaces Steering Group. 

(3)       Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, which included the following:-

·        Regarding discussions with partners, including District/Borough Councils, Mr Gilroy stated that discussions had been held with other Chief Executives. 

·        The importance of a “bottom up” approach to access for the public was emphasised, taking into account the different needs of the public who needed to access services.  It was noted, however, that the sites provided through Better WorkPlaces were not intended to be public- facing, with Gateways and operational buildings being the key points of public access. 

·        It was suggested that reports on this issue should set out the wider context.

·        The important role of Gateways in providing an interface with the public was emphasised.

·        In response to an enquiry as to whether there was evidence that these proposals would increase productivity, it was explained that the increase in flexible patterns of working would give practitioners the ability to make best use of their time in planning visits, etc. 

·        It was recognised that the proposals would mean a culture change for staff and the importance of involving staff in these proposals was emphasised.  Mr Molloy confirmed that discussions were being held with directorates to engage with teams and it was hoped that they would come up with a model of flexible working that was appropriate for them, within agreed protocols.

·        The perception that the majority of KCC jobs were based in Maidstone, rather than deprived areas, was mentioned.

·        The emphasis on providing appropriate working conditions for staff should be given a high profile in the objectives and protocols.

·        A Member suggested that, when the time was right in the property market, consideration could be given to moving out of Sessions House and building a 21 century office on the outskirts of Maidstone.

·         The suggestion of staff being allocated a desk between two in certain areas was raised, it was explained that there would be an increase in flexible and home working where appropriate and some staff would be allocated a desk but would be required to keep it clear if away so that it could be used by others if necessary.  The specific ratio of two people to one desk was intended as an average working assumption, not a ridid rule.

·        It was confirmed that there were 2283 laptops, which was less than previously reported, but the number of Blackberry’s had increased.

·        An explanation was given for the level of rent paid for 17 Kings Hill, which was that KCC was 8 years through a 10 year lease which had annual rent reviews. The increases were a reflection of the success of Kings Hill.

·        The emphasis on finding alternative accommodation in the A20 corridor was questioned as this could impact on traffic congestion in the area.  It was explained that this aim had been identified due to the large number of staff who would need to access other locations from this office.

• In response to a question Mrs Oliver offered to bring a report to the next meeting of the Policy Overview Committee on “Access Kent”.

(4)       RESOLVED that the report be noted and that there be updates to future meetings of this Committee.