Steering Group Update #7

Published: 16 October 2014

Here is an update from the most recent meeting of the University Services Relocation Steering Group (Thursday 11 December). Topics covered include the fit-out, budget and cleaning.

Please find below a note of some of the key items discussed by the University Services Relocation Steering Group when it met on Thursday 11 December 2014.

Tay House Fit Out

Members were provided with an updated set of photos of the work being carried out at Tay House.   Paint colours were now appearing on the walls and a good number of desks were already in place (with members pleased to note that there was generous space between each set of desks).  A selection of photos would be circulated to staff in a forthcoming newsletter.

Tay House Budget

Small savings were still being found and, as a result, the Steering Group has given the go ahead for new operator chairs for staff and AV equipment to be installed, both of which would improve the environment considerably.  Move sheets will be consulted to check if anyone has particular needs in relation to seating before the chairs are purchased.

Move Arrangements

A ‘Guide to Moving’ Document has been issued and Gavin McCluskie reported that he would also visit each Service/meet Move Leads to ensure there were no issues regarding each upcoming move.  Estates, Move Leads and Heads of Services will ensure that equipment and furniture being left behind is recycled correctly.  Colleagues are reminded that other Services will be moving into the spaces vacated by them and it would be helpful if workspaces could be left clean and free of any rubbish.

Supply of Cleaning Services to Tay House

Two suggested options for the provision of domestic services were presented to the Group (to be provided by the University of Glasgow or an external provider) with a significant differential in cost.  Members agreed that they should take the opportunity to go out to tender for the cleaning services at the new building.  Arrangements would be made to provide domestic services in any interim period.

Workstreams Update

An updated was given on a number of the workstreams:

  • Central Support Services - The Steering Group has agreed that there should be a shared support service in Tay House.  Heads of Services will discuss further at the start of January.
  • Protocols around staff celebrations and social activities - Members agreed that there would be value in having a building user group/colleague forum.
  • Catering Services - A number of external providers have been approached and advice will be taken from procurement on the next steps.
  • Sports/Gym facilities   - staff should continue to use their membership of the Stevenson Building.  Gym passes are also available through the Ferguson Bequest for the Nuffield Gym at Finnieston.

Ferguson Bequest Corporate Membership

It has been agreed that there is little value in making specific arrangements for the collection/return of Ferguson Bequest Corporate Membership tickets for Tay House staff and the current procedures will continue – these procedures, and the new online system, give full flexibility for collection of cards whenever the person wants to collect.  The Court Office is looking into the possibility of e-tickets for Edinburgh Zoo and Parklands Country Club. 

As always, do please speak to your Move Lead or Head of Service if you have any queries about the above items.  The Steering Group next meets in the New Year, on 8 January 2015. 

Kind regards

University Services Relocation Steering Group

 


First published: 16 October 2014