Agenda item

            (a)       That the report be noted; and

            (b)       That progress be reported back to the committee at 6 monthly intervals.

The Head of Assets and Transportation introduced an update on the Assets Workstream within Flintshire Futures Programme.  The main elements of the report were as follows:

• Three phased approach to rationalise office areas, terminate leaseholds and relocation of staff.

• Identification and implementation of smarter ways of working and implementation of drop in hubs in libraries and resource centres.

• Develop a medium to long term strategy for county hall site/future civic centre.

• Buildings were not in the right place or of high quality, had high carbon foot print, were costly to maintain and not space efficient.  There would be a focus on Connahs Quay, County Hall and Flint.

• Current working cultures would need to change from being physically present to outputs. H.R. needed to develop policies for agile and mobile working. There would be a higher reliance on I.T. support to scan documents instead of retaining paper records.

• More staff would occupy the available floor space.

                        The Head of Assets and Transportation explained that the process would begin with a review of third party leases and the possibility of moving staff to other offices or to further Flintshire Connects sites, as they developed at Flint and Connah's Quay.

                        A number of targets were outlined in 3.07 of the report such as reductions in floor space per employee from 12m2 to 8m2 and reduction in storage from 10% to 2%.  There would be a target of 50% reduction in floor space by 2016 and 95% of workforce would work on a mobile or agile basis by 2016.

                        Councillor S. Jones voiced concern about privacy and background noise with large open plan offices for staff dealing with highly sensitive or confidential customer enquiries.  The Head of Assets and Transportation said that he was aware of this and that similar work groups would be placed together in open plan areas and private meeting rooms and break out rooms would be available for confidential and sensitive work.

                        Councillor R.G. Hampson asked about the options available if County Hall was no longer fit for purpose.  He asked if the development of Flintshire Futures hubs could be accelerated, to make it easier to relocate staff from County Hall.  He also asked about the future of the St David’s building in Ewloe.  The Head of Assets and Transportation said that a number of options were being considered.  He said that there was the option of remaining at County Hall and remodelling and refurbishing the estate. He also said that additional Flintshire Connects offices would be established and a greater emphasis placed on mobile and agile working.  The Leader of the Council said that the present occupants of St David’s Building, Ewloe would vacate the building in 2014 and that all options would be kept open.

                        Councillor A. Woolley asked if an external Facilities Management service was being considered.  The Head of Assets and Transportation said that a more efficient and integrated facilities management solution was being sought.  Councillor Woolley asked if he could be given a list of Flintshire County Council owned listed buildings.  The Head of Assets and Transportation said that he would provide this.

                        Councillor M. Reece asked if the former Bagillt Library could be brought back into use.  The Head of Assets and Transportation said that he would note this.

                        The Chief Executive explained that there would be a need for a core, civic back office and generic customer service accommodation.  He gave examples of current space rationalisation projects such as the relocation of all Streetscene personnel to Alltami depot, school amalgamations and the shared premises at Holywell Flintshire Connects.

            RESOLVED:

            (a)       That the report be noted; and

            (b)       That progress be reported back to the committee at 6 monthly            intervals.