Tri-Light Collaboration between the UK’s emergency services is increasing – with a focus on rationalising their estates to deliver more efficient and effective buildings which in turn allow improves the service for the communities the sector serves. Ahead of the event we hear exclusively from Andrew Pollard, Managing Director of Place Partnership, about their unique collaborative approach:

 

Place Partnership are revolutionising the public-sector asset management sector through the creation of a multi-agency joint property vehicle. Tell us a little more about the company and who’re involved?
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Place Partnership was established as a development of the Government’s One Public Estate programme by six partnering authorities: Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority, Redditch Borough Council, Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police, Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council.  It’s effectively a mutual partnership incorporated as a private limited company to benefit all of those involved. 

How big is the estate portfolio that you’re managing?

We have a core portfolio of 1,400 land and property assets across four counties with an asset value of circa £850m.

What are the primary benefits of this public-sector collaboration?

Significant savings achieved through: the efficiencies created in bringing all property operations together, economies of scale in the procurement process, scale and process. Significant value creation through a common approach to asset management.

It’s such a revolutionary organisation – are more public sector organisations now looking to put together similar companies?

Yes – and we’re helping others with looking at the options that are available.

Three of the members work are from across the Blue Light industry – Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police. What benefits and results have these organisations seen through the Place Partnership group?

Closer, more collaborative working on property matters.  Also the ability to drive change in public service delivery through a defined approach to asset management.  A good example is in our delivery of the Operations Communications Centre at Hindlip Park for the Police Alliance and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Emergency Services across the UK are at different stages of their Tri-Light collaborative approach as they look to rationalise estates and deliver better value. What challenges and barriers have you faced so far and how have you overcome them?

In relation to Fire and Police there is a strong track record of working together in the region on estates matters.  In relation to the ambulance service, it is hoped that closer collaborative working will come through the One Public Estates initiative.

You’re responsible for the procuring of estates, property and construction goods and services for client partners, whilst also carrying out procurement for estates related services. What values and ethics are you looking for in companies looking to work with yourselves?

We look for social value.  This is an approach to commissioning services, which recognises the additional social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities that can be delivered over and above the benefits (mainly economic) that direct purchasing of goods and services enable.

We expect ethical procurement that respects the Modern Slavery Act.  In our suppliers and their supply chain we look for:

  • Transparency – Clear policy on appropriate behaviours to reinforce the importance of integrity.
  • Accountability.
  • Awareness of the market..
  • Good management, Prevention and Control
  • Confidentiality

What does the future vision look like – what potential developments, regeneration and schemes are you looking to develop?

In the future we see a smaller, more effective and better connected estate.  The estate needs to appropriately enable the Services that use it.  The estate also needs to deliver for the wider stakeholder community as a whole. We also see One Public Estate being leveraged as a catalyst for urban regeneration.

The Blue Light Estates Development Conference is set to bring together those who’re leading Tri-Light Estate collaboration with others from across the public and private sector to discuss, debate and share best practice. Why is the conference such an important date in the industry calendar?

It is important because it brings all of the key players together – in one place.  It is an opportunity to share best practice and to develop the collaborative working agenda.

 

Tickets can be purchased for the Blue Light Estates Development Conference here.
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