Insights into the state of school buildings
A recent evaluation of the Capital Advisors Programme.
A recent evaluation by the Department for Education of the Capital Advisers Programme, has provided important insights into the state of school buildings in the education sector.
The Capital Advisers Programme (CAP) was launched as a pilot in 2021 with 20 academy trusts and further 50 academy trusts were included in phase 1 of the programme in 2022. It aimed to assess how much support academy trusts need in order to achieve strategic estate management and to make the best use of capital funding. Participating trusts received support from advisors to improve their overall estate management capability and practice in line with the Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMs) to help make more efficient spending decisions, improve building safety, and enhance the management of school estates.
During the pilot study, it found that most academy trusts were only partially implementing good practice in estate management and that there was a contrast between the trust's perception of their GEMS compliance in comparison to the advisers' assessment. Part 1 of the programme found that while participating academy trusts had a high level of GEMS awareness (85%), only 44% said there were using it. Meanwhile, 80% had insufficient building condition data and consequently lacked accurate and up to date data that would allow them to set out key priorities across the estate.
Findings: The value of specialised advice
Revisits to participants in the pilot study found that academy trusts had collectively completed 148 out of 385 recommendations, which enabled a 25-percentage point improvement in aligning with good estate management practices. Meanwhile following the implementation of many of the advisers’ recommendations, 74% of participants in part 1 said it would help them obtain better value for money across the delivery of trust projects. Additionally, 40 academy trusts stated recommendations would help them reduce their energy usage across the estate and save money.
The role of condition surveys and asset management plans
Condition surveys and asset management plans were central to the CAP advisers’ recommendations. These tools are fundamental pillars of GEMs practice. Condition surveys offer a detailed assessment of building health, identifying areas that require immediate attention and those that can be scheduled for future maintenance. Similarly, asset management plans serve as strategic roadmaps, outlining the effective allocation of resources over time.
Aligning with good practice estate management
The report highlights the benefits for academy trusts of adopting strategic estate management practices, which comply with GEMs. This involves regular assessments of building conditions, long-term maintenance planning, and seeking expert advice. Such practices ensure not only the upkeep of facilities but also contribute to creating better learning environments.
In the face of economic pressures and tight budgets, efficient estate management becomes even more critical. The CAP findings suggest that strategic planning and expert consultation can lead to better financial stewardship and potential cost reductions.
Educational estate management specialists
The Capital Advisers Programme findings underscore the importance of having a detailed knowledge of school estates and the benefits of strategic management.
The report concludes that the programme will expand to a further 70 randomly selected academy trusts in 23/24. Academy trusts that are not included but want support on taking a proactive approach to their estate management could consider seeking expert advice from specialists, such as Surveyors to Education.
We have over a decade of experience in providing strategic estate management to academy trusts and can offer bespoke advice, practice steps, and assist in implementation to ensure you are managing your estates effectively.
For more information, please get in touch on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
