Effective management of school estates plays a pivotal role in creating an environment that promotes quality teaching and learning, thus ensuring optimal educational experiences. To aid educational establishments in meeting their obligations and maintaining safe, well-maintained facilities the Department for Education (DfE) has recently published the Estate Management Competency Framework.

This framework serves as a resource for those with responsibility for overseeing or managing the school estate, assisting them in meeting their responsibilities of maintaining safe and well-maintained schools in line with the principles of Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS).

It outlines the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise required to manage school estates effectively. It caters to various levels of responsibility, encompassing both operational tasks and strategic planning, while considering the diverse expertise and experiences within the sector, ensuring its relevance to different roles and contexts within school estate management.

Developed in collaboration with schools, academies, responsible bodies, professional bodies, and construction industry experts, the competency framework emphasises the collective effort required to ensure successful estate management.

The Estate Management Competency Framework outlines seven key functions of estate management, aligned with the principles of Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS). These functions cover a broad range of experience and technical competency required within the education sector, including areas such as strategic planning, asset management, compliance, and sustainability. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals working in estates, property, and infrastructure roles within schools, academies and MATs have the necessary skills and competencies to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, contributing to the overall success of their educational institutions.

The estate management competency framework is designed to:

1. Establish standard skills and knowledge: The framework sets the benchmark for the skills and knowledge required by individuals involved in estate management functions. It defines the essential competencies and responsibilities required at different levels within the field.

2. Benchmark existing skills and experience: Individuals and organisations can use the framework to assess and compare their current skills and experience. This allows them to identify areas where they excel and areas where improvement is needed, facilitating targeted professional development efforts.

3. Support professional development planning: The Estate Management Competency Framework provides guidance for individuals in planning their professional development journey. By aligning their goals with the framework's skill requirements, individuals can identify the specific areas they need to focus on to enhance their expertise and advance their careers in estate management.

Surveyors to Education (S2e) specialise in providing expertise and support for all aspects of school estate management. With our wide-ranging knowledge, we can assist schools and responsible bodies in various areas, from conducting condition survey assessments to overseeing capital projects, from budgeting and procurement to exploring funding sources that may have been previously unknown. By seeking professional help from S2e, educational establishments can alleviate the burdens associated with estate management, enabling staff to focus on delivering quality education and knowledge, and have the confidence to transform their school's vision into a reality.

By embracing the Estate Management Competency Framework and partnering with S2e, schools can enhance their estate management practices, leading to safe, well-maintained, and conducive learning environments.

For further information on how we can help your school achieve Good Estate Management, please contact us on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.