WESTMINSTER DIOCESAN EDUCATION SERVICE

SERVICE SPECIFICATION FOR BUILDING CONSULTANTS SUPPORTING SCHOOLS

1. To provide a general advisory service to governors/heads in relation to all building matters.

2. To advise governors/heads on setting up a 3 – 5 year maintenance and development programme for the school site and building, with reference to asset management plan priorities and any other relevant data provided by the consultant (as a result of an annual or other survey) or from any other source.

3. To advise on the use of formula funding to implement priority work identified in 2 above and to complete relevant application/approval forms on behalf of the school.

4. To prepare and submit bids to the diocese and/or other bodies (such as the LEA) for other grant funding on behalf of the governors.

5. To ensure that appropriate contractors are appointed and to act as contract administrator for building projects which have received funding approval.

6. To take on the responsibility for CDM regulations at the feasibility stage of schemes

7. To liase with the DfES where necessary and in particular where technical queries are raised by them in relation to a specific project.

8. To keep the diocese informed of significant problems/disputes arising from projects which seriously affect the management and running of the school and/or cause delays in project implementation.

9. To visit the school once a term at least, even when no actual work is in hand, in order to maintain the working relationship and to be pro active in discussing the ongoing maintenance and development programme referred to above.

10. To attend governing body meetings as appropriate

11. To clarify the school’s mandatory responsibilities relating to service contracts and other current mandatory requirements and to assist the school in meeting these.

12. To submit a brief (one side of A4) annual report by the end of January to the diocese which provides information about work undertaken at the school, including mandatory servicing and to indicate possible further developments and/or any concerns about the site and buildings.

The following is an optional service, which consultants may wish to offer to schools – some schools may choose to use the LEA’s services in this respect.

To provide a 24 hour 365 day emergency call out service for major disasters/emergencies

The diocese reserves the right to approach other architectural practices for major projects – ie those with a building cost of over £400,000 and possibly some minor projects - to undertake the design work. The regular consultant would be included in any competitive presentation and the diocese would make its best efforts to include the regular consultant for other services, if not appointed for the design work