Aspire Housing

Overview

Laura led a Premises & Facilities Management (P&FM) Review with the aim of improving service delivery and delivering a reduction in the cost of the operational estate.

Following its inception as a housing association in 2000, the transfer of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s housing stock and the acquisition of new businesses meant resulted in significant organisational change.  At the time of the review, Aspire Group was the largest provider of social housing and regeneration services in North Staffordshire.

As a result of the company’s rapid growth, Aspire accumulated a portfolio of ‘disparate’ premises that required a corporate approach to operation and management so that service objectives and future business aspirations could be delivered.

Laura’s approach saw her firstly establish the scale and structure of Aspire’s existing P&FM Team. She engaged with staff to understand their capability, processes, procedures and systems, governance and challenges. Next, working with technical building surveyors, the application of current practices were observed on site.  Some risks and areas of improvement were identified and these informed an appraisal of different models for P&FM to deliver the required change.

A preferred service approach was identified and an action plan was recommended, including the recruitment of a Strategic Facilities Manager to oversee the FM service.