13
Accepted
We questioned the Department about why it has taken such a long time to put...
Conclusion
We questioned the Department about why it has taken such a long time to put in place a redevelopment programme for Weybridge given the importance of the site. The Department explained that it first recognised there were significant problems in 2015 after a number of issues had arisen on the site. This led to a range of critical work being undertaken between 2015 and 2017. In doing this work, it became clear that a more 18 Qq 2, 26 19 Qq 8, 19–20, 25 20 Qq 19, 28, 64 21 Q 2 22 Qq 4, 10–11 23 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.7, 1.9, 1.12 24 Qq 4, 10, 12–13; C&AG’s Report, para 1.15 25 Qq 10, 11, 18 12 Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure strategic approach was needed. It was at that point in 2017 that the Department started work on the Weybridge redevelopment programme. The Department stated that it has taken time to build the right programme to deliver the new facilities, but also to transform the way the science is done at Weybridge.26 The risk of a major breakdown at the Weybridge site
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states that the Asset Management Policy, Plan, and Weybridge Campus Strategy are on target for adoption by Q4 2022-23. It outlines specific procurement and asset management improvements, including industry-standard maintenance regimes and increased technical management.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: March 2023 2.2 The Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Plan, Weybridge Campus Strategy, (including Development Control Plan), are on target to be fully adopted by Quarter 4 of 2022-23. Asset Management lessons learnt have been included in the procurement for the new Workplace and Facilities Management contract and these are set out below. 2.3 The planned Target Operating Model (TOM) post contract commencement will deliver an operational asset strategy from a bespoke blend of industry standard maintenance standards. The Service and Facilities Group 20 (SFG20) - the industry definitive standard for building maintenance specifications) and the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) - an industry standard set by the NHS, will drive asset maintenance. This regime will provide the asset data and condition information, used in conjunction with the campus building strategy, to create the forward maintenance register and subsequent replacement plans. 2.4 The procurement has focussed on evaluating bidders against their capability and capacity, through science specific evaluation to deliver services to the Weybridge estate. To drive a strong technical response, bidders are being assessed on a 70:30 Quality: Cost ratio. All bidders have had a site tour and briefing from APHA Directors and the department’s Chief Engineer about site requirements. To be successful each bidder must demonstrate capability to deliver to the standards required. 2.5 The future service provider’s sub-contracting model is being tested in evaluation to ensure a balance of technical specialism and resilience. Once contracted the service provider will have full access to incumbent sub-contractors to enable knowledge retention. A key area of focus is the increase in capacity and capability of the Facilities Management team. Weybridge will have a dedicated Technical Services team with an increase of around 50% in technical management.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
Twenty-Fourth Report - Redevelopment of Defra’s animal health infrastructure
16 Nov 2022
HC 42
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.7 yrs
Report published
16 Nov 2022