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Space Management

Objective

The University's objective is to maximise all useable space while providing an environment which supports teams' activities and creativity. Increasingly the workplace needs to be responsive to the changing demands of a leading University, and so space should be designed to be flexible and planned on the basis of functional need rather than seniority in order to encourage effective teamwork and break down barriers.

We are working to improve the quality of our physical working environment, in order to attract and retain the best people, encourage greater networking and teamwork, and give our people comfortable break-out space. Our physical environment reflects the values of our organisation, and can encourage new patterns of work to develop, facilitate responsiveness to continuous organisational change and generate pride in the workplace.

Key Aim

The key aim of Space Management is to effectively manage a dynamic and limited resource in order to support academic activity, minimize cost and achieve maximum and efficient design, planning and use of the institution's space.

In a typical HE institution, the provision, servicing and maintenance of accommodation is the second largest cost. By using space more efficiently and more effectively, thereby reducing overall estates costs, it can release funds for other important activities.

Knowledge

By developing a good knowledge of the estate and an excellent intelligent information base we will be able to respond more quickly to future needs in a dynamic environment. We will be able enhance our competitiveness by enabling well-informed management decisions, better long-term planning and real space management.

Communication

By enhancing communication amongst all users and service providers and by taking a joined up approach, efficiencies can be made by eliminating duplication of effort.

Awareness

By becoming more aware of space and making more effective use of what we have, by co-locating teams for example, or by taking a flexible approach to room use, we can support academic activity, enhance operational effectiveness and reduce costs or redirect existing funds. Space Management tools such as Utilisation Studies, Space Norms and Space Charging can significantly contribute to our awareness of space use.

Space Management is an important strategic and operational activity. It provides an essential role in building a balanced, competitive and sustainable business.

 

The Space Management Strategy is linked by two Key Performance Indicators to both the University's Strategic Framework 2012 and to the Estates Strategy.

The University Space Management Group is the key forum for dealing with space allocation, policies and procedures. A sub-group at Ninewells deals with specific issues relating to the Ninewells campus and is attended by both University and NHS representatives.

The General Principles for Space Utilisation are the guiding rules for space utilisation across the University.

Post Occupancy Evaluations will be carried out on all new buildings and refurbishments.

Apply for Space

Should you wish to apply for additional space, please follow the Application Procedures and download a copy of the Application for Space Form as an electronic rtf file document.

If you have any questions or need help in planning or making better use of your space, please contact Marianne Kenley, Buildings Space Manager ext 88874.

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