INFRASTRUCTURE DUAL ASSURANCE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2013
Present:
Geoff Pringle (Chair)
Peter Lacey (Lay Lead)
Jean Lloyd (Secretary)
Hugh McCann
ISG Agenda
Post Project Monitoring Reports
 Consideration needed to be given as whether items were missing from the reports
submitted.
 Regarding the appraisal of users. It was noted that there appeared to be a low level
of engagement and that unless there was a problem or issue, people tended not to
come forward.
 We needed to look towards the Guild and find a way to champion sustainability
issues/improve the student experience. Opinions should be requested from this
particular sector.
 It was noted that comments had been received from members of staff regarding
heat/noise. This could be seen as a sublime culture response from moving from one
building to another.
 Judgement on flexibility/adaptability for changes in the future. Did the finished
product conform to the desires set out in the brief as critical to the success of
building? How are these objectives measured? Were they the right objectives?
 Especially in relation to science buildings, how do we adapt in the future?
 In a similar vein, there was an issue regarding cost implications.
 The biggest problem was having sufficient revenue to undertake the maintenance
required on sub-optimal buildings. Beginning to become a two-tier society between
new and old build.
 Were there any areas not explored that may be of value going forward, particularly
commentaries on the impact of the building, ie culture change, etc? To what extent
did this sell the message?
 The standard template/report seemed to technical.
 It was noted that contractors appeared to be reluctant to take part in the process.
 Going forward, we needed to ensure that post project monitoring report added to the
scope of the works.
 Geoffrey Pope responses were fairly good. However, the building did look
overpopulated.
VCEG Residential: Feedback
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The Vice-Chancellor had raised concerns about the sports facilities in Cornwall.
A Working Party, Chaired by Neil Armstrong, had been established to look at issues
around office accommodation; linked with HR.
The Vice-Chancellor was of the view that investment of 1 billion a year for science
was on the horizon (possibly for 6 years); how did we access?
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A copy of the Tranche 3 paper coming out of the VCEG Residential would be tabled
at the ISG meeting later today.
o Now was the time to undertake a detailed planning of the North Park Area. In
terms of approval, if ISG agreed, then we could move forward. It was suggested
that a project team, chaired by a DVC, be established to look at this. SSIS and
HUMS could be considered under a combined approach.
o Consider a private sector initiative similar to residences, as a possible option.
This takes away a real financial risk or allows a pot of money to be spent
elsewhere. If there is a way of achieving long term maintenance, this may be
worthwhile looking at. The second phase of UPP being looked at.
o Car parking. There was more push back from staff than Council. Growth has
been managed so far, but was currently being monitored at the beginning of term.
Subsidise car parking was disadvantaging staff.
o Medical school. Several things had happened. There was an opportunity offered
by the design of the roof extension and front/back extension to College House to
be pushed to the maximum. No objections had so far been raised. Creating the
space has gone over budget, but has given an opportunity for expansion. Cost is
of plan is just under £16m. There is a shortfall in terms of revenue. What do we
do next?
o The moving of the MI from Streatham to St Luke’s. How does this sit with the
issue of the Science Park.
o Stretch figures for students. Do we have the facilities to maintain the staff level to
optimise within the figures we have? Currently looking at extending the teaching
day by one hour on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Are we sufficiently inventive in spending our capital? An issue to be looked at under Dual
Assurance.
Library - £5m for study seats. Currently adding 162 by moving shelving around with the
Library. Actually need 500.