'Just over four months. Before that I was at Anglia Polytechnic University.'
What attracted you to the job?
'Working back in London because I enjoy the vibrancy here. Primarily though, developing the university's corporate real estate strategy and its integration with the wider service base. The separate businesses need to deliver their performance, as do the buildings and the estate, within a cost effective framework.'
How does working for a university differ from working for a typical business?
'The major differences relate to the lower funding levels of not-for-profit organisations and the wide range of activities facing universities, usually on the same site. After this I would say that our hours of operation are different, in that they vary so much at the university, as does our space utilisation. Both require different techniques to manage.'
It must be difficult working around the students on a busy campus. Do you make any special preparations?
'Basic health and safety covers most concerns. Outside of that there are difficulties of managing noise and possible disruption of teaching'
What is the most challenging part of the job?
'Developing an inclusive team that delivers an integrated service where everyone acts as one. Also managing the strategic planning of services.'
Is health and safety a big issue?
'Yes, everything has to be safe and seen to be safe. We therefore have to ensure we have robust processes and well informed and appropriately trained people if we are to have any chance of being successful.'
What are your typical day-to-day responsibilities?
'I am overseeing the delivery of a new building, the National Women's Library and also setting up another new building. These takes up quite bit of time. When I'm not doing these I am usually in some meeting with a member of my team. I also spend time monitoring and processing budgets and developing analytical data on the usage and occupancy cost of the university estate.'
How do you cope with fresher week?
'We have to plan for it by identifying and keeping available the spaces they need. Thankfully someone else is responsible for the day, though my team does play a part in its success.'
Source
The Facilities Business
