London Borough of Islington - Smart Working
Project Background:
Basis was commissioned to manage a change in working methods and use of workspace to meet council targets for customer service, use of office space and achieve rationalisation of the council’s property portfolio:
- work was to be undertaken unit by unit in accordance with a managed programme of activities and accommodation strategy;
- a structured approach adapted to support changing priorities and circumstances;
- key links and dependencies were established with other internal initiatives.
Approach taken:
Basis were required to assess unit flexibility and suitability for more flexible working options, communicate corporate objectives, create environments more fit for purpose and facilitate buy-in at all levels of staff affected. To achieve this we undertook the following:
-
conducted a structured work-style analysis for each unit, involving a consultative/business led approach to identify scope for time and location flexibility;
-
conducted staff briefing and workshop sessions to provide information, surface issues and challenge assumptions;
-
conducted ‘before’ staff preference surveys and analysed results;
-
created a virtual design for workspace, which was handed over as a brief to the space planners;
-
drafted key guidance and communication messages;
-
facilitated ‘team charter’ workshops to empower teams in devising their own solutions for implementation of new working arrangements;
-
conducted ‘after’ surveys to learn lessons.
Key Achievements:
-
A key achievement of the programme has been the strategic decisions on the disposal of a number of properties.
-
Flexible working arrangements have been implemented for large numbers of staff, with no adverse affect on customer service.
-
At an operational level, local managers and staff have embraced the changes in working practices.
-
1:1 desking has been replaced by more flexible sharing arrangements.
-
The new working environments are better suited to their purpose.
-
New working arrangements have been implemented and documented at a team level in the form of team charters.
Knowledge and Skills transferred:
During the analysis, the Basis team worked closely with LBI staff in order that they could gain an understanding of the approach taken and be able to undertake staff team charter workshops by themselves.
The project was undertaken from November 2007 until May 2009, all the documentation and other materials were presented back at key strategic times throughout the project.
Client Testimonial:
“Basis Limited has been under contract to the London Borough of Islington (LBI) since Autumn 2007 and are the sole providers of change management services to the whole LBI SMART programme. They have been engaged on a building by building basis on a series of assignments throughout this period.
They bring a structured analytical approach to each assignment, engaging firstly with Team leaders in a ‘work style’ analysis which explores the potential for alternative ways of working. They then facilitate sessions with team members to draft informal ‘team and building charters’ to surface issues before they become problems, thus supporting the development of new behaviours. They also process before and after surveys to monitor change and produce other communications material, as required.
I have found them to be highly professional in their manner, responsive to client needs and flexible in delivery. They have a practical no nonsense style which connects with people and which is sensitive to local issues. They have been excellent partners in the sometimes difficult process of delivering effective change.” – Paul Savage - SMART Programme Manager
For more information regarding the above or any other matter please email us
