Baxendale analysed all 78 buildings, working alongside key operational and clinical stakeholders with good working knowledge of the spaces and focusing on physical condition, functional suitability, and quality. The impact on buildings of the new hybrid working approach and new ways of service delivery highlighted the need for an increased availability of informal space to collaborate and bookable desks and clinic rooms to support flexibility.

Most of the buildings were in a good state and met current needs, but there were real opportunities to look at more efficient usage. Inevitably, there were buildings that would never meet the needs. Our priority was to get agreement from the team to find better, more suitable, and cost-effective alternative spaces. Bringing this truth to the forefront was a key milestone in the development of the Smarter Spaces strategy.

We then developed an eight point vision with Livewell to guide all future estate decisions, a much needed framework to guide changes and relocations:

• Actively manage the estate portfolio to ensure that it meets the changing needs of the services provided.
• Provide safe, high-quality and well-maintained working environments, both clinical and administrative.
• Continue to invest in buildings to ensure they are the best they can be, or if necessary, find more suitable buildings.
• Provide excellent accommodation management, maintenance, and high-quality hotel services.
• Proactively ensure that the estates’ strategy is aligned with the aims of the wider health and care system.
• Put the environment first when making choices about the estates and how they are managed, maintained and used.
• Support hybrid working by providing good quality spaces that fully meet the needs of all colleagues.
• Support Livewell’s financial sustainability by ensuring efficient management of spaces and operations.

We supported LSW to map out a detailed programme of investment, relocations and disinvestment that would ultimately lead to achieving the vision.