Good Estate Management for Schools
Today the DfE have published the updated version of Good Estate Management for Schools GEMS.
The previous version was very well received, so they haven’t made a large amount of unnecessary changes. While some of the changes are due to new guidance or legislation, most are in response to feedback from users in schools and responsible bodies. The update published today includes:
- An easy to read list of the benefits of good estate management
- The GEMS Self-Assessment Tool, which is now interactive! It can be completed online and will automatically generate an action plan
- Another interactive tool to help track compliance with health and safety and building regulations and inspections.
- An updated version of our popular “Top 10 questions for governing boards”
- Another new tool to help prioritise maintenance projects and tasks.
- A comprehensive checklist to reduce energy and water usage
For those totally new to GEMS, they have produced a short animated video about the GEMS resources.
They’ve improved navigation round the site, and reviewed all the links and signposts to further information, so they are up to date at the time of publication.
The section on Health and Safety has been refreshed as well. It includes more information on responsibilities, and updated guidance and links from the Health and Safety Executive.
They have also updated the guidance on Managing asbestos in your school. Changes include:
- updates on the day-to-day management of asbestos, and what to do if things do go wrong
- the legislative framework
- new case studies to help manage asbestos effectively/improve practice
Please do let your colleagues know about the update. Simon Lindsay would be delighted to receive any feedback.
Webinar – Friday 4th December
Following on from the above, Simon Lindsay, Capital Efficiency and Capability Department, DfE will be covering their Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS) resources, including what’s new in GEMS, new tools and checklists, and the benefits to schools.
For more information and to book your place see here.
Webinars are free to all but recordings are only available to SPACES members. For more information and to book your place see our events calendar. NB To receive the invite you must register through the SPACES website or email Fiona.
