Facility Management in Public Sector & Real Estate: Compliance Tips

 

Whether you manage a public sector building or have a large residential portfolio, understanding your legal obligations as a facility manager is essential. You have a duty of care to keep your building and its occupants safe.

Complying with regulations not only protects anyone staying or visiting your property but also lowers the risk of fines, reputational damage, and potential prosecution. The team at phs Compliance is well-versed in public sector facilities management and supporting real estate professionals.

We’ve put a helpful guide together to offer tips and advice on ensuring every aspect of your facility management meets compliance standards.

Which regulations and guidance do facility managers need to be aware of?

While all businesses must comply with safety regulations, those running public-sector spaces, such as schools or NHS facilities, and holding large property portfolios have some extra rules to comply with.

The Procurement Act 2023

Replacing the previous Procurement Act 2015, this regulation governs how public sector organisations buy goods and services. The Procurement Act 2023 requires public sector facility managers to show that they are choosing suppliers fairly by using the right procurement frameworks and keeping a clear log of records.

Social Value Act

Introduced in 2013, the Social Value Act means that public sector organisations and housing providers need to think beyond cost only and consider how the goods and service providers they choose bring value to the local community and environment.

Sustainability requirements

Public sector and real estate facility managers must show that they are supporting the UK’s movement towards its goal of Net Zero by 2050. It’s vital that you demonstrate a commitment to lowering waste, minimising your carbon footprint, and aiming to improve your facilities’ energy ratings.

Health and safety considerations

Several regulations govern health and safety in public buildings and real estate, including:

All of these highlight that you have a duty of care to ensure your buildings and facilities are safe for residents, employees, and visitors.

Facility management compliance tips

Now you have an understanding of the rules that govern public sector facilities management, how can you ensure your buildings are safe and compliant?

1. Use approved procurement frameworks

Procurement frameworks are agreements in place between public bodies and vetted suppliers. They make it easy to find suppliers and service providers who have been verified as compliant. Opting for providers you know have been approved streamlines the process and provides peace of mind while minimising risk.

2. Choose suppliers who show strong social values

To meet social value guidance, it’s also worth looking for approved suppliers who show a dedication to going above and beyond. They may demonstrate a commitment to recycling or supporting local communities, for example.

3. Focus on energy efficiency

By aligning your facility management contracts with energy efficiency mandates, you can showcase your compliance with sustainability regulations. A few basic ways to do this are to:

  • Switch to LED lighting
  • Carry out regular energy audits
  • Reduce waste
  • Increase recycling

4. Carry out planned preventative maintenance

You may have heard of ‘PPM’ in facility management. This stands for ‘Planned Preventative Maintenance’, and it’s an essential part of ensuring health and safety compliance.

By conducting regular checks and maintenance before any issues arise, you can show regulatory bodies that you maintain your buildings to a high standard.

PPM can include:

Partner with phs Compliance for public sector support

At phs Compliance, we have over 30 years of experience in supporting public sector organisations and those with large real estate portfolios. As such, we know how vital it is to meet legal requirements and ensure every occupant in your property is safe.

We are committed to the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, making us the ideal partner for public sector bodies. From handling your fire alarm checks to helping you update your building’s lighting system to energy-efficient LEDs, we’ll ensure that your property’s facility management follows regulations and best practices.

To learn more about our facilities management services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Associated articles

Statutory Inspection & Test: grocery retail

Statutory Inspection & Test: grocery retail

phs Compliance began working with our 'Big Four' food and grocery retail customer in 2009, delivering fixed wire and portable appliance inspection and testing services across one hundred per cent of

Read article
Statutory Inspection and Test: NHS

Statutory Inspection and Test: NHS

phs Compliance began working with our client in 2015, delivering electrical fixed wire inspection and testing services across one hundred per cent of the hospital estate. Completed in 2010 at a cost

Read article
Statutory Inspection and test: critical infrastructure

Statutory Inspection and test: critical infrastructure

In 2015 phs Compliance began supporting our customers' critical infrastructure by carrying out all electrical safety inspection, testing, remedial work and compliance reporting for four large managed

Read article
Project Services: schools

Project Services: schools

phs Compliance worked with our Tier 1 facilities management client to deliver an extensive plant room de-commissioning and installation project across three schools in North West England. The project

Read article

This site uses cookies that enable us to make improvements, provide relevant content, and for analytics purposes. For more details, see our Cookie Policy. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies.