The report is to outline further delivery of the “better ways of working” initiative that enables

employees to work flexibly and to consolidate use of premises. This decision will specifically relate to the future occupancy of the Nelson House building and consider changes to Plough Lane and Elgar House offices to accommodate any increased occupancy of these buildings. The report will include details of any required financial investment and associated savings, details of any required procurement and any guidance to changes to staff working practices that will enable the improved usage of the workspace.

As well as consolidating spaces based on cost saving the purpose is the creation of a flexible, modern working environment that can have a positive impact on service delivery and staff morale.  Also, open plan and shared spaces support opportunities for collaborative working can aid communication. With reducing the number of sites the on-going use and cost of utilities can lessen and through encouraging the use of multi-agency offices in the market towns and home working reduces employees’ carbon footprint, including congestion into Hereford.

Better ways of working is an initiative that was introduced several years ago and whilst some teams have adopted the approach it has not been consistently applied across the organisation. Due to the proposed reduction in council buildings, associated guidance and policies will need to be more robustly applied with the proposals providing an opportunity to instigate a consistent approach.