Decision Reference Number: WPC3-0111
Lead Officer: Polly Reed
Chief Officer approval: N/A
Date: 10/11/23
Status: Non-confidential
Decision summary:
To relocate the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner from Northgate Street, Warwick to Warwickshire Police Headquarters, Leek Wootton.
I confirm that my register of interests declaration is up to date and that none of my interests preclude me from making this decision.
Signature: P. Seccombe
Date: 27.11.2023
Supporting information
1. Background information
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has undergone an office restructure in recent years and as a result has outgrown the current office space. The current office space is also unfit for purpose and is not disability compliant.
2. List of additional information attached as appendices
None
3. Expected benefits
Increased workforce productivity, suitable office layout and access to suitable meeting rooms, location accessible for all users. The relocation to Leek Wootton has been identified as a suitable location for the following reasons:
- Decrease travel time and expenses to and from Leek Wootton
- Savings on annual rent.
- The Force IT network is already provided into the building.
- It provides a separate entrance and area for the OPCC whilst giving them access to Policing colleagues.
- The building is part of the Estate review, to be more efficient to make use of current space and reduce leasehold space.
4. Impact of not approving the application
Limited working environment for OPCC staff, lack of suitable office and meeting space.
5. Costs (including any identified savings)
Northgate Street rent: annual saving of £23,000
The costs for refurbishment building work total – £69,024,09
The works will be managed by the in-house Estates and FM team and completed by the force existing partner, Grahams. The works will be funded from the Estates Team capital budget.
6. Equality considerations
Increased office suitability, ground floor location, ensuring accessibility and disability compliance.
7. Legal comments
Not applicable
8. Social or Environmental considerations
Impact environmentally with reduced travel of OPCC staff between Northgate Street and Leek Wootton.
9. Publication
Information in this form is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) and other legislation. Unless the information provided is covered by an exemption, the information contained in the form will be published on the Warwickshire PCC website.
Comments from the Treasurer
Estimated costs of works were £69,024.09 recommended as part of the estates capital budget, discussed with the Chief Constable by the PCC, to meet the costs of the works required to accommodate the OPCC.
Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer
The relocation of the OPCC is a sensible decision as it delivers a number of business benefits as outlined above, and the team will be able to work more closely with colleagues once they are within the main estate, and the physical transfer is in line with the principles of the estates review which is ongoing.
