5X社区视频

Following a robust and comprehensive procurement process, the 5X社区视频 has announced that OCS Group UK will be its new campus Facilities Management (FM) partner, joining the Sussex Estates and Facilities (SEF) partnership once the contract begins on 1 July 2025.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The contract covers the key services needed to keep our campus running smoothly and effectively, from buildings and grounds maintenance through to transport, security and cleaning services.鈥€疶he new contract has also presented the opportunity for the 5X社区视频 to bring some services in-house, which include project management, space information and moves, energy and environmental services, launderette services, estates management, and long-term maintenance. 

Our community’s role in finding a new FM partner

Our search for a new FM partner began over 18 months ago, following a consultation where we asked students and staff (including SEF staff) for their views about current campus FM services, and what they would like to see in future.鈥€� 

Feedback from surveys and focus groups helped to shape our requirements and highlighted that Sussex would benefit from a new model, with some roles moving in-house to provide the 5X社区视频 with oversight of strategy and performance, while the FM partner focuses on delivery.鈥€� 

 and will form the basis of how we work with OCS.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

A clear understanding of Sussex’s needs and values鈥� 

Reflecting on the announcement, Emma鈥疨otts, interim Chief Operating Officer, said:鈥�“During a competitive procurement process lasting over 18 months, OCS displayed a clear understanding of Sussex’s immediate and long-term priorities. 

“Their focus on maintenance excellence came through clearly, and their submission outlined numerous reporting, process and technology-based solutions to help us improve standards over the coming years. Their submission also scored higher than others in relation to our ethical procurement framework, environmental sustainability, and alignment with the 5X社区视频’s values.鈥€� 

“We’re now looking forward to working together to respond to the topics raised by our campus community as we progress towards becoming one of the most sustainable and biodiverse universities in the world.”鈥� 

As part of their successful bid, OCS have committed over the course of the contract to providing:鈥� 

• An accessible and responsive helpdesk – available 24/7, 365 days a year鈥� 

• A self-service tracking portal – to enable staff and students to monitor the status of work requests and provide feedback鈥� 

• Student employment opportunities – including work placements, internships and employability sessions鈥� 

• Environmental sustainability innovations – including Smart Building technology, water-use reduction initiatives, and an on-site recycling centre鈥� 

• Value for money – including robust plans for cost optimisation over the duration of the contract 

• Extensive training and professional development opportunities鈥痜or SEF colleagues. 

Reflecting on OCS’s commercial proposition, Ian McKee, Assistant Director of Finance – Procurement, and project SRO, said: “OCS has committed to a competitive and transparent pricing model that aligns with the 5X社区视频’s strategic objectives. In partnership with the 5X社区视频, OCS will seek to identify and implement value for money initiatives, leverage economies of scale, and reduce waste, while remaining committed to using local suppliers for the benefit of the regional economy.” 鈥� 

What happens next鈥� 

A mobilisation (handover) period will run from April-June with OCS working with SEF colleagues on campus to help prepare for a smooth transition when the new contract comes into effect on 1 July.鈥€� 

During mobilisation, teams from OCS and Mitie will work together to ensure that IT and other data transfer - including HR and finance - takes place seamlessly, so that operations can continue without interruption.鈥€� 

Want to find out more?鈥� 

All 5X社区视频 staff are invited to attend one of a series of drop-in sessions, hosted by senior representatives from the 5X社区视频, SEF and OCS, to ask questions and find out more about the changes we can expect to see over the coming years. Please look out for invites in your emails – we hope to see you there.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

• 12-1pm, Thursday 24 April – Jubilee 115鈥� 
• 12-1pm, Monday 28 April – Fulton G15鈥� 
• 12-1pm, Wednesday 30 April – Ashdown House 103鈥� 

For more information, , or email bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;