At GCHQ we rely heavily on an effective, technology-rich workplace to ensure we can provide our SIGINT and IA operations. So that we are able to achieve the agility we require, we work with industry partners responsible for designing, implementing and operating this workplace on our behalf.
We entered into a landmark Private Finance Initiative (PFI) with a consortium, Integrated Accommodation Services (IAS) to finance, design, fit-out and operate both our headquarter buildings in Cheltenham. IAS consists of three of the largest UK service companies - Carillion, BT and G4S.
As well as operating our landmark buildings, G4S and its partners provide premium services, working collaboratively with GCHQ to ensure the workplace supports GCHQ's operations during periods of intense change whilst being flexible enough to continue meeting these changing needs.
The services provided by G4S are one of the most comprehensive and includes fabric and engineering maintenance, projects and churn, security, logistics, cleaning, catering, conference and training and business support services. G4S are also an integral part of business continuity and sustainable development programmes.
GCHQ and its business partners achieve success by being committed to common and agreed goals, communicating effectively in a timely manner and respecting each other's objectives and goals.
Examples where such behaviour has proved invaluable include:
- working on a joint sustainability programme
- leveraging and sharing best practice
- joint management of crisis management events
- maintaining a joint risk register
- capturing and sharing successes and improvements
- participating in strategic meetings
We measure the success of this collaboration through four key performance areas: agility, innovation, responsiveness and service.
By investing in this level of collaborative working, we have experienced tangible benefits:
- cost reduction
- increased flexibility
- increased value for money
- released funds for further investment
- focus on value engineering instead of contractual wrangles
- increase in service improvement and innovation