Published date: 01 July 2019
Creating and implementing a compliance framework
The challenge
Every patient deserves to get the care they need in the best space and place for them, and to feel safe when in a medical environment.
The creation of NHS Property Services in 2013 from 161 different bodies meant there was historically a variety of compliance management functions across our eight operating zones.
We therefore neither had sufficient evidence to ensure NHS Property Services was a compliant business, nor the necessary data to support it. It is imperative that every business is able to demonstrate a compliance framework that complies with statutory legislation and that patients in our buildings are, and feel, safe.
The solution
We have developed our own technical compliance model that is based on proactively collating evidence centrally. A reporting function interfaces with this, which in turn is used by operational FM and compliance governance teams to provide early visibility of any potential issues with statutory certification and remedial workflow.
A central compliance governance team has been implemented with representation in each of the eight operating zones, with their priority being the constant monitoring of compliance performance, and support for the local FM operational teams. The compliance framework is underpinned by weekly calls between governance and operational teams, supported by senior management. The on-going development of the model will see our CORE, our new facilities management platform, being the central driver for all compliance measures.
The impact
The new compliance framework has demonstrated significant success in identifying and clearing aged remedial tasks and missing certification, providing quality reports at corporate and zone level, and improving the overall compliance culture in the FM operating zones and with key suppliers. During financial year 2018/2019, compliance was measured through corporate scorecards with stretching KPIs which were achieved.
This means that out buildings are safer for patients and that medical staff can focus less on the state of the building and instead on delivering excellent patient care.
“Building safety is of the upmost importance to NHSPS. We have come a long way since the central governance team was created and we are very pleased with the progress made so far.”
Jim Goatley, Head of Technical Services, NHS Property Services
