Archives for May 2009

I have always used the old adage "you can't measure you can't manage" This is especially relevant to BBC Worplace as we have to make the best use of the License Fee and demonstrate value for money. To do this we have used the services of IPD Occupiers over the past 7 years.

Ranging from the quarterly FM Seminars through to tracking the performance of our properties in relation to cost, space and effectiveness. IPD Occupiers approach in developing an industry standard in its Global Estate Measurement Standards (GEMS) has created a standard platform that occupiers can use as a common tool to benchmark and report on performance of its estate. Each of the codes (Cost, Environment, and Space) enable property teams to generate consistent and comparable performance information about their portfolio. There has long been a need for an instantly recognisable standard for Corporate Real Estate teams to report on their estate and IPD Occupiers provide this.

The latest standard that BBC Workplace been involved with and have endorsed is the Space Code. BBC Workplace has changed its financial reporting structure to mirror the Cost Code and saw the adoption of the Space Code as a logical progression in creating a consistent and balanced view of property performance. The nature of the BBC's business means that it has space that is not easily classified into standard categories of use and this in the past had led to a confusing and lengthy list of categories in the property management database. With the help of IPD Occupiers, BBC Workplace has re-classified our estates space to map that of the Space Code. The Code is flexible in that it recognises the specialist nature of specific occupiers and their need to track specific space use. The Code enables users to do this without creating a bespoke system that is incomparable to industry best practise. Further adoption of the Space Code will provide the industry with a much needed tool for standardising space data captured across an organisation, but also provide a clear direction to suppliers and advisors to work in a more consistent manner.

This year's NAB conference in Las Vegas ran from the 18th to the 23rd of April. For those of you not familiar with NAB, it is a trade show organised by the National Association of Broadcasters who represent the interests of more than 8,300 terrestrial radio and television stations, (as well as broadcast networks) in the USA. Although there are similar events in Europe, notably IBC; NAB dwarfs the competition. Held in the 3.2million sq ft Las Vegas Convention Centre, the event attracts over 100,000 visitors. See photos here

Traditionally the domain of broadcast engineers and equipment manufacturers, in recent years the event has attracted a greater diversity of attendees and exhibitors. The changes in attendees apply equally to the BBC, where those attending are as likely to come from Production as Future Media & Technology or Engineering. Alongside the changing demographic of attendees is the change in exhibitor mix, with some of the larger stands these days being the preserve of the IT companies such as Microsoft and Cisco. With the focus on efficiency and value for money, software solutions, like our own DMI, were very much to the fore.

Most of the BBC team, including Jim Brown for Workplace, were there to support our major programmes in W1 and Salford. Although two years away, much of the equipment staff will be using when they move to Salford will be ordered in the next few months, so this really was the last chance to see what was on offer, rather than what had been promised! For the technically minded, the big question was whether equipment to support an end to end 1080P High Definition standard would be available within the Salford procurement timescale. 1080P uses twice the bandwidth of our current 1080i High Definition standard and gets rid of that rather nasty flicker and blurring effect you see on fast moving images, such as Sport.
Although the trip was about informing decisions on Salford and W1, it was also an opportunity to look ahead at what might be available in the not too distant future. Every NAB has a number of key themes and this year the big push was on 3D, mobile and Internet TV.

Here's Jim's thought on the 3D experience:
"3D flat screens not much thicker than existing domestic TVs were on show, displaying images captured at a range of events, including a U2 concert. Unfortunately the viewer still has to wear those annoying 3D glasses, but the manufacturers were confident these could be built into normal glasses which would display 3D TV at the flick of a switch, although not yet! 3D is not everyone's cup of tea and a number of people reported experiencing slight headaches and fatigue after watching for a relatively short period. 3D seems to work best in domestic settings when the image appears to be 'behind' the screen and the viewing angle is not too acute, so don't expect to many of those Hollywood moments where the villain reaches out into your living room and although you know it's only make believe, you still duck."

NAB is just one of the many interesting events attended by colleagues from Workplace throughout the year and I would hope to include a short summary from a number of them in my Blog in the coming months. Feel free to comment, or let me know if there's an event you think would benefit wider staff to learn about.

Chris

Well, Spring has arrived and I hope that everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather of the last few days. Now that we're into our second month it seems that there is still a lot going on and crafting this monthly note is turning into quite a big task but hopefully it will give you some idea of all the activities that we get involved in. For my part, I have recently finished working on our annual performance review which took place with Mark Thompson last week, and I will write some more on this for the next report. I'm also putting the finishing touches to the One Workplace initiative.

We hope you approve of the new system of sending the monthly messages out as a link to this blog. I plan to make the blog a site of information about what's going on in Workplace as well as a tool to start a dialogue so feel free to leave a comment! See link at the bottom of this post for full instructions.

W1 News
The construction of the brand new extension to BBC's Broadcasting House in Portland Place, Central London, is taking shape. These latest views of the BBC's state-of-the-art media centre, which will be the iconic new home for the BBC's national and international journalism, give a clear sense of the design and volume of the building. This is a view of the Newsroom, with its impressive 2.8 metre high beams.

Below is a second picture is looking into the Cyclorama which will form the backdrop for All Souls Church. It also shows the first few floors of the Egton Bridge link across Langham Street.

Radio York/Scarborough relocation
The project scope was to fit out the new space leased by BBC Workplace. This involved decommissioning the existing site, constructing a studio, apparatus and news room areas including associated infrastructure to the agreed design.

The BBC Project team, BBW & Romec teams worked closely together and actively sought cost effective solutions e.g. reducing wastage on studio acoustic wall covering, suggesting alternative products with reduced manufacture lead times. This contributed to the project being delivered on time, in budget & the quality of workmanship being commented on by the architect: "The project was delivered with our colleagues Romec & demonstrates the success that can be achieved when all teams (BBC, BBW & Romec) combine."

Welcome to Oxford Road
With the first London to Salford moves taking place within the next few weeks, BBW has been working with Alan Bainbridge, Portfolio Director North, to come up with some innovative ways of making newcomers feel more welcome.

On each floor there are displays with a contact list with information on where people should gather in the event of an emergency. A handout will be available for visitors which includes key contact numbers and enquiry details. This is the start of a programme of initiatives for the Oxford Road building.

Energy
R22 phase out project has started with a trail site at BBC Southampton. R22 is in line with the BBC environmental policy on air conditioning replacement. This is now complete within time and budget.

Catering
BBC Bristol has retained its 5 star food hygiene rating. This accolade was awarded last year by Bristol City Council who decided that the award could be retained for this year too.

After a series of catering changes over the last few months, BBC Birmingham at the Mailbox is now receiving a full revamp of its facilities. These works took place from 24th to 26th April.

Zero subsidy on catering is now in operation in canteens throughout the English Regions.

Vision Week
Vision Week is an annual Johnson Controls event taking place between May 11 - 15. Its theme is 'sharpen your customer focus' and there is a range of events planned across the week to deliver this message.

White City 1 Refresh Project Update
Work on White City 1 front lifts has been completed and they have been reopened. Work on the back lifts is now underway

All White City 1 vending and printing hubs have been completed

Back to the Floor
Hellen Martin, Communications Manager, spent two half days with the FM team at TV Centre in April. "I found it a really useful experience to find out more about what the FM managers do day-to-day. We walked around different parts of the building - inside and outside - that they are responsible for and I saw aspects of it in a different light. Thanks to Gary Pyle, Andrew White, Isabel Vaz, Anwar Khan and Giovanni D'Onofrio for making me feel welcome and giving their time and patiently answering my questions. I now have a better understanding of what their jobs entail and some of the issues that they deal with."

Awards
Customer Service Awards:
David Ford for TVC power testing (nominated by Malcolm Allen)
"David is a respected member of the engineering team who is a very dedicated, conscientious person. Recently a very high profile power failure test involving many staff had been organised to test both North and South ring mains. On the days leading up to this test date David took on the task of managing the installation of uninterruptible power supply cables. He worked for long hours, making the decision to attend site overnight on several occasions to ensure the work was carried out to a satisfaction. This work was critical to ensure that many BBC broadcast systems continued to work while the power was interrupted during the tests."

TVC Fabric Team for snow clearance (nominated by Malcolm Allen):
"At the beginning of February, the TVC Fabric team (Colin Henderson, Pat Ellis, Richard O'Connor, John Levelle, Michael Foram, Ramesh Hirani, Daniel Mogoi, Pavin Bhudia, Dariusz Karwasingski, Mahesh Pisavadia, Paul Jones) worked tirelessly clearing away the heavy snow to maintain safe access & egress to the site for pedestrians and motorists. They worked in the early hours until the light was failing without complaining, even though, for most, it was not their job to do so. Their good work was commented on by many staff and allowed the BBC to continue with business as usual."

Long Service Awards;
Ray Tappin has completed 40 years' service; Carole Sterling (30 years); John Stapleton, Chris Collins and MIck Brown (25 years); and Colin Henderson (20 years).

Congratulations to all!

Customer Seminar
Johnson Controls Consulting is hosting a seminar on Thursday, May 21, to be held at Tower 1, Royal Pavilion, Aldershot. It's an opportunity for key customers to have an honest and open session with like minded professionals from a range of industry sectors. They will be discussing their experiences of flexible working.

A number of organisations are invited to take part in a facilitated day, with broad subject experts, academic expertise and workplace professionals who have relevant experience and understand the issues that may be faced. The day's agenda offers an opportunity to take part in a range of discussion based open sessions; with the aim of achieving objectives through facilitated workshops and honest debate.

The Car's the Star
Colin Henderson, Fabric Manager, TVC, is an MG Sports car enthusiast who recently took part in the MG Heritage Festival (April 24/25). MGs, new and old, including rare vintage and pre-war MGs were featured at the event which was held at Royal Windsor in Berkshire.

Rod on the ascent
You will hopefully have seen my previous post about Rod's forthcoming trip to climb Denali. Check out the full info here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/spacesandplaces/2009/05/one_workplace_rod_hoggs_climb.shtml

To pledge support to Rod and his efforts for Children In Need visit his site: https://www.mycharitypage.com/RodneyHogg/

It's not a Snicker, It's a Marathon!
Again, you will hopefully have seen my blogpost about our superfit staff members who have recently undergone tests of fitness and endurance. See the post here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/spacesandplaces/2009/04/our_workplace_marathon_people.shtml

Praise for Workplace staff
• The One Show broadcast an hour-long special on Wednesday, April 22 using part of the Network outside the Broadcast Centre. Jane Zurakowski, Production Manager of The One Show, part of Vision Productions, sent her thanks to Auriol Bullough, W12 Workplace Strategist; Ian Davis-Workplace; Nick Whatcott, Safety Advisor; and Jon Ling, Safety Manager: "Just wanted to thank you all for making yesterday's event happen. It was a huge success. Thanks for all your help."

• Michael Carrington, Controller of CBeebies, sent this to Giovanni D'Onfrio (TVC FM) and Dette Marsh (CL FM): "I want to thank you personally for all the effort you put in to the BBC Children's Festival last week. With your help, the event was smooth, enjoyable and really worked well. Please pass on my gratitude to Anwar Khan too. Thanks again for all your hard work."

• Sent to Zina Craker (WC receptionist), Andy Membury (WC receptionist), Sandra Wright (MC floor Manager) and Margaret from Clare Lockhart, Producer/Director for BBC Television: "Just a note to say thank you to you and your teams for helping us out with the young participants of the 'Is the BBC for me?' scheme last week. You were incredibly helpful and supportive and we couldn't have done it without you!"

• Sent to Adrian Wyer (CL FM) & Tina Samuels, Broadcasting House from Serena Brown, P.A. to Anthony Wall, Series Editor of Arena: "Just a note to say thank you to you, Tina and all the team for looking after us so well over our sojourn at Grafton House."

• Sent to Elstree Catering team from Lee Underwood, Holby City: "I just wanted to say thank you for organising the catering for the cast meeting for us - it all went without a hitch! I haven't arranged one before, so I am very grateful to all involved that it ran so smoothly."

• The Bush House team received a customer service award following the facilitation of the sound desk trials.This note was sent to Jane Gange, Senior Facilities Manager, from John Sullivan, W1 Project: "May I take this opportunity to thank all the BBC Workplace staff involved in making this evaluation go smoothly. Everyone was so helpful and friendly and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. It was noted by all the suppliers as well and it was great to be able to give such a good impression of the BBC."

• Sent to Pam Hart, Facilities Assistant, Elstree from Susan Mather, Line Producer, EastEnders: "I just wanted to thank you all for you assistance in setting up for Mark Thompson and the Finance Committee's visit yesterday. It all went very smoothly and was a very successful meeting. You all contributed and helped me enormously in creating a smooth running operation."

STAFF NEWS
New Starters
 - Rebecca Carruthers, Cluster Services Director for Media Village & West London Outer Premises
 - Jamie Stingmore, Chef at TVC

Moves & Changes
 - John Pickles has moved to Operations from the Workplace Finance team to work with Anne Branigan, Commercial Performance Manager, for 6 months. He is handling commercial issues, particularly in respect of consultants and freelancers and also aspects of the BBW and JCI contracts. John is also be the contact for FOI questions whilst Julie van der Woude, Business Operations Manager, is on maternity leave.
 - Olga Liddle, CAD Technician has returned from maternity leave
 - David Landers, Central Projects has joined the BBC Account based Projects team as a Project Manager in Media Village

Leavers
 - Mike Truman, Technical Operations Director; Nik Smith, Operations Director will provide temporary cover to this position
 - Ann Marie Sutton, Central Supply Chain Manager
 - Rachael Phillips, Foyer Manager for Aramark at Television Centre

Love & Marriage
 - Nisha Jani, Communications Co-ordinator, and Alice Wynne are getting hitched in a civil
 partnership ceremony on May 30th
 - David Foster, Project Services Manager is getting married in Budapest at the end
of May

Well, as with previous months there's such a lot to publicise - I'm sure you will agree that Workplace is one very busy operation! Would be great to hear from you on any topic so please do create a profile on bbc.co.uk/blogs and get commenting! Full instructions on this previous post: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/spacesandplaces/2009/04/so_what_am_i_going_to_focus_on.shtml

Look forward to hearing from you,

Chris

A few weeks ago I was invited to participate in paying tribute to James Murphy on his leaving day. James led the transition to Aramark, our new catering providers, who work as part of our JCI relationship. I'm glad I was able to fit his leaving do into my schedule as I witnessed a great deal of emotion on the occasion, especially the pleading of his staff for him to stay! Although James implemented some tough changes during his tenure, the tributes, and there were quite a few, focused on how he treated his staff - as valued friends. It was striking to hear that many would work for him anywhere!

The whole event stood out for me as something very special and I was glad to be able to witness the warmth and high regard in which James' team held him - it's rare today to see people acknowledge a fellow human being with such honesty and genuine appreciation. This comes from people who, as Sunil Limbacha commented, are the people who make everything happen when it comes to serving millions of meals every year across the BBC estate. I have attended my fair share of leaving parties but this one really stood out and all that remains for me to do is to add my best wishes to those of James' old team as he embarks on his next adventure.

Chris

Chris Kane, James Murphy and Tim Cavanagh in Network Central on James' last day

I was interviewed recently by Mark Shepherd of Property Week about the move of parts of the BBC to MediaCityUK in Salford.

We talked about the thinking behind the move - how the BBC has a responsibility to serve all licence fee payers across the UK; what it means for the BBC and the staff involved; and what a positive vibe there is about the move in the North West. You can read the article in full when it's published on May 22nd.

Here is some information about the BBC at MediaCityUK:

• MediaCityUK is located on a 200-acre site at Salford Quays on Manchester's waterfront.
• The BBC buildings are leased from Peel Media, a division of the Peel Group. 
• Peel Media's vision is to make MediaCityUK the largest purpose-built media community in the UK and Europe. 
• The project is being developed and managed by Peel Media, working with a range of partners including Central Salford Urban Regeneration Company, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, Salford City Council and Northwest Vision and Media. 
• In addition to state-of-the-art TV studios and an unparalleled communications structure, the site will include a piazza twice the size of London's Trafalgar Square.
  

The first phase is due for completion in 2011, when the BBC will relocate five London-based departments (BBC Sport, BBC Children's, Radio 5 live, Future Media & Technology teams, Formal Learning) to The Quays, along with all local and network broadcasting currently based at Oxford Road in Manchester. 

These computer-generated images give you an idea of how MediaCityUK will look:

 A view across the piazza to the studio block

An interior of the studio block offices at MediaCityUK

A view of the Studio Entrances

Have you seen the MediaCityUK site at Salford Quays? What do you think about it or about the BBC's move there? Let me have your views.

Chris

I am very pleased to be able to tell you all about Rodney Hogg, a Workplace team member who has taken my recent One Workplace charity initiative to heart and decided to do the latest of his gruelling mountaineering climbs in aid of Children In Need. On the 30 May 2009 Rod will leave London to travel to Alaska for an ascent of Denali, North America's highest mountain, via the West Buttress Route. It is sometimes said, only half-jokingly, that climbing Everest is good preparation for climbing Denali. The name Denali means "the Great One" in the local Athabaskan dialect. Also known as Mount McKinley, it is unsurpassed in challenge or scenic beauty, offering one of the world's greatest expedition challenges. At 6194 meters (20320 ft), Denali is the highest mountain in North America situated 150 miles (250km) to the north of Anchorage in the Alaska Range, close to the Arctic Circle. Check out some images here and below.

While some South American and Asian peaks are higher, Denali's arctic environment, characterised by extremely cold weather and harsh storms, and its great height above the Alaskan plain make it a severe test of personal strength, team work and logistics. It is the tallest mountain on the North American continent, one of the Seven Summits and has a fearsome and well-justified reputation for being the hardest and coldest of these summits, so provides an incredible challenge for climbers from all over the world. It is often said that the greatest challenge of Denali is not the climbing, but the weather. While most of the world's highest mountains are near the equator, Denali is closer to the North Pole. Denali is located in the middle of the southern Alaskan mainland, 200 miles south of the Artic Circle at 63° North Latitude. This is 35° further north than Everest; this is the same latitude as northern Hudson Bay and central Scandinavia.

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1966 Rod developed a boyhood love for the outdoors. Leaving Zimbabwe in 1979 to live in South Africa with his parents and brothers saw the start of his teenage outdoor adventures and sporting achievements. After leaving school in 1984 with sporting colors in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics he was conscripted into the South African Defence Force and joined the elite Parachute Regiment, gaining his wings in July of 1985. On leaving the army at the end of 1986, Rod found a passion for triathlons and kayaking, with the help of his sponsors he went on to complete in the 1987 SA Triathlon Championships and in the following years completed 2 Iron Man triathlons, 2 Duzi canoe marathons, and several running marathons including the Comrades ultra marathon of 97km.

After touring to Spain in 1999 as a member of the University of Witwatersrand canoe team, Rod found himself travelling through Europe, finally settling in London in 2000. It was not until 2004 that he first experienced the thrills of rock climbing in the Lake District and from there his climbing and mountaineering passion grew.

Rod is a devoted father of three children and also has a keen interest in bee keeping with several hives located in Richmond Park. He is a member of the Thames Valley Climbing Club and has climbed predominantly in Scotland and the Alps over the last 4 years. Notable achievements have been successful climbs of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Matterhorn, a traverse of the Eiger, and Mont Blanc.

Rod says: "I have always looked for challenges in life and believed in living life to its fullest. I am doing this expedition to Denali in order to raise money for the charity Children in Need. Children in Need are one of the UK's most important charities and help transform children and young people's lives throughout the country. I am keen to play my part in raising money to support this charity and hope you will help me in doing so. Thanks for your interest and support.".

It is possible to support Rod's climb by sponsoring him via his page on MyCharityPage.

I'm sure you will agree from the pictures below that the mountain looks most imposing! Join me in wishing Rod all the best for a successful climb and safe return.

Chris

Update on 15th May

Rod has made the front page of Ariel online today! Check out the story here:

https://ariel.gateway.bbc.co.uk/viewDailyNews.asp?storyID=21319