Any type of refurbishment or building work, especially those in a school, presents a unique set of challenges for both the contractor and the consultancy firm involved in the project. School Works come with tight deadlines and strict health and safety regulations that mean the projects are often more demanding and require a combination of skill and effective time management to ensure successful delivery.
At Imagile Professional Services (IPSL) we work on a range of School Works projects across the UK, delivering the highest level of service whilst ensuring the least amount of disruption to clients. School Works are vital to ensure that the facilities, design and layout of schools are continuously improved and renovated.
We are experienced in delivering solutions for a broad range of academic institutions, from primary education to special education needs (SEN) facilities.
IPSL School Works
School Works is a key project for IPSL and brings together our three main departments; Whole Life Costing, Construction Delivery and Health, Safety and Environmental. Each department plays a key role in the successful completion of projects, from the planning phase, which usually starts in February, right through to the completion of the works in August.
Whole Life Cost Consulting
At IPSL we have a dedicated team of experts who work closely with clients to deliver budget forecasts and cost analysis to ensure projects are cost efficient and provide enhanced value. The Whole Life Costing team will begin their work on the school-based projects as early as February and strive to guide clients through the entire process.
Safety, Health and Environmental
The IPSL SHE (CDM) team work to ensure that all projects understand the scope and application of CDM 2015. They are involved throughout all stages, from conception to completion, implementing design risk management techniques, adopting principles of prevention and the hierarchy of control, they recognise and apply suitable management arrangements for successful pre-construction health and safety, evaluate other designers and contractors, promote co-operation and co-ordination between all duty holders, ensure the highest levels of health and safety standards are identified and attained for all phases of a project.
Construction Delivery
The Construction Delivery team provide expert advice and professional project management to ensure the successful completion of School Works delivery and procurement. The team expertly manage the specific requirements of each project, minimising disruption and overcoming any challenges. The window of opportunity to complete works on school sites is incredibly tight and so it’s vital that these kinds of projects are managed professionally and efficiently.
Types of works
In 2019, IPSL were instructed to consult on almost 50 schools with a total capex value of over £4m, making it the largest portfolio of School Works projects IPSL has ever completed. Each site has its own refurbishment plans and specifications that range from decoration to groundworks.
The types of work completed included:
- Flooring Contracts
- Decoration Contracts
- Roofing Contracts
- Kitchen Equipment Contracts
- Window & Door Replacement Contract
- M&E Installation Contracts
- Lighting & Fire Detection Contracts
- Groundworks Contract
- Asbestos Management
Carl White, Deputy Managing Director at IPSL, headed up the School Works project, ensuring all teams were working collaboratively and delivering expert advice and professional services for all clients.
“I am incredibly proud of the various teams across IPSL for their fantastic work over the school summer holiday period. This has included the renovation, refurbishment and extension of over 48 schools across the UK – a record number of projects of this nature for us.
“The School Works is a very demanding time of year for IPSL and involves a lot of hard work and dedication from all our teams. It’s fantastic that we completed all of our projects on time and incident free, which is testament to our skill and expertise in this area.
“I’d also like to thank our trusted network of strategic partners, who have all played their part in ensuring our clients received the highest levels of quality and service. We couldn’t have done it without their help. Well done to everyone involved – it’s been a fantastic year.”
Carl White, Deputy Managing Director at IPSL
Strategic Partners
During the School Works, IPSL collaborated with 12 trusted and reliable partners that offer a range of services. The strong relationships with a trusted network of strategic partners ensure we can provide clients with the best value, something that is fundamental to IPSL’s approach to School Works.
Building Services NOW (BSN) specialises in the design, offsite manufacture and installation of mechanical, electrical, construction and passive fire solutions. The team worked alongside IPSL on a number of school sites during the works and played a vital role in ensuring projects were delivered on time and on budget.
“BSN and IPSL have worked collaboratively and effectively on a number of projects together over the School Works period,” said Ben Cohen, Director at Building Services NOW
“Projects successfully completed ranged from a science laboratory refurbishment and fit out, heating system improvements, plant room upgrades to improve energy efficiency and the refurbishment of a head teacher’s office.
“School Works are fast moving and need to be completed within tight deadlines, therefore an open and honest working relationship to deliver the projects in partnership is a must. All of the IPSL staff work with professionalism and integrity with both contractors and clients and ensure that projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget and to a very high standard.”
