The way in which the University manages its space is changing. The Space Information service line, which was previously delivered by SEF, is to be provided through the Space Management and Masterplanning team within the Estates Division, from 1 February. 

The growing team oversees how we use our campus and buildings effectively; they have detailed knowledge of how spaces are currently used and occupied on campus, helping the University to make the best decisions for our community when looking to make changes to our accommodation. 

This move is part of the work to deliver a hybrid model for our facilities management, which will bring in-house some of the services which are currently delivered by SEF. 

A busy year ahead for the team  

There is plenty on the space management team’s to-do list for 2024, starting off with a review of the capacity and accessibility of our general teaching space (GTS) to help improve the experience of students. 

They will also be creating storage inventories and processes, and establishing a sustainable, ethical furniture mini-framework (and a style guide) to ensure a unified approach to buying furniture.  

“We are pleased to be bringing this service in-house; it means we can grow and develop the service to meet the needs of our campus community,” says Chris Harrison, Deputy Director of Estates, Facilities & Commercial Services.  

“We need to manage our space more effectively to achieve our strategic aims, so it makes sense to bring the space information service together with the space management and masterplanning function to provide a holistic approach to how we use our buildings.” 

How to contact the service   

The way that you contact the service won’t change: you can contact the SEF Service Centre via email at ServiceCentre@sef.fm. You will be asked to complete a new Space Changes & Moves Request Form, but the approval process remains the same. 

For day-to-day furniture and other large item moves, please contact the SEF Service Centre as normal.