Anthony at the East Slope reception

From supported internships and student job opportunities to mental health support, we can expect to see a number of positive changes to the way our campus runs when our new facilities management partner, OCS, officially joins the SEF partnership on July 1.

Drawing from their expertise, global firm OCS will introduce improvements to the way we run the key services needed to keep our campus running smoothly and effectively, some from day one and others over the year-long transition period.

In this article, we take a look at the benefits for our student body from the new partnership.

Job opportunities for students

OCS has pledged to offer a range of part-time and vacation jobs which students can fit in flexibly around their studies, with roles advertised locally to ensure Sussex students can see what’s on offer.

They will host employability sessions to help anyone keen to work in the FM sector, with CV advice, mock interviews and careers guidance developed in collaboration with our Careers and Entrepreneurship team for final-year students.

Our new partners have also pledged to pilot a supported paid internship for a young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This structured, work-based study programme for 16–24-year-olds aims to help young people develop their skills and make the switch from education into employment.

A focus on student wellbeing

All staff in student-facing roles (including cleaning teams, security staff and porters) will receive training to help them identify the common signs and symptoms of mental health issues, recognise the risk factors, and practice how to approach, listen, and respond to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.

What happens next  

A mobilisation (handover) period will run until the end of June with OCS working with SEF colleagues on campus to help prepare for a smooth transition when OCS joins the partnership on 1 July.   

During mobilisation, teams from OCS and Mitie will work together to ensure that IT and other data transfer - including HR and finance - takes place seamlessly, so operations can continue without interruption.  

Want to find out more?  

If you have any questions about the future of our FM services, please contact bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk