Preparations for the introduction of the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) continue at pace with the in-service date fast approaching.
In December 2023, it was announced that VIVO – a 50:50 joint venture between Serco and EQUANS – will take on responsibility for key maintenance work, repairs, servicing, and hard facilities management across the Volunteer Estate.
This work is essential to providing Reserves and Cadets with safe places to work and train. It is in addition to VIVO’s existing contract to manage the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Built Estate’ in the Central region.
When FDIS goes live on August 1st, East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s professionally qualified staff will retain responsibility for managing the contractual relationship for the hard facilities management services. They will also act as the estate’s advisors on behalf of the single services.
In preparation for this, a new structure has been put in place to ensure the effective management of the new arrangements.
Internal recruitment has seen Martin Capewell appointed as the new Head of Estate and Ben Webster his deputy as Senior Estate Manager. Reporting into them will be the three Estate Managers: Stefan Daunt, Paul Metcalf and Safa Shabaz, with three Estate Officers completing the team.
Significant progress has been made in tackling the 3-tier FDIS training programme.
Multi-channel helpdesks are also being set up to provide consistent user experiences across the UK for end users. In support of that, help sheets and guides are in the process of being issued to local Reserve and Cadet centres.
FDIS promises to deliver greater value for money with a high level of customer satisfaction, a 24/7 helpdesk and access to more high-quality data to inform future decision-making.
Martin Capewell, Head of Estate, said: “Our relationships with VIVO continues to go from strength to strength.
“During our staff day in May, VIVO provided a comprehensive guide on their work, what’s to come during mobilisation and answered questions from our team.
“I was also impressed when we got to see VIVO’s helpdesk in action during a visit earlier this year.
“As we look ahead, I look forward to even further collaboration as we transform our approach to maintaining the Volunteer Estate.”
