BSF and site managment

[e_g_r]

Am i right in beleiving that site managment i.e. caretakers, cleaners etc. will also be outsourced in BSF?

[Pottsey]

I thought cleaners etc where already outsourced. caretakers not heard anything about them being outsourced. What next outsource teachers and TA's? Why not the Head while they are at it.

[Dos_Box]

Yup. Facilities management will be run by a private company as far as I'm aware.

[CyberNerd]

I recall a Unison document that said something along the lines that caretakers could be opted out of outsourcing - but ICT couldn't be without a financial penalty.

[GrumbleDook]

Site staff may also be TUPEd across and dealt with in the exact same manner that IT support is.

 

Basically, it depends on the school.

 

Some LA based site staff (cleaners, caretakers, etc) are used to this already as many LA run schools (ie not Foundation but employed directly by LA) have previously had their staff taken over by private companies, whether completely or just the management of them.

 

This happened to my Dad over 20 years ago so we are not the first and won't be the last.

[e_g_r]

Were a foundation school and the SMT didn't have a clue if this was an option or not.

 

If it was part of the 'finance' side of the package we would need to know.

[CyberNerd]

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A2331.pdf

 

A major priority for UNISON is protecting members from outsourcing and privatisation. Support or “soft” services such as cleaning, catering, repairs and maintenance, grounds maintenance and reception/security, can be bundled up into contracts, requiring staff to transfer to private companies.

 

Branches should work to exclude services from contracts before

procurement begins.

Exclusion of services from BSF/PFI projects is permitted under Treasury

guidance (Value for Money Guidance, August 2004) but must be based on

strategic priorities and value for money criteria. These can be

demonstrated successfully:

 

* a whole school team approach is preferable to fragmented provision by

different contractors

* an in-house provider can achieve economies of scale by supplying a

wide range of services

* long-term commitment to local people and services can be expected

* corporate policies on equality, health and safety and employment will

be more reliable

* the BSF programme can link to other local initiatives, like services to

children, and benefits in BSF schools can be transferred quickly to

other local education authority (LEA) run schools

* cost, quality and flexibility related to services can be publicly controlled

and accountable

* the contract package will be simpler and the authority can focus its

resources on design and construction

* once new facilities are open, the risks are more operational and no

company can guarantee continuous service quality for the life of the

contract.

[Pottsey]

One thing I always wondered about what happens if someone had a dual or triple job. Say they are the IT coordinator and IT tech. Or perhaps in charge of photography as well. What if they are a teacher 3days a week and IT tech the rest.

[Face-Man]

One thing I always wondered about what happens if someone had a dual or triple job. Say they are the IT coordinator and IT tech. Or perhaps in charge of photography as well. What if they are a teacher 3days a week and IT tech the rest.

 

It depends on the BSF contract but basically the schools and LA can decide to outsorce as part of the ICT managed service anybodys role that involves them using a computer for over 50% of their job other than for teaching and learning. Therefore data managers, finance officers etc can be outsourced however it is unlikely that an school would be brave/foolish enough not to maintain control of these areas. This is because the thinking (yes there is some) behind BSF is to get school to soley be responsible for teaching and not any additional jobs.

Getting back to your question if the job was split as you suggested it is up to the school to decide to retain the two additional days you do as a tech in the roll of ICT consultant. However it may have no money to pay for your time and in any case you would have no access to the administration of the network etc but would liase with the Managed service provider to fix things specified in the contract. You would probably be better off teaching full time.