Case study: transforming the public service
Transforming public service delivery through collaboration and modern workplaces
We see the workplace as a critical tool for driving change, helping teams work better together across multiple locations – from multi-departmental campuses to technology enabling civil servants to work from any part of the estate. We create inclusive spaces where people want to work and make a difference.
The Government Property Agency (GPA) is more than a property manager; we’re a catalyst for public service transformation. Our work underpins government service delivery nationwide – creating modern, low-carbon offices where people can be productive, build communities, collaborate and share ideas in person.
As Civil Service property technology lead, we’re spearheading interoperability improvements to remove collaboration barriers and enhance productivity. By capturing and analysing more data than ever before, we are making better strategic decisions about the government estate, eliminating wasted space and optimising every square foot for efficiency and sustainability while enabling civil servants to move seamlessly across locations.
Our efforts also help attract and retain top talent for the Civil Service. By establishing hubs and improving office locations UK-wide, we enable people to buld fulfilling public service careers closer to their homes and the communities served by the government.
The success of our hubs demonstrates the impact of our work. Our 20 hubs provide workspaces for over 62,000 civil servants, transforming the way people work and driving regional growth, with over 21,000 roles already relocated outside London.
Inclusive workplaces
Our Birmingham Hub was refurbished from 1950s disused retail space to create a modern, digitally-connected and inclusive workspace to support 1,700 civil servants from 20 government bodies.
It was recognised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) for its accessible and inclusive environments, which meets the needs of the diverse workforce.
Interoperable estate
We’re enabling flexibility to work across locations and work spaces through:
- GovPass – the single access pass – used by more than 166,000 civil servants
- GovWifi – secure wifi network accessed by over 850,000 civil servants
- GovPrint – the secure cloud print service deployed at 250 locations
- Seamless Audio Visual equipment
Leading design
Quay House in Peterborough was our first new-build hub within the Government Hubs Programme, as part of a £120m regeneration of Fletton Quays.
The building is aligned to the Government Workplace Design Guide, providing flexible, digitally-connected workspaces to support greater productivity, create cost efficiencies and increase carbon reduction.
Outstanding experience
Quay House brought together 1,200 civil servants from several government bodies to work in one shared building. It has been recognised as one of the world’s leading workplaces by Leesman.
Building users rated their workplace experience ‘outstanding’, highlighting how it supports flexibility to complete a range of different tasks and meetings.
Smarter working
We supported 225,000 civil servants through our Smarter Working Programme to develop modern ways of working, enhance their productivity and realise cost savings through process efficiencies.
The success of the programme enabled smarter working to become standard working practices across the Civil Service.
