Campus development news

Following a robust and comprehensive procurement process, the University has announced that OCS Group UK will be its new campus Facilities Management (FM) partner, joining the Sussex Estates and Facilities (SEF) partnership once the contract begins on 1 July 2025.  

The contract covers the key services needed to keep our campus running smoothly and effectively, from buildings and grounds maintenance through to transport, security and cleaning services.  The new contract has also presented the opportunity for the University to bring some services in-house, which include project management, space information and moves, energy and environmental services, launderette services, estates management, and long-term maintenance. 

Our community’s role in finding a new FM partner

Our search for a new FM partner began over 18 months ago, following a consultation where we asked students and staff (including SEF staff) for their views about current campus FM services, and what they would like to see in future.   

Feedback from surveys and focus groups helped to shape our requirements and highlighted that Sussex would benefit from a new model, with some roles moving in-house to provide the University with oversight of strategy and performance, while the FM partner focuses on delivery.   

The process of introducing this model has already begun and will form the basis of how we work with OCS.  

A clear understanding of Sussex’s needs and values  

Reflecting on the announcement, Emma Potts, interim Chief Operating Officer, said: “During a competitive procurement process lasting over 18 months, OCS displayed a clear understanding of Sussex’s immediate and long-term priorities. 

“Their focus on maintenance excellence came through clearly, and their submission outlined numerous reporting, process and technology-based solutions to help us improve standards over the coming years. Their submission also scored higher than others in relation to our ethical procurement framework, environmental sustainability, and alignment with the University’s values.   

“We’re now looking forward to working together to respond to the topics raised by our campus community as we progress towards becoming one of the most sustainable and biodiverse universities in the world.”  

As part of their successful bid, OCS have committed over the course of the contract to providing:  

• An accessible and responsive helpdesk – available 24/7, 365 days a year  

• A self-service tracking portal – to enable staff and students to monitor the status of work requests and provide feedback  

• Student employment opportunities – including work placements, internships and employability sessions  

• Environmental sustainability innovations – including Smart Building technology, water-use reduction initiatives, and an on-site recycling centre  

• Value for money – including robust plans for cost optimisation over the duration of the contract 

• Extensive training and professional development opportunities for SEF colleagues. 

Reflecting on OCS’s commercial proposition, Ian McKee, Assistant Director of Finance – Procurement, and project SRO, said: “OCS has committed to a competitive and transparent pricing model that aligns with the University’s strategic objectives. In partnership with the University, OCS will seek to identify and implement value for money initiatives, leverage economies of scale, and reduce waste, while remaining committed to using local suppliers for the benefit of the regional economy.”   

What happens next  

A mobilisation (handover) period will run from April-June with OCS working with SEF colleagues on campus to help prepare for a smooth transition when the new contract comes into effect 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 that operations can continue without interruption.   

Want to find out more?  

All University staff are invited to attend one of a series of drop-in sessions, hosted by senior representatives from the University, SEF and OCS, to ask questions and find out more about the changes we can expect to see over the coming years. Please look out for invites in your emails – we hope to see you there.  

• 12-1pm, Thursday 24 April – Jubilee 115  
• 12-1pm, Monday 28 April – Fulton G15  
• 12-1pm, Wednesday 30 April – Ashdown House 103  

For more information, visit the FM procurement project website, or email bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk.