University Strategic Space Utilisation Group (USSUG)

The function of the Buildings & Estates Office in the allocation of space is to analyse needs and use, to guide decisions on competing demands for physical space and to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of USSUG recommendations/ULT decisions on the allocation of space.

Applications for additional space originate from Department/Unit Heads and are initially directed to the Buildings & Estates Office and evaluated and analysed by the University Strategic Space Utilisation Committee (USSUG) on the basis of information compiled by the Buildings & Estates Office.

The Buildings & Estates Office is required to fulfill the following functions in the process of allocating space:

• Collect appropriate information to enable request for space to be evaluated 
• Outline options for the Space Sub Committee of the Buildings Committee 
• Implement decisions and deliver space to new occupants 
• Maintain register of space allocations 
• Maintain register of temporary space allocations 
• Maintain register of requests for space which remain unresolved

On receipt of applications for additional space from Colleges the following further information is requested:

• Academic justification (supported by relevant Dean) for the request. 
• Inventory of space currently allocated to department 
• Name and status of staff occupying each office area 
• Relevant Staff FTEs 
• Relevant Student FTEs 
• Resource Statement submitted with request to Academic Council for the sanctioning of new post (in event of office space requested for newly appointed staff) 

In some instances meetings may be necessary between B & E Staff and Heads of Departments to clarify the needs of the Department and to outline the options available to meet their needs.

Equivalent space options, which may meet the department's requirement, are identified from newly vacated space, rented accommodation, return of temporarily allocated space, space vacated by staff on sabbatical, etc. and presented to the Committee together with information requested from the individual departments. The Sub Committee makes recommendations on the basis of information provided and presents to the Buildings Committee for endorsement.

Decisions on the allocation of space are communicated to Departments and the necessary transfer of furniture; provision of new furniture, data connections, keys, etc. is coordinated within the different sections of the Buildings & Estates Office.

Space Policy

Space Sub Committee Terms of Reference March 2015 

University Strategic Utilisation Group (USSUG) Membership

• Deputy President and Registrar, (Co-Chair)
• Director of Buildings & Estates, (Co-Chair)
• Administrative Manager (Buildings & Estates)
• Heads  of College (or nominees)
• Corporate Secretary (or nominee)
• VP for Research and Innovation (or nominee)
• VP for Learning and Teaching (or nominee)
• Advisor to the President
• Students Union President (or nominee)