Functional Suitability Review

Assesses the appropriateness of the function/facility in relation to the activities taking place in a department or building. Can also be tailored to the DfES requirements of a ‘Suitability’ or ‘Sufficiency’ audit.

Introduction

The whole site or departmental functional suitability will determine how effectively a building (or part of a building) supports the delivery of the existing service. The aim is to hold space that is functionally appropriate to the current and (known) future demand for the service.  The functional suitability of a department/building is not necessarily dependent on the quality of the property.

The Audit

This audit enables buildings or departments to be compared on an ‘independent’ basis. It is based on the merits or otherwise, of the building relative to it’s suitability to support current functions.

Properties can be benchmarked to determine those that are most and least suitable for their purpose. This provides an ideal baseline for running cost comparisons along with other liability costs, thus aiding the strategic decision making process.

The Content

The Functional Suitability Review includes three elements…

The Report

The results are recorded in a written report which summarises the main conclusions. Comparisons can be made with nationally recognised guidance documents comparing accommodation with current standards and expectations. The report will specifically list each building – scored with the results ranked and ordered.

Sensitivity Analysis

Individual element scores can be ‘weighted’ either up or down to make allowance for any ‘political answers’ that may have been given or to reflect clients particular local priorities.

The report will comment on specific opportunities or problems and will detail those falling below a reasonable (benchmark) standard. All data can be input into all FM Software Brands.