I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the Education Building Development Officers Group (EBDOG), to those of you that may not be familiar with our organisation and myself as the new Chairman.
EBDOG is a national group of local authority officers and property professionals who are responsible for the effective asset management of the school estate and other local authority premises; representing a range of local authority perspectives, leading national debate and seek to influence policy on school organisation, pupil place planning and capital investment in school infrastructure.
EBDOG promotes local authority peer support and collaboration, discussing the impact of Government policy changes and other topical issues by the sharing of knowledge and experience. Members of the Executive Committee regularly meet with the Department for Education (DfE)/Education Funding Agency (EFA), to help support, challenge and act as a sounding board for new initiatives. The objective is to raise standards by enhancing local education infrastructure and improve the outcomes for young people and families.
Membership of EBDOG is free and open to all local authorities across England. National Conferences are held twice a year and act as a key communication channel between the DfE/EFA and local authorities, providing a framework of support, advice and guidance for education building professionals. The conferences are well attended and attract senior managers from within Children’s Services and Property Services, along with our Diocesan representatives. They are actively supported by the DfE, EFA and partner organisations and provide a forum to launch new initiatives and circulate information on future capital priorities.
Portsmouth City Council will be hosting the next Conference at Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth on Friday 28th November 2014 and will include a programme of engaging and informative speakers and workshops structured around two related topical themes:
Pupil Place Planning
Rising primary pupil numbers have and continue to be a challenge for local authorities in many parts of the country. As this growth moves into the secondary sector there will be a different set of challenges to face.
The conference will enable delegates to:
- share information on place planning topics
- understand how authorities have dealt with increases in pupil numbers through school organisation and capital building projects
- consider published case studies
- discuss issues with representatives from the DfE and offer feedback about school capacity surveys and school place planning
School Buildings
The conference will cover a number of building related topics including:
- understanding central government construction standards
- making the most of limited capital resources
- encouraging community use of schools sites
- Representatives from both the DfE and EFA will be giving presentations about current initiatives and capital funding.
Who Should Attend?
The conference is aimed at local authority officers with responsibility for:
- Education Capital Investment
- School Organisation
- Pupil Place Planning
- School Property Matters
Why Attend?
The conference will provide officers from your authority with the opportunity to:-
- Review best practice examples of how local authorities and schools are presently dealing with increasing demand for primary and secondary school places
- Provide the opportunity to give direct feedback to DfE & EFA representatives on place planning issues
- Share ideas and experiences on recent capital projects
- Get up to date news on current and future capital funding initiatives
Full details will be sent out in September however, in the meantime I would be grateful if you could forward this on to all colleagues whose role involves any aspect of school capital planning or organisation. If you would like to register to receive full conference details please email EBDOGconf@portsmouthcc.gov.uk