News

Jonathan Herbert, Managing Director of Bond Bryan and Chair of the RIBA/Association of Colleges Client Forum, recently held a round-table discussion in response to the Augar Report. The Augar Report, led by Dr Philip Augar, detailed proposals to reform funding for Higher and Further Education.

 

Roger Newman, Bond Bryan Associate Director and FE sector specialist, supported Jonathan in presenting the case for improvement.

 

Professionals working directly within the Education sector attended this event – including representatives from the Association of Colleges, the Department for Education, Further Education Colleges, Local Economic Partnerships/Local Authorities – as well as Architects, Construction Project Managers, Cost Managers and Construction Contractors.

 

The discussion focused on some key proposals, including the potential for a centrally-managed capital funding regime. Participants agreed that, managed correctly, the fund should encourage all colleges to develop approved strategic estates plans. These strategic plans should follow ‘best practice’, developed in consultation with the sector.

 

With Strategic Plans in place, the sector can identify capital projects that will improve the condition and suitability of the FE estate, directing efforts toward efficiencies, as well as enhancing the student experience and better learning outcomes.

 

List of commercial organisations represented:

Bond Bryan Architects

Nicholas Hare Architects

AA Projects

Caroline Buckingham Architects

RIBA

Association of Colleges

Department for Education

Greater London Authority

Birmingham Metropolitan College

Doncaster College

Willmott Dixon Construction

ISG

Arcadis

RLB