Information

Request

I am writing to inquire about the processes and criteria involved in the design and commissioning of buildings and refurbishments under your jurisdiction within the Northamptonshire region please.

Specifically, I am interested in the following aspects:

1. Design Process:
   • What are the key stages in the design process for new police buildings and refurbishments?
   • How are MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Public Health) Building Services engineering consultancies and architectural firms selected for these projects?
   • Are there specific design standards or guidelines that must be adhered to?
2. Commissioning Criteria:
   • What criteria are used to commission new buildings or refurbishments?
   • How are decisions made regarding the need for new facilities versus refurbishing existing ones?
3. Sustainability and Efficiency:
   • What sustainability practices are integrated into the design and commissioning process?
   • Are there specific energy efficiency or environmental standards that must be met?
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • How are stakeholders, including police personnel and the community, involved in the planning and design process?
   • What measures are taken to ensure the facilities meet the operational needs of the police force?
5. Budget and Funding:
   • How are projects funded and what is the typical budget allocation for such projects?
   • Are there opportunities for public-private partnerships or other funding mechanisms?

Response

I can confirm the Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner does hold the information requested:

1. Design Process:

The design process and the design standards/guidelines we follow are determined by the nature, use and purpose of the particular building. The team in the main align to the RIBA stages. Depending on the complexities of a project/programme, the organisations may utilise consultants and other skilled construction specialist/professionals via approved framework to support. This is all determined by the individual procurement strategy for the programme. Any opportunities are advertised via the Bluelight e-procurement platform.

1. Commissioning Criteria:

The commissioning criteria are determined by the nature, use and purpose of the particular building and vary given the multifaceted nature of our estate portfolio. All decisions are governed by our Corporate Governance Framework (published on our website) and the internal board structures that support this.

1. Sustainability and Efficiency:

We are committed to working to make our buildings more sustainable and efficient, as when designing new or refurbishing we always look to ensure we meet any regulatory requirements, or best practice. However, this is also balance against the need to ensure the estate meets the needs of the end users in ensuring we can effectively deliver our key services.

1. Stakeholder Engagement:

This is all undertaken by our internal teams and any specific projects or future opportunities for any external support in this field would, where necessary, be advertised via our e-tendering portal or sourced via other established frameworks.

1. Budget and Funding:

Our budgets are set in line with each project/programme – as given the nature of the estate they vary. Details of our budgets and accounts can be viewed on our website here