Page 14 - Riverside Quarter Proposal

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Riverside Quarter | Request for Information
Mobilisation and Transition Programme
■ We would like to understand your mobilisation programme to transition the management away from FPUK. How would you intend to project manage this transition, and do you have a rough suggested timeline?
Mobilisation and transition varies considerably, according to the type of instruction. Where a scheme has been subject to self or in house management, this can be very different to taking over from an existing (often failing) agent. We have experience of both of these scenarios, most recently, as mentioned in previous submissions at The White House Apartments, London SE1.
On the positive side, where the existing manager is the landlord, such as FPUK in this instance, they have a significant vested interest, full access to all current, past and future detail at the point of instruction, and a brand and legacy to protect. It is therefore in the interests of FPUK to work with the incoming agent closely to effect a seamless transfer.
However, mobilisation and especially transition can be significantly more challenging in the eyes of lessees, commercial operators and other stakeholders. For a variety of reasons, some real, and others perceived, they may feel entirely comfortable with current arrangements, and may not want
to see any management change, especially when they have had no involvement in the decision to change management strategy. Additionally, there is always the potential for increased costs, eg staffing based on TUPE, as well as costs savings in time.
The key is a pre planned proactive engagement plan with stakeholders. This must be aligned with the client, and all communications must be joined up. Examples of this would include;
» Jointly branded newsletters and regular collective updates from client and new agent explaining the rationale for change, and clearly setting out both pro’s and con’s.
» A clear assurance that whilst there will be changes, they will be seamless, and communicated in all instances.
» The client should explain why they have come to this decision, but be careful to suggest its an evolutionary decision, and not based on current failings.
» The incoming agent must be really careful not to expose the client for any past management failings, be they actual or perceived.
Based on an appointment date of say 1st January 2021, engagement through small group meetings and then at least one general open meeting should be planned from October 2020.