Supplementary A - London Borough of Hillingdon

Education and Children’s Services
Consultation has occurred for the 2 Early Years Centres at Uxbridge, South Ruislip and the
Children’s Centre at Hayes as they have to conform to Ofsted National Standards with
regard to premises and these standards ensure that they are ‘safe, secure and suitable for
their purpose’ (i.e. for use by children under 5). In addition, consultation was carried out a
couple of years ago with parents at Nestles Avenue Children’s Centre in respect of the
extension to the premises and will be carried out where capital works are being carried out
in the future.
Community Consultation. An adult plus survey has been carried out every three years, the
consultation being on building conditions.
8. There are user groups for the Council’s two main Council premises, the Facilities
Management User Group (for the Civic Centre) and Harlington Road Depot Users Group.
These include representatives from all departmental occupiers and meet regularly to
consider issues and agree improvements in their operation, security and provision of
services at these premises.
9. The results of customer consultation in the Housing Needs Best Value Review highlighted
unsatisfactory provision of reception facilities in the Civic Centre. This has now been
addressed with the provision of a separate housing needs reception. This has more space
for waiting customers and better interview facilities.
10. All property services provided in house by the Council, including the Estates & Valuation
Service, Design Maintenance and Energy team, and Facilities Management, undertake
customer consultation on the services they provide. This is mainly done through the use of
questionnaires seeking feedback on different aspects of the services provided and
outcomes. Relevant management teams consider the responses, and any areas of
concern are examined further and discussed with clients to identify and implement
improvements in practices and delivery.
11. Within the Community – In order to ensure that the Voluntary Sector Leasing Policy is
working efficiently and equitably, officers from Corporate Property Services have met with
community representatives to identify any areas of concern. The Hillingdon Federation of
Community Associations has been asked to give feedback and identify areas where further
council support is required
12. Facilities Management, in considering plans for the new Civic Centre Main Reception,
involved members of the community to seek their ideas regarding access and layout.
13. For the 2006/07 DDA programme, officers have worked closely with disability groups to
seek their input both in terms of practicality of proposals and alternative ideas for the
approved projects. For the 2007/08 Programme, in accordance with DDA 2005,
consultation will be extended to representatives of the Older People’s Forum and other
disability group representatives. The level of funding and the approved projects will be
finalised by end of March 2007.
90