As part of the Government’s response to the Review of Education Capital in July 2011, the Department agreed that work should start without delay to collect up-to-date information on the building condition of the education estate. The Property Data Survey Programme (PDSP) has been established to enable the collection of this data.
In September 2011, Partnerships for Schools (now the Education Funding Agency) was asked by the Department to lead on the delivery of the PDSP to survey educational establishments throughout England - around 23,000 maintained schools - in order to ensure future capital maintenance funding is targeted to meet the most urgent condition needs of the education estate.
Initially, this involved the procurement of contractors to carry out property data surveys (PDS), and asset management software (AMS) to support delivery of the programme.
In December 2011, Tribal Education Limited was appointed to provide the AMS system and to co-ordinate the initial transfer of condition data.
In March 2012 the Department for Education/Education Funding Agency appointed the following organisations to carry out surveys in each of the following regions:
| Region | Surveyor Organisation |
|---|---|
| North West | Davis Langdon |
| North East | Capita Symonds |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | Capita Symonds |
| West Midlands | Davis Langdon |
| East Midlands | Davis Langdon |
| East of England | E C Harris |
| South West | Capita Symonds |
| South East | E C Harris |
| London | E C Harris |
In early 2012, Partnerships for Schools (PfS) worked with local authorities to transfer existing condition data held at local authority level. Following this, the data validation process was initiated by the EFA (which is nearing completion). The property data surveys commenced in July 2012 and will be delivered through a phased approach, which is due to finish in late summer/early autumn 2013.
In January we wrote to all local authorities and strategic VA bodies to update them on progress (see attached a copy of the letter which went to local authorities). We have modified this to provide a briefing to all academies, see attached academies briefing paper.
Also provided are some frequently asked questions about the PDSP and an information note that outlines the PDS process. Other useful PDSP documents used as part of the programme are also provided.
Contact details
Property Data Survey Programme Team
Email: PDSP.EFAcapital@education.gsi.gov.uk
