Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS) Guidance Updated
Good estate management for schools (GEMS) guidance updated
The DfE has published an updated version of the Good estate management for schools guidance. While some of the changes are due to new guidance or legislation, most are in response to feedback from users in schools and responsible bodies.
The update includes:
- a list of the benefits of good estate management
- making the GEMS Self-Assessment Tool interactive, which can be completed online and will automatically generate an action plan
- an interactive tool to help track compliance with health and safety and building regulations and inspections
- an updated version of the ‘Top 10 questions for governing boards’
- a new tool to help prioritise maintenance projects and tasks
- a comprehensive checklist to reduce energy and water usage
- a refresh of health and safety guidance to include more information on responsibilities, and updated guidance and links from the Health and Safety Executive.
For those new to GEMS, there is a short animated video about the GEMS resources.
The DfE has also updated the guidance on Asbestos management in schools. Changes include updates on the day-to-day management of asbestos, what to do if things do go wrong, the legislative framework and new case studies to help manage asbestos effectively and improve practice.