The challenge

Davis Langdon Management Consulting was appointed to carry out this study on behalf of the National Audit Office (NAO). The study contributed to a report produced by NAO that analysed the cost and utilisation of the office space occupied by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and its supporting bodies. A total of 25 organisations were surveyed providing data for some 100 offices.

The research looked at three areas of interest:

• The nature of the office accommodation (location, type of office layout, use of space)
• Occupancy and operation costs (rents, service charges, utilities and management costs)
• The way the use of office space was managed

The result

Data was collected and analysed via an electronic survey. The results of the survey indicated similarities but also variations between the different organisations, suggesting scope for achieving better efficiency.

Case studies were used to illustrate how some of the challenges faced by organisations in dealing with office accommodation can be overcome through good management.

Recommendations were made for improvement in cost effectiveness. These included the use of efficiency measurement tools and better management and procurement.