E042:07 6 November 2007

Single HQ for Health and Safety Executive in Bootle

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) today endorsed the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board’s proposal to create a single HQ for HSE based in its Redgrave Court building in Bootle, Merseyside.

For the first time in over thirty years, HSE’s Executive leadership and the majority of its teams covering strategy, policy, operational planning and management and corporate support, will be housed under one roof, leading to improved communication and efficiency. Overall, gross savings of £55m - £67m over ten years will be realised.

Commenting on the development Judith Hackitt, HSC Chair, said: “This is an important strategic decision taken in the best interests of the whole organisation, and is fully supported by the HSC.  While there are significant economic gains, the merits of a single HQ are clear in their own right and will help us play our part making workplaces in 21st century Britain healthier and safer.

Geoffrey Podger, HSE’s Chief Executive said, “This move will improve HSE’s cohesion and efficiency, and create a unified and vibrant headquarters at the heart of a successful national organisation.

“The HSE Board is doing all it reasonably can to help staff who will be affected through what will be a significant change, and is developing detailed plans to ensure this is a smooth transition.”

There are no plans to move operational staff in the London Region’s Field Operations Division, the majority of posts that are due to move out of London will be policy related.

Notes to editors:

1. Last year, the HSE Board established the “How and Where We Work” (HWWW) Programme  to look at how to foster more collaborative ways of working, greater flexibility, improve career structures,  the working environment and reduce the costs of the estate. 
2. Potentially, there are some 320 posts in scope for relocation out of London, from a total organisational head count of some 3500. Posts moving from London can be accommodated within HSE’s recently opened building in Redgrave Court, Bootle, Merseyside.

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