What is G-Cloud 12?
Let’s start with G-Cloud 12 and what it is. The G-Cloud is an initiative the Government to provide UK public sector organisations with a centralised procurement framework. Services are available to procure via the Government’s Digital Marketplace. UK public sector organisations can access Government-approved products and services without the need for a lengthy tender process. At Spica we offer our SaaS workplace experience solutions on G-Cloud 12 with our GemEx platform and Digital Workplace app. Solutions which help save employees wasted time, boost productivity, improve health and wellbeing, support with new COVID secure practices and ultimately help employees feel more engaged with their workplace and organisation.
Smart Working Code of Practice (PAS 3000)
In 2016 the Business Standards Company BSI in conjunction with the Cabinet Office announced a new Smart Working Code of Practice (PAS 3000). The importance of utilising technology to create a better work experience and operational efficiencies now had UK Government backing.
“The Smart Working Code of Practice supports organisations in implementing smart working principles bringing together best practice from across the world and across disciplines. Smart working principles acknowledge that technology and flexible working patterns are changing the way we work for the better. They are creating modern workplaces that support more flexibility and collaboration to give staff a better work/life balance. This, in turn, results in greater productivity and efficiencies for the employer” – UK Cabinet Office
Flexible Working with Desk Booking
Flexible working of course was massively accelerated due to the pandemic we are all living through. Facility and Workplace stakeholders are realising how connected technologies enable smarter working whilst also assisting with COVID Secure workplace practices. A big challenge for Facility and Workplace stakeholders is managing the return to the workplace with employees returning in stages. Desk booking strategies are necessary to avoid overcrowding and employees left with no available desks. Low tech solutions may be in use with employees having to call in and organisations working off spreadsheets.
Simple and Secure
Listening to our customers’ needs Spica have introduced a ‘Book’ module to our GemEx Workplace Experience app. This means employees can simply book desks either in real time or for the future in the app. Bookings are reservable from floor maps or list views. The maps are configurable in our platform engine, GemEx Engine® and can show socially distanced desks that are bookable, booked and unavailable. This helps Facility and Workplace stakeholders control workspace capacity, flexibly reduce workplace density and supports social distancing management.
The solution is integratable with O365 meaning two-way bookings, so desks booked in Outlook will also show on the app. The great news is no hardware investment or installation is necessary facilitating quick and easy implementation. Although it can be procured as a stand-alone module the experience can be enhanced with further functionality such as being able to find ay points of interest on the map view such as printers, drink stations etc. Content can be self-authored and surfaced allowing for important messaging on the organisation, building or health and safety for example. The solution can also be augmented with IoT occupancy sensors to understand occupancy and utilisation of workspace areas and IPS beacons to unlock geo location services and functionality.
This is an example of one of the services we offer through the Digital Marketplace. This is a thriving marketplace and one we have been fortunate enough to benefit from as we now provide services to major government departments. The departments we are currently working with are forging ahead with smarter working initiatives, are you?
