A New Partnership to Support the Essential Environments Behind UKHSA’s Public Health Mission
OCS has been awarded a new 5-year Facilities Management (FM) contract with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The agreement will deliver a range of FM services across three UKHSA sites in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Greater London, helping to maintain the essential environments where vital public health research and national health security activity take place.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) plays a central role in protecting the public from infectious diseases, environmental hazards and emerging health threats, and its work depends on safe, well-managed environments. Through its Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs), UKHSA’s research programmes investigate zoonotic and vector-borne infections, exploring how viruses may adapt to changing climates and assessing how weather patterns and indoor environments influence public health. These insights help inform national preparedness and guide decisions that keep communities safe. Providing dependable facilities services supports this mission, and OCS colleagues will help ensure that the spaces where UKHSA carries out its vital research remain clean, resilient and ready to meet its mission every day.
Supporting Scientific and Operational Environments
This new contract builds on a long-standing relationship between OCS and UKHSA, with OCS having successfully delivered catering services for over a decade. The expansion of services reflects the trust placed in OCS’s expertise, reliability and innovative approach.
The contract scope includes cleaning, catering, pest control, workplace services, visitor management, grounds maintenance, waste management, gritting and snow clearance, feminine hygiene, and barrier mats.
Innovative Technology and Service Delivery
OCS will introduce a coordinated set of digital tools to enhance communication, visibility and assurance across all three sites. Colleagues will use handheld devices for real-time updates, task allocation and issue management, helping teams respond quickly and maintain consistent standards.
A market-leading CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) system will provide a single view of all site activity. This system will support UKHSA with clear data, performance trends and audit trails, enabling proactive planning and collaborative decision-making. Additionally, the team will use forward-thinking cleaning equipment to improve efficiency while supporting environmental goals.
The focus remains on providing support for colleagues with reliable tools to deliver safe, effective work that maintains critical scientific environments.
Creating Long-Term Social Value
OCS will offer apprenticeships to 10 per cent of UKHSA colleagues through approved training providers, supporting skills development and long-term career progression. OCS’s Funded Learning Manager will manage the programme, with a dedicated Social Value Practitioner providing oversight. It will provide accessible pathways for skills development, with targeted engagement to ensure that underrepresented groups have equal opportunities to progress.
The programme team will monitor performance indicators throughout to maintain standards and support long-term career development.
A Shared Commitment to Public Value
The partnership reinforces the shared commitment between OCS and UKHSA to protect people, strengthen communities and create environments where essential work can take place safely and effectively. It reflects the OCS mission to make people and places the best they can be, guided by Best Service Excellence and the TRUE Values of Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment.
