The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Property and Facilities team is overseen by Assistant Director Mark Baker, with a broad remit that includes the daily running of both HM Coastguard and MCA locations, the ongoing maintenance and renewal of leases and contracted works, and sale of property no longer in use by the organisation.
The team supports some 300 Coastguard Operations Bases, 11 Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and nine Marine Offices, as well as an array of server space and remote radio sites across the UK.
Mark says: “What attracts me to our work the most is some of the amazing locations that we get to visit. It’s a much more diverse portfolio than most organisations, and our expanding team have a continued presence over the farthest corners of the British Isles.
“We are constantly disposing of and taking on properties, while fitting out locations to make sure they meet current standards and legislation, but perhaps more importantly we make sure that each is fit for purpose so that our Coastguard Teams and Marine Office operators can do their job.”
The remoteness of some locations is a challenge well-met by Mark’s adaptable team, who must remain flexible and agile to resource the complex ongoing needs of such a varied portfolio.
HM Coastguard’s estate is crucial to the operation of the service, and as a result, the Property and Facilities team works very closely with key stakeholders from internal teams like Health and Safety, IT and HR teams, and externally with local councils, private landlords and facilities management contractors.
Head of Property Simon Welch said: “Our focus is to provide a property estate that is fit for purpose and meets the operational needs of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
“To do that, we’re out on the road, we’re on-site and we’re meeting and interacting with colleagues in various locations, and we’re working with a range of external property professionals.”
But it’s not just contracts, agreements and maintenance work that keeps the team motivated, says Property and Governance Officer Rachael Harman: “We build relationships across teams within the organisation and by visiting them, we’re able to visualise spaces, buildings and their uses.
“It’s a great opportunity to grow your skillset by learning about other people’s roles, while also keeping in mind that our work supports the bigger picture by helping coastguards to save lives.”
Read more about vacancies within the MCA’s Property and Facilities Team
