Council set to bring facilities management services back in-house

Tameside Council is planning to restructure its Facilities Management (FM) service to bring the majority of operations back under direct Council control from May 2026.

The Council’s Executive Cabinet will be asked to approve the proposal when it meets on Wednesday 26 November. It follows a comprehensive review of the current contract with Robertson Facilities Management (RFM) and reflects the Council’s commitment to modernising services, improving efficiency, and ensuring best value for residents.

Under the proposed model:

• Cleaning, caretaking, maintenance, and helpdesk services will be managed in-house.
• Project management functions will transfer to the Council’s FM and Capital Projects team.
• Around 140 staff currently employed by Robertson will transfer to the Council.

• A new Integrated Workplace Management System will be procured to streamline operations and maintain compliance.

Councillor Hugh Roderick, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, said:
“Bringing these services back in-house is a win-win for Tameside. Financially, instead of paying profit margins to an external provider, we’ll be reinvesting those savings into frontline services and making sure every pound delivers value for residents. It also gives us the flexibility to negotiate better deals on maintenance and compliance and to work more closely with local businesses on projects to support our local economy.

"Just as importantly, this is about people. Staff under the current contract will become part of the Council team. We want them to feel valued and supported because they’re the ones who keep our buildings running day in, day out. We're doing what’s right for Tameside - both for our residents and for the people who deliver these essential services.”

The restructure will also enable the Council to negotiate more favourable contracts for planned maintenance and compliance, while creating opportunities to use local contractors for capital projects and events.

The current FM contract is set to end on 30 April 2026, with the new structure going live on 1 May 2026, if approved. The Council is committed to working closely with staff and trade unions to ensure a smooth transition.