Information and communication technologies (ICT) such as remote web access, thin client, and videoconferencing can enable staff to work more efficiently and flexibly. They can support space-efficient office layouts, working from home or other remote locations, more effective working ‘on site’ (e.g. estates staff and lab workers), and the replacement of physical meetings with virtual ones.

These developments can reduce building requirements (a major environmental as well as business benefit), minimise transport, enhance work-life balance, and increase productivity. However, they also have potential downsides, and there is often scepticism about the real benefits they provide.

Aims of the workshop

The morning of this workshop will focus on QMU’s use of thin client, open plan office working, and other ICT-related technologies in its new campus. This has 70% less floor space than its predecessor, and achieved the highest BREEAM rating (a measure of environmental performance) of any UK HE site. The afternoon will be devoted to two innovative examples of remote working, and conferencing.

Both sessions should therefore be of interest to:

• Senior managers wishing to introduce new ways of working to their institution
• Estates directors and other staff seeking more effective utilisation of space
• IT directors, and other staff, interested in strategic linkages between ICT innovation and organisational effectiveness

Provisional Agenda

Time	Programme
10.00 - 10.30	Registration and Refreshments
10.30 - 10.45	New Ways of Working - An Overview of Business and Sustainability Issues Peter James, Professor of Environmental Management, University of Bradford
10.45 - 12.15	The New Queen Margaret University Campus Steve Scott, Director, Estates, Queen Margaret University Fraser Muir, Director, Information Services, Queen Margaret University Stephen Blowers, Associate Architect, Dyer
12.15 - 13.30	Site Tour and Lunch
13.30 - 14.00	Panel Discussion with Queen Margaret Staff
14.00 - 14.50	Successful Remote Working in FHE Mark Abrams, Director, Business Development Support Office, Coventry University & Leader, JISC Exemplar Project on Remote Working
15.00 - 15.50	Effective Virtual Meetings in Higher Education Philip Davison, Manager, Welsh Video Network (A JANET (UK) managed service serving all FHE bodies in Wales, sponsored by HEFCW and the Welsh Assemby Government
15.50 - 16.30 (approx)	Panel discussion - speakers and experts