The outsourcing process of the Architecture Services Department has seen good progress. By October, the Department had farmed out an estimated 52% of its professional services. Despite increasing outsourced projects, the quality of work has not been compromised.

The Deputy Director of Architectural Services met staff to brief them on the future of the Department's manpower needs.

The meeting looked at the Department's projected future staff requirements under a programme to outsource works, and possible staff exit arrangements.

Under a re-engineering programme the Department will focus on strengthening its professional role by outsourcing the bulk of construction and maintenance works to the private sector.

Staff were assured the Government would adopt a flexible, step-by-step approach in implementing the programme, and so far the outsourcing process has seen good progress.

By October, the Department had farmed out an estimated 52% of its professional services.

Despite increasing outsourced projects, the quality of works has not been compromised.

About 600 surplus posts are predicted for the end of 2006/07, and these staff will first be absorbed through natural wastage.

Other possible exit options include: Internal redeployment; redeployment to other departments; and, the service-wide Voluntary Retirement Scheme, if it is to be launched.

If the Scheme goes ahead special arrangements may be explored which might allow staff to form companies to take on outsourced works, or allow consultants and contractors to take on Department staff.

There will be no forced redundancy of staff under the re-engineering programme and feedback on the proposals is welcomed.