Dorset Council and NHS Dorset to co-locate employees

Dorset Council’s Cabinet has agreed to NHS Dorset moving some staff to use office space at County Hall in Dorchester, owned by the council.

Staff from the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB) are currently based at Vespasian House in Dorchester, which is due to be redeveloped as housing. Plans are now underway for the relocation of NHS Dorset employees to County Hall, to start by the end of February 2025.

Under the proposed lease agreement, NHS Dorset would occupy space at County Hall and pay rent to the council, the terms of which are currently being drawn up.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Property and Assets said:

“I’m delighted that this potential arrangement is moving forwards with our NHS partners. We now need to draw up proposed agreements. With the increase in remote working for both council and NHS staff, sharing office space will result in benefits for both parties including cost savings, more efficient use of public-owned buildings, and even stronger working relationships between health and council through co-location of employees.

“We are pleased to work together across the public sector to provide good services and good value to residents.”

David Freeman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at NHS Dorset, said: “As an integrated care system, we are always looking for ways we can work together more effectively to help people in Dorset live healthier, happier lives.

“This arrangement means we can continue to improve our working relationship with colleagues at Dorset Council. At the same time, it ensures we are getting the best value for the money we spend, not just in terms of rent but for office equipment from Vespasian House, which we will offer to our partner organisations across the county.

“As well as working from County Hall, NHS Dorset staff can also work from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's Civic Centre office as part of our flexible working arrangements.”