Why Estates Teams Are Quietly at the Heart of Safeguarding

You might not see them in the strategy meetings. You might not hear them in the case conferences.

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
3 min read
12-Jun-2025 14:56:09

Mental Health in Estates Teams: The Risk We’re Not Logging

Mark didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to.

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
2 min read
29-May-2025 11:54:44

The Playground That Cried Wolf… Then Actually Broke

It started with a creak.Then a wobble. Then that slow-turning, side-eyed look that staff give when a bit of playground k …

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
3 min read
19-May-2025 21:52:41

Say It. Walk It. Log It.  Smarter Site Communication

Why a quick face-to-face and the right follow-up system might be the best communication strategy in your toolkit.

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
2 min read
13-May-2025 11:05:53

The Most Expensive Spreadsheet You’ve Ever Seen

At first glance, it looks harmless. It might even look organised. Rows neatly labelled with asset types, test dates, col …

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
2 min read
04-Apr-2025 15:44:16
Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
3 min read
28-Mar-2025 10:26:44

Your Project Plan is Approved—Now What?

Your school’s project plan has been approved. Fantastic! 🎉

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
4 min read
14-Mar-2025 12:22:39

How School Estate Teams Can Say ‘No’ Without Being the Bad Guys

The ‘Can You Just…’ Epidemic If you manage a school estate, you’ll know this scenario all too well. You’re halfway up a …

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
3 min read
07-Mar-2025 16:08:12

Would Your Premises Pass the ‘What If?’ Test?

Most school estate teams would say they’re on top of things. The buildings are standing, the heating mostly works, and n …

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
4 min read
26-Feb-2025 16:25:29

The Impact of Declining Pupil Numbers on School Estates Management

I recently spoke with a school governor about their estate team, and one of their biggest concerns was the decline in pu …

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Richard Melis
by Richard Melis Richard Melis
4 min read
06-Feb-2025 16:02:04