What is CDC?
Now in its second phase, CDC2 is the Department for Education’s (DfE) programme of collecting data on the condition of the school and FE college estate. The CDC survey is not a substitute for a full condition survey and is not designed to be used by responsible bodies for detailed asset management. It is used by DfE to help agree funding allocations and capital investment programmes.
Why is this important?
The data from CDC has historically been used by DfE to agree funding allocations with the treasury. Moving forward however, it is to be used by DfE to inform and prioritise funding allocations and capital programmes. It is therefore vitally important that the reports are as accurate as possible as they will materially affect the SCA allocations received by Trusts.
What should schools and trusts be doing?
During the survey: Be involved and highlight issues. The surveys are brief and non-invasive. If you can give the CDC surveyor a summary of key issues and show them where they are, it is more likely that the report will accurately reflect your building’s condition. This is especially true of issues that are not immediately obvious such as roofing defects that are not visible or technical/compliance issues with mechanical and electrical plant and services.
After the survey: Review the reports and challenge them if necessary. Following the issue of a draft report you will have a feedback window to comment on findings. If you have substantive information that contradicts the CDC findings, such as an independent condition survey or structural report, this can be submitted to initiate changes to the report. You should also compare the CDC report to any existing condition data you hold and take action to address any urgent issues identified.
If you would like to discuss your CDC report or the management of your estate condition data please contact us
