FAQs

What is SPACES?

SPACES has been formed following the merger of SCALA (Society of Construction and Architecture in Local Authorities) and SCEME (Society of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).

SPACES is a new society unique in the market place representing Public Architecture, Construction, Engineering and Surveying.

Will SCALA and SCEME still exist after 1^st April 2015?

No, from 1^st April both SCALA and SCEME will no longer exist as two individual societies.

Why do we need to have a new society?

Project delivery by Local Authorities has changed significantly over the last 10 years. In-house design teams are now rare, or focused on specific aspects of delivery. Often they have been replaced by smaller multi-disciplinary teams. As a result membership of both SCALA and SCEME has dropped significantly over recent years and projections show this will only continue. Having separate societies that reflect specific professions is considered unsustainable for the future.

How will SPACES be funded?

We continue to be funded from membership subscription and surpluses made from our Study Day predominantly from sponsorship.

What do I get if I become a member of SPACES?

Our CPD events aim to develop knowledge and skills, for the benefit of individuals and their employers. Our annual Study Day, which will be the inaugural event for SPACES will be the held on Friday 19th June 2015, at Birmingham City University on the topic of Working Together to Achieve Better SPACES. A copy of the flyer is attached, and we hope to see as many people as possible there.

Our regional technical meetings provide access to both specific and multi-disciplinary topics and networking opportunities from colleagues from public and private sectors to share best practice. Our awards event and annual yearbook allows us to showcase our projects and receive accolades for our hard work. Going forward we want to be able to develop more events and CPD opportunities. We are also able to reinforce communication and consultation opportunities with key stakeholders such as our professional bodies, government bodies, etc. As our profile increases with key players in design, construction and maintenance of our public buildings, we hope to build on these and create more opportunities. For example, following last year’s study day we have linked with Ecophon and their regional roadshows on BB93.

I’m currently a member of SCALA/SCEME, will I have to do anything to become a member of SPACES?

No, Fiona, the SPACES Manager will write to all members outlining this year’s membership process and confirming the rates. For those organisations with more than one member of SCALA/SCEME she will write to you jointly.

Will I have to pay more to be a member of SPACES?

The membership rates have been set at the following.

Membership Type	Cost (exc VAT)
Organisation membership (for 1 nominated person)	£99.00
Organisation membership (for up to 3 nominated people)¹	£150.00
Organisation membership (for up to 6 nominated people)¹	£200.00
Additional Nominated people (in addition to 6 nominated people)¹	£15.00 – £17.00
Corporate (multiple offices) up to 3 nominated people in 4 offices	£450.00
Retired fully²³	£10.00
Honorary²⁴	£0.00

Notes

These rates are subject to an additional delegate’s fee for meetings
This rate is only available on request to the SPACES Manager
Honorary Membership will continue for existing Honorary Members of both societies.

What is the Governance of SPACES going to look like?

In order to get SPACES up and running, previous presidents/ vice presidents from both SCALA and SCEME have come together with other volunteers to form an Interim Management Board (IMB). This will be in place from 1st April until the AGM, to be held in London on 16th October 2015. We will be setting out new procedures for standing, proposing and electing both the Council and Directors for SPACES over the coming months. We have agreed that the President(s) and Vice President (s) posts will not be elected posts, and this follows the existing governance procedures for both SCALA and SCEME.

Will I still be able to attend technical meetings for my specific profession?

Yes, we have a dedicated Technical and CPD team that will lead on providing technical meetings for each discipline.

How will my specific profession be represented in the future?

We have identified a representative for each professional body to ensure that all members have access to relevant CPD events. We currently have a representative for Engineering (Building Services), and FM/Surveying.

Will there still be regional meeting?

Yes, there will be 5 regions/hubs: South-West, London and South-East, Midlands, North and Scotland. Each hub will have a dedicated coordinator who will be the link with the local members in that area and the Technical Meeting representative for a specific discipline. You will be informed of all meetings via the e-newsletter, so if you want to attend one outside your area just let the contact know, you will be more than welcome.

I have some ideas about what SPACES could offer….who do I contact?

You can contact either of the Presidents, (Sarah or Phil), or Director, (Andrew, Greg, Rob, Leslie, Mukund or Mark) or the SPACES Manager, Fiona.

I would like to get involved with SPACES but I don’t have much time, who should I contact to talk about this?