I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information in regards to PAT testing (electrical equipment testing) carried out on your behalf.
* Who currently carries out your PAT testing?
For communal areas within Devon County Council, such as kitchens and meeting rooms, PAT testing is undertaken by our facilities management partner, Devon Norse. Service buildings such as offices, can call on a PAT testing firm, including Devon Norse, via our Approved Contract Database which is linked to geographical areas.
* How many units do they test on your behalf?
As the number of units is in a constant state of flux, Devon County Council does not hold this data.
* What is the value of the PAT testing contract?
Devon Norse is a Joint Venture company with Devon County Council. We agree a budget for PAT testing, amongst many other areas of facilities management, which means that there is no separate contract for PAT testing. This applies to communal areas such as kitchens and meeting rooms,
Regarding service areas, such as offices and respite centres, these are all managed by each individual service area themselves. As there are over 50 such sites, and it would take about an hour to find out which PAT testing contractor each service area used on each occasion, this would easily exceed the appropriate costs limit under section 12 of the Freedom of information Act 2000, which is currently £450 or 18 hours of officer time
* When does the contract come up for renewal?
It is anticipated that Devon Norse will be in place for the next 10 years.