At PfP Students, we deliver specialist soft services that are tailored to the requirements of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and other academic buildings across the UK. We are an experienced facilities management partner to universities, as well as to PBSA owners, developers, investors and those responsible for other High Education (HE) estates. This means that we understand the unique set of challenges that come with creating safe, clean and compliant environments for students and those who work there.
Our specialism in the student accommodation and academic sector means that all of our services have been designed with the needs of students, Customers, Colleagues, stakeholders and regulators firmly in mind, aligned with the high standards rightly expected by these different groups.
By partnering with PfP Students, you can have confidence in our proven track record of delivering effective soft services that are centred around providing a welcoming and positive living and work setting for students and staff. Our soft services facilities management teams help to enhance the student experience, support academic success and help protect and grow the reputation of the buildings and areas we look after.
What are soft services in PBSA management?
Soft services are the people-focused tasks and amenities that help establish a safe, functional, comfortable and pleasant environment. Whereas hard services relate to the physical buildings and their in-built infrastructure, like electricals and plumbing, soft services help enhance the living and working experience. In relation to PBSA and other academic buildings and grounds, soft services can include:
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Cleaning of communal spaces – Maintaining the cleanliness of communal areas in student accommodation and across the academic estate.
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Security – Helping to keep students, staff, visitors and their belongings safe and secure on-site.
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Waste management – Arranging the effective and compliant collection, processing and disposal of waste.
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Grounds maintenance – Maintaining outdoor areas, such as communal gardens, walkways and other landscaped spaces.
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Pest control – Maintaining a pest-free environment in the living, studying and working environments.
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Mail and parcel management – Handling and distributing items received through the post or via parcel delivery couriers.
Every building and facility is different, so the specific soft services delivered can vary between academic and living environments.
Key benefits of soft services in academic facilities management
HE and PBSA environments can be complex when it comes to soft facilities management. There are multiple requirements coming from different angles; you have to consider not only the needs of students, but also the facility owners, investors, developers, and others who work in that environment and the Community within which the building(s) are located. Our soft services in facilities management are designed to:
Enhance the student experience
A well-maintained environment supports student wellbeing, reduces stress, and creates a positive atmosphere for both learning and living. Clean accommodation, secure campuses, and welcoming communal areas directly impact student satisfaction and retention, which benefits owners and investors too.
Improve operational efficiency
Effective soft service management ensures that academic estates function more smoothly. From timely waste collection to efficient postal deliveries and keeping studying and working areas clean, these services make spaces look and feel more welcoming, improve staff productivity, and enable students to better focus on education and research.
Build a positive reputation
Both universities themselves and the wider student experience, such as the accommodation they will live in while studying, rely heavily on perception and reputation. Having high standards in cleanliness, safety, and service provision helps academic institutions to present themselves as professional, reliable, and attractive to prospective students, staff and partners.
Promote sustainability and social responsibility
Sustainable waste management, energy-conscious cleaning and ethical supply chains help to demonstrate an academic facility’s commitment to environmental and social goals. This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also aligns with student expectations of socially responsible institutions.
Why choose us for soft services facilities management?
Most facilities management providers operate on a profit-making model. However, PfP Students, as part of the Places for People Group, the UK’s leading social enterprise, every penny we make from delivering tailored soft services in the academic space is reinvested into Communities through social housing and Community initiatives.
Our extensive experience of working with students and in the HE sector means that we really do understand the needs of students, academic staff, the complexities of academic estates and all of the compliance requirements of this industry.
Choosing to partner with PfP Students means that you’re working with a specialist who understands the challenges and opportunities of delivering great student accommodation and clean, safe and welcoming academic environments, and delivers proven results.
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch today to find out more about our Soft Facilities Management Services.