THERE was an assurance this week that jobs are safe at Okehampton Camp, following last Thursday?s announcement of a change in the management of army support services.
The MoD has announced that Landmarc Support Services (LSS) is to bid for the £600-million contract for the day-to-day management of its support services, allowing the army to concentrate on the core business of training the armed forces for operations.
Army spokesman David Harris said seven areas had been affected by the change, including Okehampton Camp and the Dartmoor training area.
Mr Harris said: ?It?s a partnership designed to deliver more cost-effective and relevant practice right across the army training estate.
?Practically, it means very little for the staff, who will transfer to the new partnership.?
Mr Harris said there were 15 staff at the camp and 14 on the ranges who would transfer to the new partnership, which has taken four years to work up.
?It will save a lot of money, but the implications for our very valued staff are absolutely minimal,? he said.
Defence minister Dr Lewis Moonie said: ?This contract will provide the army training estate with better support services, such as catering, accommodation, IT systems range and estate management.
?Representing best value for money, it will allow us to continue to provide sustainable training to our armed forces.?
Col Mike Smith, commander of the army training estate, said the new partnership was ?great news?.
?With the introduction of new management information and booking systems, and commercial best practice, we can offer a better service to the army. Landmarc Support Services will help us achieve this.?
The new contract spans ten years and is due to be awarded by next April.