When the same people are needed at both sites
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A phased move can book the same person twice without anyone noticing. The old site expects normal support while the destination plan assumes that person's full attention. Put the demands on one board before promising both activities.
Count the work that requires the person, not just meetings in their calendar. Preparation, travel, technical decisions and follow-up may all affect availability. Ask the responsible managers to establish a realistic arrangement.
Put both sites on the same half-day view
This fictional board concerns a specialist whose expertise is needed by both operations. The periods illustrate a conflict, not a recommended work pattern.
| Period | Old-site demand | New-site demand | Decision required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday morning | Support for planned customer work | Attendance for destination assessment | Which activity can proceed with accepted cover? |
| Monday afternoon | Resolve a technical query before despatch | Follow-up decisions from the assessment | Who handles the query if the specialist remains occupied? |
| Tuesday morning | Ordinary support expected | Reserved for unresolved startup issues | Is either plan relying on unconfirmed availability? |
If remote support is proposed, ask which decisions can be made that way, what information is needed and whether the person's other task allows the interruption.
In Great Britain, HSE's organisational-change guidance calls for attention to tasks, responsibilities and support through change. Competent people should assess the safety implications of the proposed coverage; this board cannot establish a safe staffing level.
Resolve the conflict at the level that created it
The owner may need to change a phase date, provide appropriately assessed cover or revise a customer promise through the authorised commercial process. Leaving two site supervisors to compete for the specialist on the day is not a staffing plan.
Use the skills-availability assessment to distinguish a named person from confirmed capability. Another colleague may be willing to help without having the experience or authority for the particular decision.
Ask how the arrangement changes when both sites need urgent support. The maintenance overlap plan can identify response ownership and escalation without prescribing repair methods. Keep ordinary production support and destination startup work visible as separate demands.
Prepare for absence as well as overlap
Identify the decisions that would stop if the specialist became unavailable. A deputy handover can preserve project information and agreed decision limits. It does not automatically transfer technical competence or legal authority.
Update the resource board when a phase slips. A specialist booked for a different task next week may not remain available merely because the move plan has rolled forward.
If surplus equipment availability depends on the delayed work, give UK Auction Group the revised business position. Explain the release condition without sharing personal employment details. A realistic date is more useful than maintaining a promise based on someone being in two places at once.
Related coordination tools are in Phased moves and continuity.
Sources
- HSE: Organisational change Checked
This guide is general information and education only. Legal, tax, employment and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser who knows your situation. Read the disclaimer.