2.8 GSS was established as part of the SR2004 efficiency programme and is the consolidation of separate corporate services from HM Treasury and OGC. It will deliver enhanced services and efficiencies through the standardisation of processes and economies of scale. The VfM programme for GSS over the CSR period concentrate on building on the progress made since its establishment in June 2006 to create a one-stop shop for the Group's corporate services. The major initiatives in the VfM plan are the rationalisation of Group's estate 3, with the disposal of excess property, and the further refinement of the Group's HR, Finance and IS functions. By 2011, GSS will deliver:
• Significantly improved utilisation of the Treasury Group Estate, with occupancy in fewer buildings;
• A single integrated service management centre for more efficient and effective Information and Communication Technology (ITC) support; and
• A self-service model for HR support and delivery.
3 The rationalisation of the Group's estate is the main element of the Asset Management Strategy, set out in Chapter 5.