BIFM – BRITISH INSTITUTE OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
A key component of this is recognising that in future , facilities managers – or workplace managers – will not act alone . Workplace recognises the joint responsibility of FM , IT and HR to achieve optimal performance between people , technology and work space ; not workspace limited to the office but any place where work happens . Think of workplace managers as super-connectors who know the right people to turn to and who can match the right people to the right opportunities .
The move towards embracing ‘ Workplace ’ as a key differentiator has been a driver behind BIFM ’ s plans to raise the status of FM , and to establish it as a chartered profession . BIFM ’ s task will be to set out the twin tasks of helping members improve their skills and status ; to meet the needs of modern organisations , to raise the profile of FM and improve the understanding of the value it contributes . As BIFM chairman Stephen Roots explains :
“ We are responding to the challenge to provide leadership in an industry which has not yet shown all it is capable of , and hence , has not yet achieved the status it deserves .”
So , what does all this mean for those working in health and safety ?
It ’ s interesting to look back at the last 25 years , and before that , to the origins of FM . You might track the evolution of the profession we know today from the 1970s ‘ office services ’ model ; with progression towards running building assets efficiently and supporting organisations ’ business cases , to the exciting and diverse profession we know today - where there are huge opportunities for career progression and to share best practice internationally .
You might track its progression by the growth of the Statute Book , perhaps beginning with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 , which has had a profound impact on the operating environment for facilities management ; and where health and safety law remains a constant thread – joining with regulations as diverse as Corporate Manslaughter & Homicide , WEEE , Energy Efficiency , Modern Slavery and Data Protection .
Of course , there ’ s an umbilical link between professionals in FM and health & safety , with the discipline comprising a key component of facilities management . One of the most appealing things about FM is the range of routes into the profession and the progression framework for those who want it . Indeed , BIFM has developed the world ’ s first professional development framework for FMs and is committed to remaining at the forefront of supporting its members to achieve and progress wherever they are in their career ; enabling excellence and effective practice including thorough training and development at the brand new BIFM Academy .
And the outlook for the sector ? The 2018 Business Confidence Monitor published recently assessed the FM business environment as cautiously optimistic , with
Linda Hausmanis , BIFM CEO
respondents remaining positive about the environment despite flux and uncertainty in the wider economic sphere . On the issue of recruitment , there was optimism ; with over a third of respondents planning to ‘ increase ’ and over half planning to maintain the size of their workforce this year , and with 42 % of respondents currently hiring apprentices , this is very encouraging . And pay ? The 2017 Pay and Prospects Survey published in January told us that over a quarter of FMs are earning up to £ 45,000 , with seventy per cent reporting salaries between £ 26,000 and £ 60,000 .
So not only is there a reasonable , albeit cautious amount of economic optimism in the FM sector , there is huge positivity and excitement for the profession . BIFM moves forward its Manifesto for Change and prepares to help its members , and the Institute itself , take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by ‘ Workplace ’.
Linda Hausmanis , BIFM CEO says :
“ At BIFM , we are committed to remaining at the forefront of supporting our members to achieve and progress , wherever they are in their career , and to enable excellence and effective practice .
I am encouraged and delighted at the interest and excitement generated by our Manifesto announcement . This feels like a hugely positive time for the profession . The Institute is looking towards an exciting future .”
See more at www . bifm . org . uk 48
HSE INTERNATIONAL