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JLL praises IFMA training
Collaboration has so far produced 1,700+ facilities management professionals worldwide.
IWFM offers information management guide
New good practice guide provides a framework for how FMs approach management.
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Going up: CIBSE launches new professional group
The Society of Vertical Transportation will aim to elevate standards worldwide.
Deborah Rowland Scholarship recipients named
Now in its second year, the 2025 recipients were announced at a special evening event on 17 September.
RICS launches AI standard
New professional standard covers responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice.
IWFM launches strategic leadership programme
Level 6 training programme is a first for the sector.
RICS piloting new pathways to membership
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors testing interest from professionals and employers for two new pathways.
RICS collaborates on sustainability leadership
New project with Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership focuses on built and natural environments.
Hulbert named chair of IWFM
Pareto FM founder and vice chair appointed to lead role at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
IWFM teams up with Government Property Profession
Partnership aims to drive up standards and innovation across the government estate.
BESA launches competence toolkit
First in a series to support the industry as legislation and standards are increasingly stringent.
IWFM partners with Amey on asset management guidance
New publication aims to address a key knowledge gap for facilities managers.
CIBSE weighs in on EDI
Institution worries about shifts in the US and expresses full support for commitments in the UK.
Built environment bodies renew EDI commitment
Eight professional bodies sign new MoU.
Tomorrow Meets Today nominations open
Networking event, now in its tenth year, takes place in London in the autumn.
Asset registers: the great FM weakness?
Start any conversation about challenges in this industry and it won’t be long before someone says ‘the asset register’.
RICS issues alert for expert witnesses
Refreshed guidance aimed at members assisting courts by providing impartial evidence-based opinion.
RICS opens consultation on use of AI
Public consultation focuses on new professional standard for responsible use.
IWFM opens 2025 Deborah Rowland Scholarship
Applications are due in before the end of June.
RICS names acting president
Nick Maclean steps in while Justin Sullivan’s role is reviewed.
Competence framework for sustainability launched
Focus is on discipline-specific competence requirements across the built and natural environment sectors.
Getting the FM message into schools
Early information opens career opportunities as well as appreciation for FM itself.
First recipients for Deborah Rowland Scholarship named
The scholarship fund is dedicated to finding and supporting new talent in the FM industry.
Lockton awarded CIWFM status
Matthew Lockton, sales director at integrated FM provider 14forty, has achieved Certified level membership with the Institute.
IWFM cancels Saudi MoU
Plan to develop training programmes in Saudi Arabia led to serious questions about compatibility with EDI commitments.
FM scholarship launches new JustGiving page
The Deborah Rowland Scholarship is a fund dedicated to finding and supporting new talent in the facilities management industry.
Tomorrow Meets Today returns for 2024
The annual networking event is seeking nominations for young people to join in.
What exactly do FMs do?
We know the answer to that, mostly. But what about people on the edges of the industry, or outside it altogether?
Bringing FM and HR closer together
IFMA collaborating on integrated resources to help drive organisational success.
Deadline set for Deborah Rowland Scholarship
The closing date to apply for this new opportunity for FM is 14 September.
Pattenmakers deadline extended
Entries for this coveted FM award now due by 29 August.
BESA and CIBSE in strategic alliance
UK’s two main building services engineering organisations will work more closely together on key initiatives.
Deborah Rowland Scholarship launched
The scholarship, created in collaboration with IWFM, aims to bring on the next generation of professionals through financial and mentoring support.
IWFM Skills Survey online now
All workplace and facilities management professionals are invited to participate.
Opening new doors to recruitment
New campaign aims to make it easier for young people to find out about FM and the career opportunities it offers.
Professional bodies agree definition of ‘statutory’
The definition will be used in the context of workplace and facilities management.
Sodexo: inspire, integrate and innovate in FM
To mark World FM Day Sodexo has spoken to four FM colleagues about their journey, experiences, challenges and aspirations.
IWFM singles out three workplace megatrends
New report identifies how these are affecting professionals, the sector and the wider business world now and into the future.
IWFM signs Armed Forces Covenant
The Institute is backing the promise to active personnel, veterans and their families that they will be treated fairly.
IFMA names 6 key topics shaping FM
A new white paper from the International Facility Management Association leads on the theme ‘evolution is never finished’.
Right first time: the mobilisation challenge
An online workshop, coming up in October, aims to tackle some of the common problems and share strategies for success.
IWFM unveils mentoring service
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management has launched a new mentoring programme for members.
RICS back in the headlines
And not in a good way, as the entire Standards and Regulation Board resigns.
Mitie addresses FM’s ‘most pressing issues’
A new white paper from the FM group tackles eight key questions shaping the industry’s future.
RICS: Bichard Review published
The hard-hitting review calls for ‘transformation of the Institution at pace’.
Prudence awarded CIBSE Honorary Fellowship
Geoff Prudence CEng FCIBSE FRICS FIWFM MIoD has been recognised for his contributions to the building services and facilities management disciplines.
Celebrating FM: dates for the diary
Dates for two celebratory days have been confirmed, one for an established annual feature and another for a newly launched event.
Sustainability: an opportunity to collaborate?
It is one of the most important issues on the FM agenda, perhaps the most important. Should the industry work together on a response to the sustainability challenge?
GPA sets out facilities management standards
The Government Property Agency, Whitehall’s in-house property advisor, has published standards on management of services and asset data.
Lord Bichard appointed for RICS review
RICS has appointed Lord Michael Bichard to lead a wide-ranging independent review into the governance and purpose of the Institution.
Pattenmakers deadline looms
Livery company the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is looking for the next winner of its annual Young Facilities Manager Award.
IWFM comments on Budget statement
Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined plans to rebuild the economy and drive growth, as well as providing some detail on how the government will aim to achieve its longer term objectives.
New leadership team at RICS
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has announced the appointment of a new interim leadership team to drive its modernisation.
RICS launches new conduct standards
The revised standards include a new emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as well as more focus on sustainability.
IFMA unveils future-oriented research agenda
The International Facility Management Association has announced the creation of a new Research Advisory Committee.
What’s the point of an AGM?
Annual general meetings can follow one of two routes: real engagement with stakeholders, which can be difficult but useful, or a kind of managed positivity that hopes to avoid challenge. IWFM chose the latter.
Four, including Kath Fontana, resign at RICS
The Governing Council of RICS has published the results of an Independent Review by Alison Levitt QC, resulting in considerable fall-out at the Institution.
IFMA publishes new vision and mission
The International Facility Management Association has refreshed its positioning, as well as its logo and website.
New co-chairs for Emerging Workplace Leaders
The volunteer group has announced a change in leadership.
Date set for World FM Day
This year's global celebration of facilities management will take place on 12 May.
IWFM and NEC plan new contracts
A new suite of facilities management contracts is due to be launched this month.
FM: where is the strategic thinking?
A lack of long-term strategic thinking amongst FM service providers and their customers is limiting opportunities for substantial business and social benefits.
Welcome to a new day at i-FM
We’ve made a whole series of changes that both refresh the look and feel of the site and enhance the operational efficiency. We hope you’ll like it!
Membership organisations: facing up to change
David Emanuel writes: our professional institutes and associations need to react to market change just as quickly as do commercial businesses.
New SFMI report outlines sustainable ambition for FM
A new white paper published by the Sustainable Facilities Management Index provides FM organisations with a framework that can help propel them to leading sustainability status.
Lessons from the US: influencing government
The High Performance Buildings Coalition, based in Washington, represents about 200 organisations involved in building efficiency, innovation and sustainability. Its key focus is the US Congress.
RICS doubles capacity for upcoming conference
The annual strategic FM event, taking place this year online, hit its 500-delegate capacity a few days ago. That has now been upped to 1000 to meet continued demand.
Farrell admitted to Chartered Security Professionals Register
Jane Farrell, Sodexo's head of security for UK and Ireland, is only the seventh women to be admitted to the Register since it launched in 2011.
Happy World FM Day!
Today marks the annual global celebration of facilities management and facilities managers, especially appropriate at this point this year.
We're looking for information: you can help
We have two research projects underway: one in preparation for World FM Day and a second looking into the realities of today's FM business operations.
New covid-19 webinar: FM on the frontline
A sector that is too often overlooked or relegated to 'commodity service' is playing a critical role in the battle against the covid-19 outbreak. What does FM itself need and how can it access that?
FM and wellness: white paper published
The theme of this year's Workplace Futures conference was wellness and FM's role in supporting and enhancing that for individuals, organisations and their communities.
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Xenon offers help to FMs in need
The training group is offering free qualifications for the unemployed, relaxed payment terms and support from their recruitment division to facilities managers who have fallen victim to the economics of epidemics, Chris Morris writes.
IFMA moves events online
World Workplace Europe, due to take place this month in Amsterdam but cancelled, is returning as a virtual event in April.
IFMA 2020 scholarship programme opens
The IFMA Foundation is accepting applications for its 2020 scholarship programme, which is designed to support aspiring and practising facilities managers to pursue higher education.
New NEC FM contract due soon
The contract standards group has confirmed that a new suite of facilities management contracts will be available early in the new year.
Annual market insight report online now
i-FM has published its latest Trends & Opportunities Report, providing a unique look at major events in the marketplace over the past year, their impact on the industry and how they, and events in the wider environment, are shaping FM for the future.
Atalian Servest retains CIPS ethics accreditation
The service provider has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Corporate Ethical Mark for the third time in three years.
Speakers confirmed for Workplace Futures
The first big industry event of 2020, the annual Workplace Futures conference, will take on one of the newest and biggest challenges for facilities management: wellness, and all that this means for future FM strategy and practice.
IWFM launches degree-level workplace qualification
Sixty learners have enrolled in the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management's newly created Level 6 Diploma in Workplace, launching what it calls a ground-breaking qualification.
Pattenmakers deadline looms
The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers' annual Young Manager Award is still open for entries, but only till Monday.
IFMA World Workplace: humans first
With record-breaking attendance, this year's event, held in Phoenix, focused on four themes: employee experience, human performance, 'good' jobs and better business, with tech as an enabler. Jo Sutherland summarises the key takeaways.
IFMA offers climate change guidance
'Climate Change Fundamentals for Facility Management Professionals' is the first report to address this subject as it relates to FM roles and responsibilities, the association says.
RICS launches Value the Planet campaign
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is calling on built environment professionals to promote and implement the UN's sustainable development goals.
Thought leadership report published
As part of his IWFM Leader of the Year award, David Carr hosted a thought leadership debate with his fellow experts in the industry. The conclusions of that debate have now been collated and published.
Built environment professionals back climate action
In line with growing calls for action in the face of the world's climate emergency, businesses, organisations and, more recently, built environment professionals have been signing up to new policies and practices.
BSI promotes first global FM certification scheme
The business standards business has launched a certification scheme and supporting training courses to help organisations develop, implement and maintain effective facilities management across all operations.
Anabas launches apprenticeship programme
The corporate office FM specialist has unveiled a new apprenticeship programme designed to offer career-building opportunities in facilities management.
Hitting the target
David Emanuel reports on the RICS Integrated Property Services Conference, held Monday in London.
RICS opens FM procurement consultation
Comments are invited on the new draft code of practice on procurement of facilities management
IWFM and FMA unveil alliance
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management and the Facility Management Association of Australia are teaming up in pursuit of "workplace and facilities management excellence".
School reports: Supply Chain Sustainability School doing well
The industry-backed training and support organisation is reporting positive results on multiple fronts following its latest Impact Survey.
IFMA UK marks World FM Day with new report
The UK chapter of the International Facility Management Association has published a global outlook report featuring interviews with 12 FM leaders from around the world to coincide with FM's global celebration.
MEFMA backs regulation of Middle East FM
The Middle East Facility Management Association is calling for a comprehensive regulatory framework that will enhance accountability and professionalism for the region's FM industry.
IWFM ambassadors to target schools
The IWFM has unveiled a plan that will see its members delivering activity-based workshops in schools across the UK with the aim of encouraging the next generation to learn about FM's diversity and impact and to get involved.
Surviving FM: conference white paper published
What does it take to survive, or even thrive, in this business? The post-Workplace Futures 2019 conference white paper offers some valuable insights at every level of this complex and complicated market.
World Workplace Europe looks forward
'World Workplace Europe meets Facility for Future' was the theme for IFMA's European conference held last week in Amsterdam. David Emanuel reports.
RICS members confident despite market uncertainties
The 20th RICS and Macdonald & Company Rewards and Attitudes Survey has found that professionals in the industry are mostly positive about the outlook for 2019, despite concerns around Brexit.
IFMA offers scholarship opportunity
The International Facility Management Association has been awarding scholarships to FM professionals for almost two decades. Applications are now open for this year's opportunity.
IFMA UK invites collaboration on knowledge content
In pursuit of its mission, the IFMA UK chapter is looking for content partners to generate engaging thought-leadership material addressing FMs' needs and interests.
Finding what it takes to make it in FM
What does it take to survive as an FM business these days? And what does it take to thrive? Simon Iatrou reports from the first major conference of the year, Workplace Futures 2019.
Property professionals set to evolve into 'experience managers'?
In a broad study of the profession, CoreNet Global has identified the most influential trends in CRE through 2025 and beyond, which could include the disappearance of the CRE label itself.
IFMA offers benchmark report for FM
The International Facility Management Association has released the latest product of its FM Research and Benchmarking Institute, the 2018 Operations and Maintenance: Qualitative Analysis Benchmarking Report.
Speakers confirmed for February conference
Under the title 'Surviving FM: making tomorrow a better place', Workplace Futures 2019 will be looking at what it takes to build and run a successful business in this continuously changing and challenging marketplace.
IFMA extends presence in Europe
Just months after the creation of a chapter in the United Kingdom, bids for chapters in France and Croatia were approved by the US-headquartered International Facility Management Association.
What's driving this industry?
The i-FM Audit is back. Our focused research surveys, run every couple of years for the past decade, provide a check-up on market drivers, decision factors and likely trends for the future. Join us in this unique project!
IWFM gets formal launch
The new Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management, formerly the BIFM, held its initial event Thursday evening and offered its ten-point plan for becoming "a modern professional body".
Launching IWFM: Cathy Hayward reports
"Will the last person to leave the Cabinet please turn out the lights" was the Evening Standard's headline, echoing The Sun's famous 1992 Neil Kinnock front page, being sold outside the UBM building last night.
IWFM: the transition begins
This week sees the start of the process of transformational change at the BIFM as it moves to become the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
Annual i-FM market insight report available now
Trends & Opportunities tracks major events in the marketplace over the past year, their impact on the industry and how they, and events in the wider environment, are shaping facilities management for the future.
Conference report: less world, more workplace
The International Facility Management Association's World Workplace event, which took place last week, brings together 4,000 facilities professionals from across the globe. Or rather that's what it's supposed to do. Cathy Hayward reports.
Sodexo recognises customer-facing employees
The services group has recognised the achievement of around 100 of its most outstanding customer-facing employees in its seventh annual Service Excellence Awards.
ENGIE unveils business charter and scrutiny board
The energy and services group has established a new Responsible Business Charter and an independent Scrutiny Board. ENGIE says this underlines its commitment to operate to the highest economic, social and environmental standards.
Cloudfm Academy achieves City & Guilds recognition
The facilities management services provider has recently seen its approach to training reach the next level, with its academy being awarded City & Guilds Approved Centre status.
Revised guidance on catering contracts from BIFM
The institute has published an updated good practice guide for individuals who are responsible for, or are looking to source, catering services for their workplace.
BIM: challenges and opportunities for FM
BIFM has published a new Leaders' Forum report focused on the challenges and practical solutions for embedding building information modelling processes across the sector.
CBRE names top trends in FM
Increasingly people want to choose where and when they work and they look to the workplace, wherever that may be, to deliver much more in terms of services and amenities. This is reshaping FM, says the property services group.
BIFM to "supercharge" insights agenda
The British Institute of Facilities Management has entered into a two-year deal with a specialist business and market development agency that will focus on building a strategic partnership programme.
BIFM welcomes PAC recommendations
The British Institute of Facilities Management has welcomed recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee following its Strategic Suppliers Inquiry.
RICS launches landmark procurement statement
Today sees the launch of the institution's first professional statement to reduce risk, increase transparency and further trust in procurement in facilities management.
PAC singles out government procurement failings
The latest report from the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee highlights a series of flaws in central government procurement policy and procedure.
BIFM gets approval for change programme
Members of the British Institute of Facilities Management have voted to approve the board's recommendation to change the group's name to the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
IFMA UK strengthens board with new appointments
The International Facility Management Association UK Chapter has confirmed four appointments to its board of directors, further strengthening its ties with the RICS FM Professional Group as part of the collaboration between RICS and IFMA.
FM: a risky business
i-FM reports from this year's RICS Strategic FM Conference, where presenters warned that some of tomorrow's opportunities come with considerable risks.
EFMC 2018: report from Sofia
Bulgaria was the location for this year's EuroFM conference, which coincided with the organisation's celebrations of its 30th year as well as the 10th anniversary of the Bulgarian FM Association.
What next for Global FM?
BIFM and the RICS/IFMA coalition aren't the only facilities management bodies thinking about their development strategies. The 'membership group for FM membership groups' has also been invited to consider its future.
BIFM plans fire safety accreditation
The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced plans to develop a new certified accreditation and a suite of training courses for facilities managers in charge of life safety in buildings.
New IFMA UK chapter invites agenda suggestions
As the group continues to organise and starts planning its programme, it is calling on IFMA members to share their views on needs and opportunities.
Sodexo pledge up for discussion
Sodexo's recently published Public Service Pledge, a key set of commitments to customers, employees and communities, will form the basis of a Twitter Q&A session on Wednesday.
Change management process critical to outsourcing success
Research has found that projects with 'excellent' change management in place are six times more likely to meet objectives than those with 'poor' change management. Even 'good' change management increases the odds substantially.
Plans for new IFMA UK chapter approved
The International Facility Management Association has approved a petition to form a chapter that will, IFMA says, offer FM professionals direct localised support that taps into the global industry in ways not currently available in the UK market.
Kath Fontana elected RICS senior vice president
Fontana will be the first chartered surveyor from the area of workplace and facilities strategy to lead the profession when she becomes RICS president in November 2020.
ISO publishes new FM standard
The new management system standard constitutes a benchmark for developing and driving an effective strategic, tactical and operational FM regime, the ISO says.
RICS publishes new guidance on strategic FM
The Strategic Facility Management Framework, launched in Dubai during the annual IFMA-RICS World Workplace Forum Middle East, promises a holistic approach to strategic FM best practice.
Sodexo commits to social targets with Public Service Pledge
Sodexo has published its second Public Service Pledge, a strategic and ethical set of commitments to its customers, employees and communities.
ENGIE becomes CIPS knowledge partner on energy and energy services
The company will provide weekly market information for members of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply to ensure they are up-to-date and fully informed.
BIFM and the future
FM's professional body is proposing some big changes: a new name and perhaps even the introduction of chartered status are just the outward signs of an organisation that suddenly seems intent on raising its game.
Adding value through FM: conference white paper published
The annual i-FM-organised Workplace Futures conference, held in February, took on the challenges and opportunities around an increasingly important subject: how FM can add value to clients and communities.
Business Confidence Monitor highlights optimism and challenges
The results of the fourth annual FM Business Confidence Monitor show that a majority of FM professionals are optimistic about the state of the market. But the size of that majority has been on the slide since 2015, as concerns and uncertainty creep in.
BIFM launches debate on FM compliance
The British Institute of Facilities Management has published its latest Leaders' Forum report as part of a campaign to provide greater clarity on the issue of compliance within the built environment.
ICE and BIFM to consider new FM contract
The Institute of Civil Engineers and the British Institute of Facilities Management have announced a joint initiative to explore the potential to develop a completely new form of contract explicitly for FM.
FM and disruption: is change coming?
Disruption is a fashionable concept, of course, and as with all such terms its meaning has been diluted with use. But the concept remains timely: so, could we soon see fundamental change in facilities management?
BIFM plans major change
The British Institute of Facilities Management is marking its 25th anniversary with the publication of a 'manifesto for change' that involves a refocusing of its strategy, a new name and pursuit of chartered status.
ISO Standards: defining a better way forward?
Developing standards is a complex process: they have to work for businesses around the world. That means they can take some understanding, which only comes with digging into them to find out what they say and why.
How much intelligence does a client need?
Earlier this month Workplace Futures delegates benefited from insider explanations of two concepts that could change the FM landscape, the integrator model and new ISO standards. That raised questions for some about the impacts on clients.
Adding value in a time of trouble
Simon Iatrou reports from Workplace Futures 2018, a conference that covered the good and the bad in facilities management.
BIFM survey highlights value of training and qualifications
The results of the Institute's Pay and Prospects Survey show that BIFM membership and qualifications have an impact on facilities managers' career development.
Finding the way forward for FM
In the context of market change suddenly hugely magnified by Carillion's collapse, David Emanuel wrote recently: "If there ever was a time for our institutions and associations to step up, this is it." Will they?
i-FM editor makes podcast debut
i-FM's Simon Iatrou can be heard on the latest episode of Workplace Matters, a regular podcast produced by workplace consultancy 3edges.
BIFM calls for change
In a press statement, BIFM’s CEO claimed that the circumstances surrounding Carillion’s liquidation should be used as a “catalyst for change”.
Moriarty returns to BIFM
The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced the appointment of Chris Moriarty as Director of Insight.
Facilities management: is the time right for change?
There's a lot of change in the air these days: economies, politics, society, technology. What would it take to bring about a fundamental change in FM, too?
FMs urged to get involved in 2018 FM Business Confidence Monitor
Leaders from the FM sector are being urged to share their views on the state of the sector following the launch of the British Institute of Facilities Management's fourth annual UK FM Business Confidence Monitor survey.
FM's future: adding value
There is considerable weight growing behind the view that facilities management is approaching, if not a crisis point, than at least a crossroads where decisions will have to be made about what FM does and what it can do in the future.
BIFM calls for action over apprenticeship levy failings
The British Institute of Facilities Management is urging all businesses employing FM staff to lobby for changes to the Apprenticeship Levy, after it was revealed that allocated funding is insufficient to deliver degree-level apprenticeships in FM.
How can FM add value in the workplace?
Wherever you stand on the debate around how facilities management relates to workplace, one thing is true: how we work is evolving, opening the door to change in where we work. FM should be intimately involved in planning, programming and implementing.
BIFM offers counter-terrorism advice
The Institute's latest guidance note is designed to help facilities management professionals evaluate risks to their buildings and decide what they should do about them.
Big business, big responsibilities
If there ever was a time when the commercial environment seemed straightforward, with demand predictable and trends clear enough to see and plan for, those were the good old days. The old five-year horizon often feels more like five days now.
BIFM highlights the role of sustainability in FM
The results of the 11the annual BIFM Sustainability Survey shine a light on how the profession is adapting to and tackling the increasing demand for sustainable business.
BIFM closes in on long-awaited CRM system
It's been a bit of a rocky road, but the new customer relationship management system on the institute's agenda for some years has almost reached its goal, with implementation due within days.
Getting a feel for facilities management
Understanding how people feel and behave in work environments could be the key to better business outcomes; and building that knowledge within FM could be the key to greater impact.
RICS extends FM case study collection
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has published a new addition to its case studies series, this time turning the focusing on FM and social value.
i-FM market insight report published
Trends & Opportunities, i-FM's annual market insight report, tracks major events in the marketplace over the past year, their impact on the industry and how they, and events in the wider environment, are shaping facilities management for the future.
Institutes take on FM procurement
BIFM has published new guidance on the buying process, while RICS is in the midst of a consultation period supporting the development of its own guidance.
BIFM offers guidance note for procurement
The British Institute of Facilities Management's Procurement Special Interest Group has published guidance to help FM professionals involved in supply chain management understand statutory compliance.
BIFM offers guidance for FM on customer experience
The latest good practice guide from the British Institute of Facilities Management focuses on a subject that is rapidly climbing both service buyer and service provider agendas.
Tough act to follow
Dave Wilson reports from hurricane-ravaged Houston on this year's World Workplace conference, where British input was much in evidence.
BCO calls for greater focus on customer experience
The UK office industry is undergoing a fundamental shift towards a more customer-centric approach, with an increasingly greater emphasis being placed on delivering outstanding customer service to occupiers.
HEFMA and IHEEM launch new collaboration
The Health Estates and Facilities Management Association and the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management have launched the "definitive" resource for their industry.
Learning from the best
It's been building slowly for a couple of years now: FM has always been a people business, and its next challenge is prove itself a genuinely customer-focused business.
Pattenmakers' Award: call for entries
The annual Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers Young Manager Award is open for entries. Act soon to beat the October closing date.
Benchmarking salaries in FM
Kentish and Co, the coaching and people advisory firm, has launched its first salary benchmarking survey. And they're thinking big: the survey is global.
BIFM adopts ISO definition of facilities management
The BIFM has formally adopted the definition of facilities management as it is set out in the new ISO standards.
CIC offers learning guide on inclusive design
'Bringing inclusive design into built environment education' is the new teaching and learning guide published by the built environment industry group.
IFMA launches FM careers website
Under the headline 'a career of choice', WhatisFM.com offers a shop window explicitly aimed at educating visitors on what FM is and does and the opportunities the industry offers.
Wheel of fortune: BIFM unveils professional standards tool
The British Institute of Facilities Management has developed an online interactive FM Professional Standards Wheel that defines the competences necessary to be a proficient facilities management practitioner at all career levels.
BIFM awards four Honorary Fellowships
David Batley, Steve Gladwin, Julie Kortens and Polly Plunket-Checkemian were awarded the Institute's highest accolade at yesterday's Annual General Meeting.
Is FM ready for big change in the nature of work?
The British Institute of Facilities Management has commissioned independent consultants 3edges to explore how well equipped the FM profession is to support the future world of work.
BIFM: new guidance on space planning and management
The British Institute of Facilities Management has published updated guidance to help in-house FM teams understand what is involved in managing and changing space.
Consultation open on new FM standard
BSI is hosting the current phase of the development process for the FM standard ISO 41001 Management System – Requirements. Comments are invited from all in the industry.
Thinking differently
Albert Einstein is once again having a moment. If you find yourself in a mess, he argued many years ago, continuing to think about things in the same way is unlikely to get you out of that mess. Timely advice.
BIFM sets out its priorities for the government
The British Institute of Facilities Management has set out its strategic priorities for the facilities management sector following last week's general election.
Chevalier Award for Sodexo's Slattery
The country president of Sodexo Ireland has been named Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by the French Ambassador to Ireland.
It's World FM Day!
Our day, the one that aims to showcase the work that FM professionals do and the value that the FM sector contributes to businesses worldwide.
BIFM unveils new direct route to Fellowship
The British Institute of Facilities Management is rolling out a new route to Fellowship to encourage the profession's most accomplished practitioners to apply for this top grade of membership.
What should we do about KPIs?
How many times has that question been asked over the years? Why is it still being asked? What makes success measures so difficult to define and operate in ways that satisfy all stakeholders?
IFMA and RICS unveil combined qualifications platform
The collaborating partners are offering a combined suite of credentials and professional qualifications for facilities management in a single online academy.
RICS and FM: full report published
RICS has published the third instalment of its Raising the Bar series. This combination of research findings and commentary covers a considerable amount of ground and deserves a close read.
Technology is everything
OK, that might be overstating it a little; but new developments are reshaping capabilities, expectations and skills requirements right across the industry.
International standards in FM published
The first two international standards in facilities (or facility) management were published at the end of March. Stan Mitchell provides the following update.
BIFM plans new technology working group
FM professionals with an interest in how technology and innovation will continue to influence the way facilities management is delivered are invited to contribute to the debate by joining a new working group being formed by BIFM.
Challenging conventions: conference white paper published
The annual i-FM-organised Workplace Futures conference, held last month, took on FM's tendency to default to the office as the prevailing place of work. In fact, there's a lot of interesting stuff going on in non-office environments.
CIC launches accessibility guide
The Construction Industry Council has published its Essential Principles Guide, designed to provide built environment professionals with information and advice on creating an accessible and inclusive environment.
Facilities management faces critical talent shortfall
The sector is facing a shortage of professionals and urgently needs to attract new talent, according to a report by the International Facility Management Association and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
BIFM offers guide to cross-border service delivery
The latest good practice guide from the British Institute of Facilities Management focuses on the trend for organisations to manage and procure FM services at a continental or global level.
BIFM launches supporters' pack for World FM Day
This year's global celebration of FM takes place 17 May, featuring the theme 'enabling positive experiences'.
FM's professional institutes: how are they doing?
In the first quarter of this year we hosted a brief survey asking for views from across the FM sector on the roles and effectiveness of the two key professional membership bodies. Here are the results.
FM and the productivity challenge
Productivity has become something of a hot topic for FM, one of a handful of areas of opportunity where the industry collectively sees the prospect of making a significant contribution to economic and social success.
FM institutes: how well are they doing?
In a sense, FM professionals are spoiled for choice: the British Institute of Facilities Management and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors are both championing the cause. But are they making their mark?
BIFM brings BIM into Professional Standards
BIFM has incorporated building information modelling into its Facilities Management Professional Standards to reflect the growing impact BIM has on the working practices of FM professionals.
Challenging conventions
Simon Iatrou looks back at this year's industry conference, Workplace Futures 2017, and ponders whether the FM sector is ready to embrace change.
Level 4 apprenticeship views sought
The BIFM is urging stakeholders across the industry to take part in a consultation on a new FM Manager (Level 4) Apprenticeship Standard.
World FM Day 2017 set for 17 May
Global FM, the alliance for facilities management associations worldwide, has named 17 May 2017 as the date for the next World FM Day.
Pre-holidays to-do list: complete BCM survey
Research for the 2017 FM Business Confidence Monitor is underway. The survey has already drawn hundreds of responses, but more are needed. Please take a few minutes before the holidays to join in.
2017 FM Business Confidence Monitor launched
Leaders from the facilities management sector are being urged to share their views on the state of the sector following the launch of the British Institute of Facilities Management's third annual UK FM Business Confidence Monitor.
BIFM publishes cost benchmarking guidance
Helping facilities management professionals to highlight best practice and identify gaps in performance through operational cost benchmarking is the subject of the latest guidance note published by BIFM.
BSI Leadership Award for Stan Mitchell
Stan Mitchell, long-time champion of the development of standards for the facilities management sector, has been honoured with a BSI Leadership Award.
All change?
Disruption is a concept that's on every business pundit's list of interesting things to talk about. But is this relevant in FM? Can you have disruption in a business that was so recently itself a disruption of a traditional marketplace?
BIFM officially launches in the Middle East
Today marks the official launch of BIFM in the United Arab Emirates, amidst 'great opportunity' in the region.
BIFM joins debate on value of professional status
The BIFM was one of six professional institutes debating the place of such bodies and the meaning of the term 'professional' in a rapidly changing social and economic environment.
Been there, done that
One of the interesting things about FM for those of us who have been around for, shall we say, more than a few years is the reappearance of old colleagues and acquaintances. Unfortunately, old issues and problems tend to come back, too.
How do you solve a problem like the BIFM?
For all its strengths, and there are plenty, the FM industry's professional institute seems to have some chronic flaw somewhere: things keep going wrong.
BIFM loses another CEO
The BIFM announced late on Wednesday (26 October) that new CEO Ray Perry has left the Institute. Linda Hausmanis is stepping in as Acting Chief Executive.
Consultation open on proposed level 6 apprenticeship
The BIFM reports that it is working with a 'trailblazer' group including employers and higher education institutes to develop a new degree apprenticeship for senior facilities managers.
Tracking FM trends and opportunities
i-FM's annual market landscape review tracks major events in the marketplace over the past year, their impact on the industry and how they, and events in the wider environment, are shaping facilities management for the future. It is available online now.
How not to...: World Workplace update 3
While the final news from last week's event involves the significant achievement of the organisation riling all its 4500 delegates, this is no cliff-hanger: there is a happy ending to a story which mixes ineptitude, misunderstanding and a major mea culpa.
Staying on the right side of the law
The Facilities Management Legal Update course, organised by training, consulting and support group International Workplace, has become a fixture in the FM calendar, running now for over 20 years. This year's takes place later this month.
RICS and IFMA plan unified career map
A unified career map is to be unveiled at this week's World Workplace conference in what the International Facility Management Association describes as a priority joint output of its global collaboration with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Wilson named IFMA Fellow
Dave Wilson has been named as a Fellow in the International Facility Management Association's class of 2016.
What future for facilities management?
All the ingredients are in place for FM to secure a future as a strategic discipline enabling organisations to both meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that a changing workplace entails.
Setting standards in FM
Arguing that a new ISO management system standard will be more than welcome in the dynamic world that is FM, the International Organization for Standardization has offered an update on progress so far.
FM recruitment: where to now?
Post Brexit referendum, the future is paved with uncertainty regardless of your political views, says Talent FM Managing Director Nikki Dallas. So what can job candidates do to enhance their career opportunities?
BIFM offers guidance on supply chain management
The Institute's latest Guidance Note is 'Collaboration in FM: Integrated Supply Chain Management', produced by its Procurement Special Interest Group.
More FM case studies from RICS
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has published its fourth collection of case studies focusing on strategic FM in action.
Sodexo confirms support for Stoddart Review
The facilities services group has confirmed its role, and expressed its pride, as one of the supporting partners of the recently launched Stoddart Review.
BIFM looks at international markets
The BIFM has published 'Outsourcing Across Borders', its latest FM Leaders Forum discussion paper and the first from the Institute's International Special Interest Group.
FM outsourcing: counting the costs
Cost, and more specifically cost saving, always lands near the top of the client priorities list when it comes to making the decision to outsource FM services. But how often do buyers investigate the full cost of service provision?
BIFM gears up for World FM Day
The worldwide celebration of facilities management takes place on Wednesday 13 July, but BIFM members will be hosting events throughout this week.
Next-gen outsourcing
It is occasionally argued that FM has followed an evolutionary path, from single-service supply through bundled and heading on towards TFM. That over-simplifies the pattern; but it may be indicative of outsourcing more broadly.
Where to look for competitive advantage
Staying competitive is a matter of survival in UK facilities management. It is an essential characteristic in a market where buyers enjoy considerable choice and suppliers struggle against a move to commoditise their offers.
BIFM to offer support for FMs in the UAE
The British Institute of Facilities Management has been granted a licence to operate from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and will be providing its educational programme to support the FM profession and BIFM members in the United Arab Emirates.
BBC wins recognition for best practice in outsourcing
Following a six-month process of internal review and external assessment, the BBC has been awarded full corporate accreditation for its outsourcing strategy.
SHU research enters final week
Sheffield Hallam University's major research project exploring the FM industry, its current issues and the trends for the future winds up at the end of this week. All facilities professionals are invited to complete the online survey before then.
Opportunities and challenges in FM
UK facilities management doesn't have any 'elder statesmen' (perhaps it should), but it does have a handful of long-serving, highly experienced people whose views are always worth listening to. We have comments on the site from two of them.
Does FM need a trade association?
The UK industry has done pretty well, reaching its current multi-billion pound status from more or less a standing start 30 years ago or so; all of that without benefit of a real trade association.
SHU opens future of FM research
Sheffield Hallam University has launched its fourth FM sector survey and is inviting facilities professionals from across the sector to provide insight into current practices, issues and expectations in the industry.
ISS and Telefonica: 'world class' hospitality
Telefonica UK, an ISS client, has renewed its Hospitality Assured accreditation for the third time and received the highest score achieved within the facilities management sector.
FM: agent of change white paper published
This year's Workplace Futures conference, held in February, took on the change agent theme, which looks increasingly like being the future of FM itself. The summary white paper is now available.
A marriage-counselling approach to outsourcing
David Emanuel returns to the insourcing vs outsourcing debate and asks why things go wrong in some contracting relationships and what can be done about it.
BIFM takes on design and construction process
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched its latest advice publication, its new 'Operational Readiness Guide: a guide to ensuring long-term effectiveness in the design and construction process'.
Business growing fast at start-up FMP360
The facilities management contract performance improvement specialist is building a reputation for success.
Talking shop: trade show edition
Having spent three days at the NEC for Facilities Management 2016, i-FM's David Emanuel reflects on his time in Birmingham and asks some questions about the FM industry's current key talking points.
Finding the time
If there never seem to be enough hours in the day to do what needs doing, it may be (prepare yourself) your fault.
Turning goals into reality
Whether they are personal, professional or commercial, goals have a regrettable propensity to slip eventually into the 'easier said than done' category.
BFG: the CSSA perspective
There were high hopes for the Building Futures Group when it unveiled its new identity in 2014, and widespread surprise when it announced its closure early this year. How does the in, then out cleaning sector association see the whole experience?
Does insourcing mean outsourcing got it wrong?
The rise of insourcing, or at least the possibility of a rise, crops up in industry discussions on a regular basis. And it's been a subject recently on our news and features pages, too. So what does it mean for FM if there is some sort of trend here?
BIFM offers asset management guidance
The latest good practice guide from BIFM, Asset Management Surveying Practice, aims to help FM professionals produce meaningful asset data that meets increasing expectations of clients, adds value to FM operations and supports business decision-making.
Asking the right questions
Commoditisation has been sitting on FM's horizon for quite some time, like a dark cloud threatening to rain on the sector's ambitions. But maybe FMs themselves are partly to blame. Maybe they are not asking the right questions.
Terrorism: what it means for FM
"The biggest threat to security is believing that no threat exists." That was the key message from Kenneth Upham, counter-terrorism security advisor for Greater Manchester Police.
FM: a man without a country
Workplace Futures, the annual industry conference organised by i-FM, this year asked delegates to make the case for facilities management as an agent of change. Simon Iatrou reports on the day, and some of the issues involved.
Building Futures Group CEO speaks out
When the Building Futures Group shut its doors in January, it did so quietly. While rumours of financial trouble had been swirling for months, the group's eventual collapse left people with many unanswered questions.
BIFM confirms FM confidence monitor launch
The 2016 Facilities Management Business Confidence Monitor, the barometer measuring buoyancy across the FM sector, is now up and running. BIFM is inviting widespread participation.
2016 business confidence survey launches
The annual Facilities Management Business Confidence Monitor research is underway. All FM service providers are invited to join in the survey, contributing to a deeper understanding of the state of the marketplace.
IFMA sets out to tackle global talent gap
The IFMA Foundation is pressing ahead with its Global Workforce Initiative, aiming to overcome a growing 'talent gap' in facilities management and facilities services.
Hi-tech changes to define the future of facilities management
Technological development will have the greatest impact on outsourcing by 2020, spurring on the emergence of a series of new sourcing models.
Building relationships in FM
FM is often talked about as being a people business. From cleaners to engineers, project managers to apprentices: people make up who we are and without them we simply could not succeed.
WIFM sticks to its pioneering path
The BIFM SIG created to focus on the needs of women in the industry remains in no way exclusive; and its annual conference remains in no way bound by the expectations that the words 'industry conference' might imply.
RICS and the future of FM
There is no doubt at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors: RICS has a key role to play in the continued professionalisation of facilities management.
The great FM photographic conundrum
How do you say 'facilities management' in a photograph? Is it about people? Process? Technology? Management? A specific service line? Show us the best answer, and we will reward your achievement.
Leading practitioners back RICS drive
Four senior facilities management practitioners have backed the call from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for more fully qualified people across the industry.
Challenge for 2016: how FMs use technology
At a recent webinar, jointly hosted by FM software provider Service Works Group and the Facilities Show, a panel of leading lights from the FM profession explored what the future holds for the FM industry in 2016 and beyond.
Putting the customer first
The approach to building and then maintaining solid customer relationships is one of the few areas in the crowded facilities management marketplace where service providers can find some opportunity for differentiation.
All change: but how exactly?
'Change' is one of those ubiquitous words, found in virtually everything said or written about facilities management. In fact, change is effectively FM's middle name.
BIFM offers online study option
The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced that its Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications are now available through an online learning and assessment platform, BIFM Direct.
BIFM deputy chair steps down
Ian Townsend, Deputy Chairman of the BIFM, will leave the Institute's Board ahead of the Chairman Elect and Deputy Chair elections which will take place in November.
FM: sorting out the future
The process by which facilities management is evolving, both as an industry and a business discipline, has been fascinating to watch, in part because it regularly raises questions about the direction of travel and the rate of progress.
Bouygues fosters women's networking group
WeLink, originally launched by Bouygues Construction in 2013, now stretches right across the group providing an in-house network for women to share information and ideas and develop their careers.
IFMA insights into improving the perception of FM
IFMA, in partnership with JLL, has published a white paper exploring the challenges and benefits of a shift in C-suite perception of facilities management from a support-based cost centre to a strategic partner.
Understanding your market
Globally, facilities management is a growth market. Understanding the drivers of that growth is essential for service providers looking to grow, and to evolve as the market evolves.
World Workplace in full programme mode
The world's biggest facilities management show moved up a gear Wednesday, with events running throughout the day and into the evening: from entrepreneurial keynotes, through educational sessions, briefings and the launch of a new knowledge resource.
BIFM strikes mainland Europe qualifications deal
Dutch university NHTV has been confirmed as a recognised centre delivering the BIFM Level 5 Qualification in Facilities Management.
FM's holy grail
Service excellence is a promise likely to be held out in every tender exercise, an objective set in every contract review and an ambition underpinning every KPI discussion. But what do we actually mean by 'excellence'?
First success for NHS Property Services alliance with BIFM
An initial group of NHS Property Services employees has gained membership in the British Institute of Facilities Management following a fast-track assessment process.
BIFM offering employers online learning packages
FM employers can now purchase a package of licences for the BIFM online learning portal to enable their employees to undertake BIFM Levels 2 and 3 qualifications.
BIFM confirms current board structure
Following last week's AGM the British Institute of Facilities Management has confirmed the make-up of two key institute bodies and the winners of several awards.
IFMA launches FM task analysis research
The International Facility Management Association has launched a research project designed to identify the key tasks and work activities carried out by FMs.
CIPS teams up with Cofely on FM information
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply is collaborating with Cofely to offer CIPS members access to a range of sources to support procurement activity in the FM sector.
Diary of a Graduate: Chapter IV
Before he finishes the graduate programme at Bouygues Energies & Services, Robbie Kidd reflects on the past two years.
Defining asset management
There's no question that asset management is a critical discipline; we just need to be clear which asset management we're talking about.
Incentive to offer a Safe Place
Incentive FM has joined a pioneering scheme designed to help vulnerable members of the community.
Tancred leaves BIFM; Sutton named CEO
The BIFM board of directors has appointed current Chief Operating Officer James Sutton to the role of Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Gareth Tancred.
Putting the service into facilities services
ISS makes no secret of its ambition to be the world's greatest service organisation. So what is it doing to make progress towards that remarkable goal?
BIFM launches first African regional group
The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced the creation of a new regional community group in Nigeria to support BIFM members there and the wider facilities management profession in the region.
International standard for FM to go ahead
A new international standard for facilities management has been formally approved to proceed into development by the International Organisation for Standardisation following a poll of its 159 member organisations.
The critical role of the first impression
We all do it: we start making decisions about an organisation we're visiting for the first time as soon as we approach the front door. Front of house is a risky place.
FMs focused on improving employees' quality of life
Facilities managers are increasingly focused on improving quality of life in the workplace and are looking to integrated services to achieve their outsourcing needs, according to new research.
What Glasgow tells us about FM today
EFMC 2015 was a big and diverse event that said almost as much about the state of facilities management in an increasingly global marketplace as it did about current and emerging FM practice itself.
RICS launches FM qualifications campaign
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched its Aspire to Lead campaign, focused on career development in facilities management.
Outsourcing: the intangibles count most
New research from Grant Thornton concludes that reliability, trust and other 'non-technical' skills matter most in building successful outsourcing partnerships.
RICS to launch third case study collection
RICS will launch its third series of strategic facilities management case studies at an event to be held 19 June at Birmingham's NEC.
CIBSE teams up with BCIA and BFG on FM
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Facilities Management Group has unveiled plans to cooperate with the Building Controls Industry Association and the Building Futures Group.
BIFM confirms plans for Careers Zone
The Institute says that anyone in FM who is looking for information about CPD, training, management skills or career opportunities will find it at its Facilities Show Careers Zone.
Professions look at bridge-building
The presidents of CIBSE, B&ES and RIBA have come together to call for more collaboration between members of the construction supply chain.
A little competition never hurt anyone
Earlier this month, BIFM's annual conference invited FM industry professionals to The Guardian's head office in Kings Cross. Simon Iatrou reflects on the day's biggest talking points.
Outsourcing: it's good to talk
The National Outsourcing Association has surveyed more than 150 of its members to compare buyers' and sellers' perceptions in a search for lessons that can help shape the future of the industry.
UK FM reports surge in confidence
The UK facilities management sector is increasingly optimistic about prospects for both the UK economy and growth in FM over the coming year, according to research conducted by the BIFM in partnership with i-FM and Barclays.
RICS names four to its FM board
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has announced four new appointments to its Facilities Management Board.
International property ethics standard in the works
A new international coalition is being drawn together to develop the first set of globally recognised ethics standards for real estate and related professional organisations.
FM, the future and all that
What is FM and what does it want to be: two questions that are bound to come up in any gathering of practitioners, in the past, the present and seemingly for the foreseeable future.
Living Wage awareness on the rise
Attitudes and awareness towards the Living Wage campaign are changing steadily, with almost 80% of adults in the UK saying they have heard of it, according to research commissioned by KPMG.
Workplace Conversation finds subject
Following three months of online discussion, the creation of an online knowledge sharing community for workplace professionals has been selected as the winning idea in The Workplace Conversation.
New guide to BIFM qualifications now available
FM training provider Xenon Group has launched a comprehensive guide to the institute's qualifications.
BIFM conference to focus on 'competitive advantage'
Speakers at next month’s ThinkFM will give a series of presentations discussing how organisations can achieve competitive advantage through workplace management.
Scottish FM celebrates its people
BIFM Scotland toasted the winners of its inaugural awards at a special ceremony on Saturday.
Still time to join the Workplace Conversation
The online conversation, backed by the BIFM and the CIPD, is working its way towards a conclusion and now is a very good time to get involved.
Putting H&S on the strategic agenda
Health & safety policy and practice is a standard part of the facilities management remit, as well as wider corporate operations, but it's all too easy to relegate it to the 'routine'.
Incentive FM joins Living Wage providers
Incentive FM Group has been accredited as a Living Wage Provider, formalising the company's commitment to paying the employees that work within its central team the relevant Living Wage as a minimum.
Learning on the job
Robbie Kidd reports on the skills his employer has identified as crucial to his learning and development in facilities management and how these are being applied in his job role.
NHS Property Services partners with BIFM
NHS Property Services Ltd has announced a new partnership with the British Institute of Facilities Management to provide membership and professional development for 1500 of its FM employees.
Challenging conventions
If you were to take all the latest technological innovation in energy efficiency and apply it to one space, what would that facility look like?
Three minutes of your time
We've added a brief video to the Workplace Futures website, summarising the themes of the conference, sharing some insights into FM's challenges and opportunities, and capturing the feel of the day.
PAT answers: why safety and cost-cutting don't mix
Portable appliance testing is a straightforward concept that would probably draw universal support if put to a vote. But it's also a concept marked by confusion about requirements and disagreement about appropriate practices.
It's good to talk
Benchmarking initiatives seem to get criticised as often as they get praised. But the underlying concept of sharing information about common issues, problems and opportunities can't be faulted.
The security industry: can it save itself?
A recent industry roundtable, organised by Incentive FM Group, took on the tough issue of margin erosion in the UK contract security sector.
A request you should not ignore
We're good at identifying the problems in this sector: limited understanding of what FM is and does, poor and often confusing communication, scattergun approach to problem-solving. But we're not so good at doing something about it.
Workplace Futures: the report
Predicting the future is a fool's game, but last week's Workplace Futures conference took on the challenge more than once as speakers and delegates tackled some of the major issues and trends shaping work, the workplace and FM.
FM challenge: getting the priorities right
Some significant part of the facilities management community has always been easily distracted by discussions around the definition of FM, the size of the market, how we do things, where it's all headed. Important, yes. But critical?
Workplace Futures resources now available
Following the highly successful event last week, speaker slides and a number of other resources have been made available on the Workplace Futures website.
The FM Graduate Part II: Perception vs Reality
In his second update, Robbie Kidd discusses how his experiences now working in FM compare to his initial perception of the profession and what key lessons he has learnt while on the job.
BIFM and CIPD launch The Workplace Conversation
The BIFM and the CIPD have launched a collaborative project exploring the evolution of the work environment and what the future of the workplace looks like.
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Tiger Mouth Talk is back
The unique and insightful video series has returned, with BIFM CEO Gareth Tancred focusing on the great career opportunities in FM.
Dutch FM students visit Sodexo
"You are the future," Sodexo's Andrew Wilkinson told a group of Dutch facilities management students on Monday evening.
BIFM opens Dublin office
The expansion is part of the organisation's broader international strategy and will support members in Ireland, the Institute says.
BIFM launches business confidence monitor
BIFM, the leading professional body for facilities management, has today launched its Facilities Management Business Confidence Monitor in partnership with i-FM and Barclays.
Sustainability School confirms launch
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, well established in the construction sector, will launch its dedicated offer for FM and the services sector next week.
2015 BIFM awards open
The BIFM has opened entries for its prestigious industry awards. This year sees the awards featuring three overall themes: People, Impact and Innovation.
The FM Graduate: Part One
In the first of a new series exploring one graduate's entry and subsequent progress in facilities management, Robbie Kidd explains how he came to choose a career in this sector.
CIPS makes small but important changes
After nearly a year of consultation and debate the institute has completed the process of changing its name and securing royal approval for the award of chartered status for members.
Living Wage service provider group launched
The Living Wage Foundation has announced the formation of a Service Providers Leadership Group which will work to influence the marketplace and carry forward the development and recognition of the Living Wage programme.
BIFM offers supply chain guidance
The BIFM has published new guidance outlining the key concepts essential for successful supply chain management.
SHU MBA deserves full recognition for quality
Sheffield Hallam University's MBA programme is one of the most respected in the country, with its FM stream in particular drawing praise from students and widespread recognition by the industry.
OCS becomes a BIFM Recognised Centre
The support services group has gained accreditation as a BIFM Recognised Centre, enabling it to self-deliver BIFM qualifications.
What future for a slimmed down BFG?
In a strange but not wholly unexpected turn of events, the Cleaning and Support Services Association has decided to return to its independent existence.
Tiger prepares to take a break
Sodexo's Neil Murray is featured in the final Tiger Mouth Talk video interview for this year.
Assessors sought for ethical workplace accreditation
Over the last five years UK property charity the Ethical Property Foundation has been working in partnership with the BIFM and others to develop the Fairplace Award. It needs volunteer assessors for 2015.
Webinar reveals gap between FM and procurement
A webinar exploring the gap between the facilities management and procurement sectors has found that more than half of participants feel the relationship between the two parties only ranks as 'average'.
Latest video interview: Jeremy Waud
The Tiger Mouth Talk interview collection continues to grow, this week featuring the Chairman of the Incentive FM Group.
Incentive pioneers customer service initiative
Incentive FM has become the UK's first facilities management company to roll out a national initiative that will ensure blind and partially-sighted users can enjoy trips to its shopping centres in safety.
CIBSE launches new maintenance guide
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers has published a new edition of its Guide M: maintenance engineering and management.
CBRE offers view on operational excellence in FM
?Facilities management organisations must achieve three primary objectives to maintain operationally excellent performance, according to a new research report from the CBRE Group.
BSI offers outsourcing standard
The UK standards specialist has published what it calls the first overarching ISO standard to set out the generic principles and procedures of outsourcing.
Tiger talks to Tom Robinson
The latest Tiger Mouth Talk video interview is available, featuring Tom Robinson, Head of Talent at Mitie Client Services.
Servest to recruit 100 apprentices
Servest Group has recruited 15 FM apprentices for its cleaning contract at the Houses of Parliament, as part of a wider drive to employ 100 apprentices across the business by October 2015.
FM contracts: what, for how long and why
Facilities management is about a lot of things, but one of the most fundamental of these is contracts: their structure, scope and length. Contracts are the building blocks of the industry.
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Debra Ward featured in new video
The latest Tiger Mouth Talk video interview is available and features the Managing Director of FM specialist Macro.
FM contracts: single? bundled? TFM? longer? shorter?
The latest i-FM 30-second survey focuses on contract trends in the industry. Join in: tell us what you think the best solution is for provision of facilities services.
Webinar to help bridge the FM & procurement gap
For many facilities professionals there is a disconnect between their need for agile, expert and reliable suppliers on the ground and their perception of the procurement function's focuses on reducing the numbers of suppliers and on cost over value.
BIFM publishes accessibility standard
London Mayor Boris Johnson has welcomed a new standard for improving and maintaining accessibility and inclusion for disabled people in the built environment.
BIFM and ITN to continue partnership
The British Institute of Facilities Management and ITN Productions are producing a news and feature programme capturing innovations and best practice in facilities management, which will launch at the ThinkFM conference next May.
BIFM offers guidance on KPIs
The latest published offering from the British Institute of Facilities Management is 'Measuring Contractors' Performance Using KPIs', as part of its campaign to support standards and professionalism in FM.
BSI tackles supply chain prequalification
The business standards company has launched PAS 7000, positioned as a 'universally applicable supply chain information standard for suppliers and buyers at organisations of all sizes around the globe'.
RICS research highlights cost of ineffective FM
New research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors suggests that UK businesses could be losing out on savings of nearly £1bn as a result of their failure to adopt a more effective approach to facilities management.
Go-ahead given to international standard for FM
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has approved plans to begin work on an international standard for facilities management.
Facilities management DNA
The BIFM's People Management Special Interest Group has set the date for its second annual DNA of a Successful Facilities Manager event.
Workplace Week: get involved
The annual celebration of innovative workplace ideas, combined with the opportunity to go inside and nose around a bit, has established its place on the calendars of both workplace specialists and FMs.
Shopping centres in race for sustainability lead
UK shopping centres are competing for more than just sales figures. Research shows that solar panels, LED lighting, electric vehicle charge points and new technology that harvests 'people power' are at the top of centre managers' wish-lists for 2015.
ISS offers insights into FM market development
ISS has published a white paper that looks at the evolution of the facilities management industry from the 1980s and offers some predictions about where the industry is heading in the future.
i-FM Trends report published
The 2014/15 Trends & Opportunities report has been published, the latest in this long-running series of annual FM market landscape reviews.
Performance management: FMs could do better
There is still quite a bit of work to be done on performance management strategy and implementation before facilities managers can say they are getting the best outcomes from what they are doing.
RICS publishes second set of FM case studies
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has published six new case studies focusing on strategic facilities management and building on its ongoing theme of professionalising FM.
BIFM offers guidance on ethical procurement
The British Institute of Facilities Management has published new guidance for FM professionals on ethical procurement and supply.
BIFM targets young people with careers initiative
The British Institute of Facilities Management has teamed up with Interserve, Vinci Facilities and the careers advice innovators Plotr to help young people discover the opportunities that a career in FM offers.
BIFM in second qualifications move in Middle East
The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced that integrated facilities management specialist Mosanada UGL has become the latest employer to be accredited to deliver BIFM qualifications.
SWG tackles performance issues
Service Works Group, the FM software specialist, has published a guide to performance excellence in facilities management.
What are we doing about the 'classic' FM problems?
Any gripe session about the industry quickly brings up frustrations around the 'they don’t really understand us' issue, which can be heard on both the client and provider sides, and the 'three years and back out to tender' challenge.
RICS and BFG in joint careers move
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has teamed up with The Building Futures Group to launch a new initiative to open up a career path in the facilities management sector.
Procurement: what could go wrong?
The first stage in the facilities management contracting process opens the door to all kinds of questions. What are you buying and why? Who should be involved? When? Who's actually making the decisions?
Talking trash: uncovering the value of waste services
Waste management is often the facilities service listed last in the string of terms that reflects an organisation's priorities. But that could be a mistake, the result of misjudging both the waste and what effective management could achieve.
Brands Survey closes this week
If you still haven't responded to our unique FM brands research survey, now's the time to do so. You only have a few more days. It's quick, anonymous, and you could win a new iPad mini!
Helpdesks that really help
The helpdesk probably figures in every FM service offering. In theory, it's both central and vital to delivering good customer service; but does it always get the attention it deserves?
The customer service challenge in FM
Every facilities management company knows the goal: providing great customer service can help increase satisfaction and productivity for your clients. But that's easier said than done.
BFG launches national cleaning and FM campaign
Citing fears of an ageing workforce and impending skills gap, the Building Futures Group has launched a national campaign with the aim of attracting young people to both sectors.
Managing risk through strategic FM
ISS has released a white paper looking at how to manage and mitigate risk through strategic facilities management.
What does excellence mean to FM buyers and suppliers?
Sheffield Hallam University has revealed plans to follow up last year's pioneering study of service excellence in facilities management with an exploration of buyers' and suppliers' views on the same key issue.
Confidence in operational data boosts FM's status
Real-time, trustworthy data is most likely to improve an organisation's ability to deliver on its FM priorities, according to new research from the British Institute of Facilities Management.
Poor supplier information management exposed
A webinar exploring how FM professionals manage their supplier information has revealed the key challenges faced by FMs tasked with operating a large supply base.
FM & the Workplace: who's in charge?
Facilities management often seems to have a kind of fuzzy relationship with the workplace. FM is responsible for the services provided, but does it have ownership of the work environment overall? Should it?
BIFM offers health & safety guide
The BIFM has published a new guidance document specifically aimed at facilities managers in light of their responsibility for health and safety in the workplace.
Good data: the key to strategic FM
Accurate data is the key to effective decision-making. But this principle poses at least two challenges to anyone in FM: accessing the right data and understanding what it means.
The coming issue of social value
Driven by moves in the public sector, understanding social value and demonstrating a commitment to implementation are together becoming a part of doing business for support service providers.
Digging deeper into the future of work
No doubt conversation within every business discipline turns from time to time to what the future holds. This is certainly a common theme in FM; and also one too often undermined by narrow horizons.
Conference strategy
While the RICS is almost a century and a half old, its status as a representative body for facilities managers is still in a pubescent period. But that is changing. Simon Iatrou reflects on the institution's latest strategic FM conference.
Speakers confirmed for careers conference
The BIFM's Rising FMs Special Interest Group has confirmed some of the featured speakers who will take part in the 2014 Careers Conference.
Service Management 3.0: new ISS white paper
If all companies compete on service, the key differentiator lies in the service management model adopted and the ability to execute it. This theme runs through a paper from ISS looking at excellence and where and how it is achieved.
FM must rethink its role in the workplace
FM "must completely reinvent" its relationship with building owners, Tim Oldman, founder of the Leesman Index, told delegates in his company's annual conference yesterday.
The key to FM's success lies with its people
For facilities management services to deliver strategic value, organisations must put more faith in their people.
BIFM offers next-steps career guide
The BIFM has published a six-page guide designed to help FMs, whether just starting out or experienced professionals, make decisions about the next steps in their career in the industry.
FM needs boardroom representation: discuss
Should FM have a seat at the top table? That debate, surely as old as facilities management itself, continues today as lively as ever.
BAM FM opts for RICS regulation
Following a 'rigorous process' for evaluating corporate membership, RICS has approved an application from BAM FM and the service provider will now adhere to the RICS codes of conduct and its professional standards and scrutiny.
Update: 'Beyond the Workplace' conversation underway
The bridge-building between BIFM and CIPD, and more generally between the various disciplines involved in providing and managing the places where people work, is reported to be moving ahead rapidly.
What can you learn from FM's young managers?
The Young Managers Forum will host a special networking event at the Facilities Show later this month.
FM Careers Conference confirmed for July
The Facilities Management Careers Conference 2014, hosted by the BIFM Rising FMs Special Interest Group, will take place 10 July at the University of the Arts London.
Do the right thing
FM can create strategic value and add to competitive advantage by focusing on what's right for the wider business.
CIPS unveils new careers campaign
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply has launched a dedicated website to showcase 'the exciting options a career in the procurement and supply management profession can offer'.
FMTV: what do you think?
The product of the partnership between BIFM and ITN Productions was unveiled at ThinkFM, the institute's annual conference held earlier this month.
FM and HR: a shared agenda?
When BIFM and CIPD announced their planned cooperation on various projects earlier this month the welcome was a warm one, followed by a long list of questions.
What's in a name?
A lot if that name is 'facilities management' and most people you encounter outside the industry still don't have a clue what it is.
BIFM establishes Wales region
The British Institute of Facilities Management has confirmed the establishment of a new Wales region to serve local members and their FM colleagues.
Supply chain risk management: good enough?
Assembling and maintaining comprehensive, up-to-date information on suppliers is a major challenge for FM companies. Most seem to be relying on systems perhaps a bit too close to the 'make-do' end of the scale.
Staking out the high ground
If the BIFM hasn't actually laid claim to the high ground in the campaign to be FM's number one development champion, it has at least started to build a new launch platform.
BIFM to collaborate with CIPD
The British Institute of Facilities Management is to collaborate with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development on a number of research and insight projects.
What next for FM?
With a track record of 30 years or so behind it, facilities management has established itself as a big and dynamic industry. But where does that leave the people within it who aspire to true professional status?
BIFM recognition for Sodexo training
Sodexo UK and Ireland has been awarded the status of BIFM Recognised Centre for the delivery of FM qualifications in-house as a part of the service provider's Integrated FM Academy.
Putting the customer on the balanced scorecard
Ensuring that people, FM's customers, get appropriate consideration in assessing service performance should be easier following the publication of new research.
Smithsonian doors don't open without FM
The critical behind-the-scenes support provided by the in-house FM team is captured with real power in a brief video from the world-renowned Smithsonian museum group. David Emanuel reports.
BIFM planning action to boost FM
BIFM CEO Gareth Tancred has responded to our survey of editors and PR consultants in FM, reporting that after a difficult period the institute has now turned the corner and is braced to swing into action.
What do editors and PR consultants think of FM?
Earlier this month we asked a group of highly informed individuals, the top editors and PRs working in this industry, for their views on its trends, opportunities, problems and challenges. The results are enlightening.
Making the case for qualifications
The BIFM launched its professional qualifications scheme four years ago. How much closer are we now to being right when we use that term 'profession' for the FM sector?
BIFM recognition for Bouygues
Bouygues Energies & Services has become a BIFM Recognised Centre and now offers the BIFM level 3 qualification in facilities management in-house.
CIOB FM group looks for new leadership
The Chartered Institute of Building is looking for a new chair and vice chair for its Facilities Management Group to replace the current post holders who are coming to the end of their three-year tenure.
Insourcing vs outsourcing
There are pros and cons to both service delivery solutions, of course, so how do you choose the best route forward?
Clout steps down
The BIFM has announced that Ismena Clout has chosen to stand down as Chairman for health reasons. Julie Kortens will take the post with immediate effect.
White Paper tackles innovation in FM
The Workplace Futures 2014 conference took on the big topic of innovation: what is it? How do you measure it? How do you assess the benefits? The post-conference white paper captures the event's insights and advice.
RICS launches strategic FM case studies
The six case studies, developed by consultancy and training group Workplace Law for RICS, are intended to provide practical examples of best practice in strategic facilities management.
Technology is the future
Key parts of facilities management practice are already driven by technology, a trend that can only continue. The more that practitioners embrace this, the stronger the management function in FM will become.
Don't just blame the facilities manager
In February, a joint survey by the BIFM and National Energy Foundation found that while FM professionals are fully committed to reducing energy consumption, they lack the metering and monitoring tools to do so effectively.
Bringing the FM message into schools
Attracting more young people into FM seems to be on the goals list at every industry organisation: and it must be a good thing for a growing and developing sector.
Names, promises, actions
Last week saw the long-awaited news of the new identity for the merged Asset Skills, FMA and CSSA.
RICS sets case study launch date
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has set an April date for the launch of a series of case studies focused on the value of strategic facilities management practice.
Insider advice on procurement
Michael Owen, Business Development Projects Director at Interserve, has been a party to the FM procurement process for years. Having experienced a wide variety of styles and approaches, he has now distilled the lessons to produce some timely advice.
Innovation insights: Workplace Futures video
Key speakers from this year's Workplace Futures conference offer their insights on the meaning of innovation in FM, the challenges and the opportunities: available now on the conference website.
FMs lack energy saving tools
FM professionals are highly committed to maximising energy improvements but lack metering and monitoring tools to establish accurate baselines and track progress.
Joining forces
Research we reported here last year suggested that many FM providers are not as strong on client relationship management as they might be, or indeed should be if they have long-term deals in mind.
#WF14: measuring the impact
Last week's Workplace Futures conference made a major impact across FM's Twitter landscape, carrying the content far beyond speakers and delegates.
BIFM launches professional standards
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched new standards documentation designed to define the key functions performed by FMs and the competences required to be a proficient professional.
BIFM group tackles outsourcing
Industry professionals from both sides of outsourcing, clients and suppliers, came together at the most recent British Institute of Facilities Management FM Leaders Forum.
The key to service excellence
What does it take to achieve the label 'excellent'? And should that be set out as a performance goal?
RICS calls for action on strategic FM
In a new report, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors calls for 'innovative new dimensions of measurement' to prove FM's effectiveness and its impact on productivity and profitability.
Workplace Futures: time to act
Just a handful of delegate places remain for the annual facilities management conference, which this year takes on the big issue of innovation.
Strategic FM: relationships are key
FMs with an ambition to grow their strategic involvement may be right in blaming history for some of the challenges they face.
ISS proves hospitable
The ISS Facility Services team at Telefónica O2's Bath Road, Slough, site has renewed its Hospitality Assured accreditation.
FM and the challenge of innovation
Why is it so much easier to talk about innovation than to deliver it; or even to talk about what it might look like and how it might be delivered?
FM innovation: who, what and where
Clients ask for innovation. Service providers offer their track records as a competitive advantage. But is there much agreement on what the term means and what the process, if there is one, will be?
MITIE predicts sea change for FM
The facilities management industry will change dramatically over the next ten years as clients increasingly look to FM for advice on business operations. That's the conclusion of a study commissioned by the outsourcing group.
BIFM offers energy management advice
The British Institute of Facilities Management has published a new 'Energy Audits' Good Practice Guide.
What makes a successful FM?
The BIFM People Management Special Interest Group organised an evening seminar late in November focused on exactly that question. Some of the conclusions from the event are now available in a special report.
BIFM forum grapples with FM value
The latest British Institute of Facilities Management FM Leaders Forum tackled the question of whether it is possible to define FM by outputs and whether a defined 'value of FM' would help strengthen understanding.
BIFM backs accessibility initiative
The British Institute of Facilities Management is one of six professional organisations that have signed up to a new government-backed education project to promote accessibility in the built environment.
How good is FM at innovation?
Innovation gets talked about a lot in facilities management. Clients and service providers are both looking for new and better ways to do things. Is there a 'best' way to tackle the challenge?
Interserve builds on training commitment
The first facilities management employer to become an accredited centre for the BIFM Level 3 qualification has now teamed up with training provider Xenon to deliver the BIFM Level 4.
McGregor-Smith to chair public services board
MITIE Chief Executive Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE has been confirmed as the new chair of the CBI's Public Services Strategy Board, taking over from Interserve CEO Adrian Ringrose.
BIFM to develop contract advice
The institute has announced that next year it will be carrying out 'a series of activities' intended to raise awareness of how successful contracts and relationships can be established within the facilities management sector.
RICS offers strategic advice
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched a 'Think Strategic' campaign, offering free news and advice from industry experts to FM practitioners.
FM to get the ITN treatment
The British Institute of Facilities Management has joined forces with television company ITN Productions in a new video content partnership.
Bird's eye view of FM
We're all guilty of it. Say 'FM' and the picture that comes to mind is the corporate office environment. But there are facilities managers working in all kinds of places, including the cable car system that spans the Thames.
Managing the crowded FM calendar
There seem to be more events than ever taking place in facilities management these days, from formal conferences to informal networking opportunities.
Kortens confirmed as next BIFM Chair
The British Institute of Facilities Management has confirmed that Julie Kortens, Head of Corporate Services at Channel 4, will be the 12th Chairman of the institute.
JLL becomes BIFM training centre
Jones Lang LaSalle has become the first property and asset management firm to be named a BIFM Recognised Centre.
RICS takes FM message on the road
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recently teamed up with EuroFM in Brussels to host an event focused on making FM more strategic.
RICS and Workplace Law team up for case studies
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has partnered with specialist advisor Workplace Law to produce a series of case studies drawn from the facilities management industry.
RICS names head of NI FM group
Stephen Welch, the Northern Ireland Assembly's Director of Facilities and Keeper of the House, has been named as the first chair of the new RICS Northern Ireland Facilities Management Professional Group.
FM leaders tackle construction
The BIFM's most recent FM Leaders Forum focused on early engagement of facilities management in the construction process.
RICS to launch FM guidance
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is set to launch a new Global Strategic Facilities Management Guidance Note today, Monday 4 November.
BIFM pressing for Level 3 recognition
The British Institute of Facilities Management has submitted an application to the Department of Education, supported by leading FM employers, for its Level 3 Diploma to be included in the 2016 Key Stage 4 Performance Tables.
Defining the FM consultant's role
There's a challenge, defining something that is about as diverse as the industry itself.
ISS tackles future of FM
Facilities management must help to align workplaces with the increasing pace of change that organisations face, the service provider argues in a new publication.
Social media & FM
Social media has revolutionised how we communicate, and it is spreading rapidly into FM. Are we at the beginning of an experiment; or is this now a proven tool?
BIFM confirms 'strategic intent'
Following a year preparing the ground, the British Institute of Facilities Management has published a new strategic intent statement setting out its mission, vision and values.
The single vs bundled debate
Though this argument may rumble on forever, it's worth remembering that the critical issue for the service provider is to supply the right response to the client organisation's needs and expectations.
Making cross-border FM work
The popular view of pan-European FM outsourcing projects is that they are too difficult. There are too many cultural, legislative and financial differences to overcome.
Do we know where we're going in FM?
Facilities management is at least as much about how organisations get to their ultimate objectives as it is those objectives themselves.
Testing times for the BIFM
Following a period of huge uncertainty surrounding the BIFM, which culminated in a significant restructuring of the board and management team in 2011, the institute's fortunes appear to be turning.
Thinking beyond FM's walls
As businesses look to develop their reputations for delivering high quality customer experiences, it is increasingly clear that FM has a key role to play.
A voice, but how unified and how strong?
Eight out of ten FMs think a unified voice for the industry would be a good thing. But does current talk of merger bring us any closer to the goal?
Mixed feelings about proposed merger
There has been much speculation in recent months about the possible merger of institutions and associations within the UK facilities management industry. So what do practising FMs think of the idea?
BIFM offers guide on accessibility
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched its latest good practice guide, focusing on FM's role in accessibility and the Equality Act.
Rebidding: finding your strategic contribution
As a part of the customer value chain, FM providers may have an opportunity to add value beyond simply the scope of the existing contract.
Who understands facilities management?
Unfortunately it appears that many of FM's customers, the end users in corporate organisations, do not.
BIFM abandons merger
The British Institute of Facilities Management has withdrawn from the merger discussions it had entered into with Asset Skills, CSSA and the FMA.
Demonstrating the success of FM
Here's a fact: FM is not as good as it should be in making its own case for the value it delivers to every organisation in which it operates.
BIFM reassures on merger talks
The BIFM has issued an update on the potential merger of UK FM groups to form a single united body to represent facilities management.
The value of brand research
Our Brand Survey, reported on over the past several weeks, has been amongst the most viewed items on our site in recent months. But why is this the case?
FMA sees first certificates awarded
Fifteen candidates have passed the Facilities Management Association Certificate Course, the association reports.
BIFM publishes good practice guides
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched two new Good Practice Guides, focused on the subjects of benchmarking and space planning and management.
FM brands: buyer vs provider perceptions
Do buyers of facilities management services judge the brands of service providers differently to the way they are judged by the providers themselves?
Rebidding: know what you are talking about
FM contract rebidding expert Nigel Thacker argues that if you are starting your communications strategy about the time you are preparing your rebid submission, you may have left it too late.
Rebidding: talk about it
In the latest in our series on rebidding for FM contracts, Nigel Thacker takes on the issues of communication.
Defining TFM
Total Facilities Management seems to offer so much promise to both clients and service providers; but with no agreed definition, it is hard to know what works, when it works and why.
Getting what you pay for
The UK facilities management and facilities services markets are plagued by a focus on cost, rather than quality or value.
FM still not strategic
New research by Workplace Law shows that most client organisations still do not view facilities management as a strategic business function.
FM and the leadership challenge
The recent RICS FM panel debate raised a whole series of issues around the state of the industry, its professional status and its future.
BIFM partners with DWP to support growth
The British Institute of Facilities Management and the Department of Work and Pensions have signed a partnership agreement that will see them working together to support future growth in the facilities and workplace management sector.
Case study initiative gathers pace
The RICS panel discussion held earlier this week was just the latest in a long line of events that left people in the FM industry wondering why we aren't better at promoting the value this discipline delivers every day.
Shepheard named to BSI committee
Craig Shepheard has been confirmed as the new British Institute of Facilities Management representative on the British Standards Institution FMW/1 Facilities Management Committee.
BIFM tackles benchmarking
The latest topic on the agenda at the BIFM's Facilities Management Leaders Forum was the role of benchmarking in FM.
Moving on up: careers in FM
Chris Morris writes: It's an unfortunate cliché in the facilities management sector that a large proportion of practitioners admit to having found their way into the job by chance, often claiming to have 'fallen into it'.
RICS, BIFM and CoreNet consulting on FM
A working group led by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is urging facilities management professionals worldwide to help shape a Strategic Facilities Management Guidance Note.
Putting accreditation on the agenda
Senior FMs carry substantial responsibility for management of risk, control of cost, protection of employee well-being: factors that impact directly on corporate strategy as well as the bottom line.
Putting energy into FM
Asset Skills has been commissioned to review the existing National Occupational Standards for facilities management, with the aim of ensuring that energy management and efficiency are fully reflected in the content.
Licensed FMs: an idea for our times?
At a recent BIFM event, when the discussion turned to professional qualifications David Emanuel argued that practitioners should be licensed in order to raise standards and the industry profile.
FM bodies plan to unite
The British Institute of Facilities Management, Asset Skills, the Facilities Management Association and the Cleaning and Support Services Association have agreed to the concept of uniting to form a single body.
BIFM extends off-shore strategy
The British Institute of Facilities Management has moved into exotic new territory (relatively speaking) with the launch of a dedicated Branch for the Channel Islands.
Workplace Law opens leadership research
Workplace Law has launched a new research initiative, focusing on leadership, in advance of June's ThinkFM conference.
Making a better case for FM
Martin Pickard, Conference Chair at Workplace Futures 2013, looks back at a long list of challenging issues facing FM but concludes the overall message is a positive one.
Is FMA membership worth the cost?
Long-time FM service provider and consultant Mark Purnell doesn't think so.
White Paper tackles FM partnerships
The Workplace Futures 2013 conference was shaped around some of the central challenges facing UK FM as it looks for its next step in development. The post-conference white paper captures the event's insights and advice.
RICS Wales launches FM group
The RICS Wales Facilities Management Professional Group was given its formal launch at a meeting in Cardiff last week.
FM must face challenge of the future
The FM industry can continue to grow and evolve if it accepts emerging trends as a catalyst for action, according to a BIFM-led forum.
BIFM tackles procurement challenge
The role of procurement in facilities management was the subject debated at the British Institute of Facilities Management's second Facilities Management Leaders Forum.
Shaping a future for FM
Amidst all the talk about what FM is becoming and what it could be, there are some serious efforts underway aimed at defining a route to both greater recognition and greater value.
RICS identifies key themes in FM
The Institution's Facilities Management Professional Group recently hosted an industry event that focused on five themes shaping FM now and for the future.
IFMA to take on jobs challenge
The IFMA Foundation and IFMA Spain, with the support of EuroFM, are gearing up to take on the hugely complex task of defining job profiles in facilities management.
BIFM Ireland Region launches new branch
The British Institute of Facilities Management's Ireland Region has established a new Southern Branch, the first such branch outside of the UK.
FMA opens door to RICS membership
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has confirmed that holders of the FMA Certificate will now qualify for AssocRICS membership.
CIOB looking to build FM group
The Chartered Institute of Building is inviting applications to join the board of its Facilities Management Group.
BIFM adds Level 3 qualifications
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched new Level 3 qualifications, completing its training suite.
Xenon launches BIFM Level 3 programme
Following the introduction of the new BIFM Level 3 qualifications, accredited tuition provider Xenon Group says it is ready to deliver the programme in workshop, blended learning and distance learning formats.
FM bodies failing employers, Cracknell declares
Chris Cracknell, Chief Executive of OCS Group and Chair of Asset Skills, has challenged membership bodies within facilities management to do a better job of promoting and developing the industry.
New guide to asset management
Asset management is a big topic in FM and other related disciplines, but the jargon can be baffling. A new free guide offers help.
Shifting the focus to management
There is a strong argument to be made that the most successful FM is a little about facilities and a lot about management. But day to day practice is easily diverted by the former.
FM not strategic enough: RICS report
A new report published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors concludes that the average Head of Facilities spends less than one day a week dedicated to planning and strategy, despite the importance of strategic FM to business.
FM is the key to BIM's potential
Facilities management professionals must engage with the developing building information modelling agenda to realise the full potential that BIM holds for delivering value and cost savings over a building's lifetime.
Asset Skills offers FM career guide
The sector skills agency has published a wide-ranging introduction and overview covering career opportunities in facilities management.
ISS unveils student competition
ISS Sweden has launched a competition for students at Swedish universities, offering scholarships in return for new ideas in FM.
More TV exposure for FM
'Careers in Facilities Management: A world of choice and opportunity' will air on 24 October at 8.30pm.
Integral to take the message to Malaysia
Mark Whittaker, Integral UK's Business Development Manager, has been invited by Liverpool John Moores University and the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia to be the key speaker at a major industry event in Pahang next month.
Is BPO the future of FM?
It would certainly seem to be, as the logical conclusion to this industry's development pattern so far.
FM to make its case on air
Here's a date for your diary. 'Facilities Management: the Business Case' airs on Wednesday 17 October.
What next for the FMA?
The Facilities Management Association is riding a wave of publicity generated by its new MBA programme. Can it build on this to secure its position as 'a voice for UK FM'?
BIFM: getting ready for the future
Change has been the theme at the industry's professional institute for the past year, impacting everything from the top on down.
FMA launches MBA opportunity
The Facilities Management Association has launched an MBA programme in association with Sheffield Hallam University designed to provide experienced FMs with a route to a top-level degree.
How does FM demonstrate its value?
New research sheds some light on one of the key long-standing questions in facilities management, how to demonstrate value across the spectrum from end users to board decision-makers.
Ready for the future?
Demand for integrated FM contracts may be on course to outstrip single service and bundled deals. Growing interest means a growing need for information: what should buyers do to increase the chances of success?
Asset management and data quality
The best decisions are based on the best information; but delivering that information may be a case of easier said than done.
Asset Skills publishes career guidance
FM's sector skills council has launched a series of new web pages that set out the benefits of facilities management as a career choice and offer guidance on how to get started.
Lean thinking finds a place in FM
'Lean' is a management concept that has been around for years, proving itself highly effective in a variety of settings. Is it the next big thing in facilities management?
Report raises 'profound questions' about direction of CRE & FM industry
Leading insurance group Zurich has published a report about the future of the corporate real estate and facilities management industry following an online forum hosted and run by the company early this year.
New BIFM board members confirmed
A number of board appointments were announced at yesterday's British Institute of Facilities Management annual general meeting.
Goodwill spreads across FM
This seems to be the outcome of a RICS-hosted debate on UK facilities management.
Has FM stalled?
Recession has certainly put a dampener on the strong growth trend that this industry has historically enjoyed. But even if it hadn’t, a reasonable argument can be made that the trend would be levelling anyway as we settle into maturity.
BIFM accounts make grim reading
The Institute plunged deeply into the red in 2011, but the management team is satisfied that the trend is now upward with current performance said to be ahead of targets.
First chair of BIFM Members' Council named
Ashley Rogers will take up the newly created role of Chair of Members' Council from 12 July, serving a two-year term.
Something worth saying
Effective PR is one of those things that looks simple but in reality isn't.
Measuring social media ROI
Can you measure the return on your social media investment, and if so, how? The answers are yes and carefully.
Strong on price, weak on value
Is this the emerging shape of FM, as clients continue to be driven by cost concerns and as procurement strategies undermine the promises of collaboration?
FM's mid-life crisis
This industry needs to change. It needs to stop being pushed down the commoditisation path and start blazing a trail towards real value.
Public sector growth market
It's a sure bet that the outsourcing market across central and local government bodies will grow strongly over the next several years. Is FM ready for that?
RICS paints itself into a corner
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has once again demonstrated that it's not really sure how to talk to anyone who is not a surveyor.
Broadbent leaves BIFM early
Ian Broadbent has handed over the responsibilities of the role of Chairman to Ismena Clout, Chairman Elect. The move comes two months ahead of the scheduled July handover date.
RICS launches consultation on FM standards
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has opened a 'global industry consultation' on strategic facilities management standards, focusing on three draft documents.
White Paper tackles directions for the future
Under the theme 'new needs; new solutions?', the 2012 Workplace Futures conference was shaped around some of the central challenges facing UK FM as it reaches maturity. The post-conference paper captures the insights and advice.
Loud ties, forceful words, committed supporter
Who in FM fits that description better than our own David Emanuel?
Whose job is asset management?
A new draft standard on asset management principles and policies makes no mention of facilities management.
Everitt, Byatt gone from BIFM
The latest news of major change at the British Institute of Facilities Management sees the elimination of two top-level positions at the organisation's HQ.
Make the time to think
Thinking about your organisation, its needs, the possible solutions and your role in that may sound like a luxury in FM, but it pays off.
Making the case for FM standards
Recent research puts the number of official standards relevant to FM practice at over 250. And then there are the still-under-development FM standards themselves.
Making yourself stand out
Differentiation is one of those slippery marketing concepts that is easy to talk about but quite a bit more difficult to do effectively.
What next for the BIFM?
It might just be that we are seeing an Institute in the midst of its next big step forward in organisational maturity.
The future of FM
Wouldn't it be good if somehow UK FM could pause to consider where it is now and where it wants to go, make some decisions, then return to action with a strategy in place.
What next for the BIFM?
The industry wants to know.
Fielder leaves BIFM
Ian Fielder, CEO of the British Institute of Facilities Management, has announced his resignation with immediate effect.
More FM standards published
CEN, the European Committee for Standardisation, has published another four facilities management standards.
Man of the Year
Chris Stoddart, the 2011 BIFM Facilities Manager of the Year, blends extensive experience in construction and FM with commitment, determination and just plain likeability.
RICS launches 2nd professional FM survey
For the second year, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is using the Total Workplace Management show as the backdrop for a survey on attitudes towards facilities management.
No sense in chartership for FM
The news that the BIFM is to look formally at the possibility of going for chartered status has been met with a strong argument against the concept from one highly experienced FM.
BIFM to look at chartered option
In a remarkable turnaround of policy, the BIFM says it is actively considering applying for chartered body status.
Value engineering
FM is ideally placed to help define and convey organisational values. But there is some work to be done before anyone goes too far down this route.
BIFM restructures membership
The Institute says that introducing changes to membership grading will allow for 'clearer steps of progression and greater professional recognition and status'.
FM standards looking for ISO status
The Technical Committee behind the development of European standards for facilities management is seeking to get them recognised as ISO standards.
Spreading the FM message
If there is one point that virtually everyone in FM would agree with it is probably that the discipline does not get the recognition it deserves. Should we worry about that? Should we do something about it?
Crossword Update
The deadline for our World FM Day crossword challenge has been extended to 7 July.
FMs known and loved in the US
A survey of American businesses has found that most employees know who their FM is and what he or she does. And three-quarters report the FM has 'saved the day' for them at least once.
New city gets an FM boost
Those responsible for the management of the workplace and the provision of facilities support products and services need to raise their profile in order to gain recognition for the contribution they make to the organisations they serve and to UK plc.
FM companies looking towards growth
IFMA's most recent Facilities Snapshot poll shows an increase in the number of companies expecting to grow their property portfolios and planning to recruit new staff.
What is the qualifications debate about?
Leaving aside the eternal question 'what is FM', the issues surrounding qualifications must be the most discussed subject in the industry, certainly over the past year.
IFMA names top 10 trends shaping FM
The International Facility Management Association has identified ten trends, all interacting at different times and in different ways, to impact the future of the discipline.
White Paper: realising the value of FM
A White Paper, published today, aims to bring some much-needed clarity to the decision-making process involved in implementing a strategy for FM.
The wrong conversation?
If you are trying to weigh up the merits of service delivery via in-house, bundled or TFM routes, you may be starting the decision-making process in the wrong place.
IFMA set to launch sustainability credential
The International Facility Management Association is on the brink of adding a third strand to its credentials suite.
Where does FM go from here?
Workplace Futures, the annual conference organised by i-FM, has demonstrated once again that UK facilities management is a vital, dynamic and successful industry but at the same time fractured, confusing and unclear about its direction for the future.
FM: career of choice
Low recognition factor, confusing and under-promoted qualifications structure, chronic skill shortages, middle-age male stereotype: these are issues with which any campaign to 'professionalise' FM has to struggle.
Are FM providers their own worst enemy?
Quite possibly, if they don't work to carve out a unique identity or a specialist territory in this crowded and competitive marketplace.
Who says FMs are interested in qualifications?
Of course some are, and it could be argued that industry organisations are right in working to grow the number; but they have a big challenge on their hands, according to our latest survey of frontline practitioners.
RICS survey results back chartered FM option
The majority opinion in this industry is that not enough has been done to promote recognition of the value of FM within the corporate world and a single chartered-status qualification would go a long way toward remedying that fact.
BIFM reports on qualifications take-up
Since the March 2010 launch of the new FM qualifications system, over 200 candidates have registered at levels 4, 5 and 6, according to the British Institute of Facilities Management.
Global FM confirms new board
The 'group for FM groups' has named the Directors who will sit on its board for the next two years.
FMA to endorse member training programmes
The Facilities Management Association, the trade association for FM, is set to launch a programme of formal endorsement for member companies' training schemes and courses.
FM has gone strategic: new research
According to US-based market research firm Aberdeen Group, the state of the economy has propelled facilities management to strategic significance for organisations around the world.
BSI adds to FM standards
The latest British Standard aims to ensure that design takes account of expected performance when new facilities are in use.
Emanuel calls for change at BIFM
i-FM Managing Director David Emanuel has resigned from both the BIFM Members Council and the Institute itself, and issued a strong call for action to others who believe change is needed.
FM qualifications: spoiled for choice
The news that the International Facility Management Association has revamped its FMP credentials programme, giving it an updated international focus, raises the question once again: how do aspiring FMs choose?
IFMA unveils 'enhanced' professional credential
The International Facility Management Association is on the verge of rolling out a revamped Facility Management Professional qualification.
Is FM getting the job done?
The answer is probably yes when you look at the management of services at individual organisations; but quite probably no when you look across the market, let alone the development of the industry as a whole.
John Davis dies
John Davis, CEO of facilities recruitment specialist FRL and long-standing proponent for the FM industry, has died.
Time to reposition FM?
What is FM and where does it belong in the organisation is a debate that's at least as old as the discipline itself. But maybe we have reached a level of a maturity where it is time for a change.
What’s the point of CPD?
Too many reporting and certification schemes miss the point. Professionalism is not about ticking boxes; it is about experience, value and reputation.
Keep in touch
Big, dynamic, confusing, messy even: welcome to the UK FM marketplace.
BIFM and FMA in MoU
The Facilities Management Association and the British Institute of Facilities Management have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to form a basis for working together.
Atkins retains CIPS accreditation
Management specialist Atkins has been re-accredited with the globally recognised procurement certification from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
EUFM closed down
The would-be cross-border networking group has folded having failed to attract sufficient support in a diverse and often quite fractured marketplace.
Making stuff happen
That's what facilities managers do; it's something to be proud of; and it's something to promote.
IFMA plans for growth
Tony Keane, appointed CEO at the International Facility Management Association earlier this year, is on a mission to update the organisation, enhance services to members and grow around the world.
Big questions remain around professional development
There is considerable confusion and a huge lack of communication over what development paths and opportunities exist in this industry says John Davis, one of the most experienced recruiters in UK FM.
Jane Wiggins, now a source of advice
One of the UK FM's best known trainers is set to become a published author.
More questions than answers at YMF event
Anyone who was expecting war to break out when the Young Managers Forum brought senior representation from BIFM and RICS together will be disappointed. Peace spread across the land instead.
Defining a role for the intelligent client
What role the main client contact should play, when and how is something the outsourcing industry has never come to grips with.
Call for formal accreditation of safety consultants
Professional body the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health is renewing its call for health and safety consultants to be subject to a formal programme of accreditation.
i-FM in Brief hits the stands
Metaphorically speaking, that is. Over night, our new monthly newsletter has been emailed to more than 30000 facilities managers.
Join Us on LinkedIn
i-FM has created a new group on the networking site LinkedIn to facilitate the sharing of news, information and views within the facilities management sector.
FMA builds for growth
Yesterday's Facilities Management Association AGM, its 15th, saw the organisation making some key moves in its strategy for growth.
Asset Skills seeks qualifications assessors
The sector skills council has put out a call for facilities management professionals to become industry assessors for a range of new vocational qualifications.
FMA forges link with FM thinktank
A unique deal between the FM industry trade association and an FM research body promises to raise levels of competence and competitiveness in the sector.
FM salaries static but realistic
The landscape of FM hasn’t changed vastly over the last 12 months, and as unemployment rates stand at their lowest in a quarter there are signs that hope is beginning to pervade the market for the first time in a long time.
BIFM confirms new Chair and Deputies
The BIFM Members’ Council has elected Ian Broadbent as the Institute's next Chairman.
Getting the story straight for FM
Size, composition and history all work against the development of the coherence this industry needs as a foundation for effective marketing of the FM brand.
Too many qualifications, not enough value
With over 80 accredited qualification options available within FM, perhaps it is no surprise that prospective employers put little weight on that particular element of a candidate's CV.
Qualifications website aims to help
In the face of ongoing change in, and considerable confusion about, qualifications in the facilities sector two government bodies have teamed up to launch a new website that aims to clarify and advise.
Opening the door to more new FMs
More qualifications and clearer career pathways are what this industry needs. Continued growth and professionalisation depend on more young people coming into FM by choice.
BSI launches FM standards consultation
The British Standards Institute is in the process of developing a series of new standards for facilities management.
RICS confirms new FM qualification
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has formally announced the launch of its new membership grade for facilities managers, a potentially significant initiative first reported on i-FM in November.
Wilson leaves BIFM Board
Dave Wilson has resigned from the Board of the BIFM with immediate effect.
How to move FM closer to centre stage
Organisational change and the consequent changes in how people use space are facts of life. The added pressure that recession is bringing to this could open up a new opportunity for facilities management.
Wrapping up ten years of FM on the web
Over much of 2009, our tenth anniversary year, we have been building a collection of views, reviews and news on a dedicated section of the site.
Meeting the industry's needs for the future
FM today is a very different business than it was ten years ago. Is it time for industry institutes and associations to recognise that and change too?
BIFM names Xenon as first recognised training centre
Xenon Group, the West Yorkshire-based facilities management support company, is to be the first tuition provider to deliver the new Levels 4, 5 and 6 FM qualifications.
Getting the priorities right for practising FMs
An incompetent facilities manager has greater potential to kill, injure or harm staff, customers or neighbours than any other manager in most organisations.
BIFM in call for papers
The BIFM has issued a call for papers for its next annual conference.
Professionalising FM
With the BIFM and RICS both moving to enhance the qualification opportunities they offer to rising FMs, the prospects for practitioners seeking a mark of distinction have never looked better.
Schloss backs FM charity group
Lisanne Schloss, Vice President for Property Services for Morgan Stanley, has thrown her support behind the FM Charity Network Forum, the group for all FMs working in the charity sector.
RICS move draws questions
The decision by the surveyors' professional body to redefine its qualifications process has been greeted with scepticism by at least one facilities manager.
A unique chance to express your views on FM
Workplace Law is offering FMs an opportunity to record their views and opinions about the industry next week in a dedicated 'diary room'. The results will be aired at a conference in February.
RICS to launch non-degree FM qualification
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has restructured its qualifications programme to open up a route to chartered status for professionals with experience but no higher education degree.
Ten people that help explain what FM is about
Ask ten people what FM is and you'll get ten different answers; not only that, you'll get ten different background stories and ten different points of view on the future.
Keeping up with compliance requirements
2009 is shaping up to be a busy year for legislation, both new and revised, that will impact on FMs.
Middle East gets its own FMA
Dubai-based FMs have secured the government support they need to establish an independent association for facilities managers.
More on the chartership question
Hot on the heels of last week's College of Estate Management lecture focusing on the issue of chartered status in facilities management, the results of our latest straw poll suggest there may be some real interest in this amongst practising FMs.
Is it time for FM to be chartered?
Some thought the choice of venue, the Cabinet War Rooms, was particularly appropriate given the level of pre-event discussion that Tuesday evening's College of Estate Management lecture had generated.
Bridging the collaboration gap
The recent London FM conference was in many ways a model of effective collaboration which is, of course, a fundamental principle in facilities management.
Iain Murray thinks big
The Chardfm Managing Director and BIFM Chairman is nothing if not enthusiastic.
BIFM confirms changes to membership and qualifications
The BIFM has now overhauled its membership structure, introducing a new grade of Certified Member, denoted by the post-nominals CBIFM. This replaces the BIFM (Qual).
RICS builds sustainability into official guidance
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is using its official guidance mechanism to drive the sustainability agenda and ensure that members use their expertise to promote sustainable approaches to their work in land, property and construction.
More on the RICS guidance on FM
Does anyone else think it is strange that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors did not consult any other industry body in developing its 'pioneering' guidance on facilities management?
RICS launches 'pioneering' FM standards
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors claims to have broken new ground in setting standards in facilities management with the launch of its new White Book, intended as a 'definitive practice guide' for members working in FM.
World FM Day declared a success
Facilities management associations and professionals on five different continents recognised the contributions FM makes to the built environment at the end of August according to Global FM.
New website for FM Charity Network
The FM Charity Network Forum has launched a new website featuring a refreshed approach to FM, as well as new functions including discussion pages and a jobs board.
Deadline looms on landmark FM survey
Our latest online market survey is due to close on Friday. If you haven't already taken part, please do before the end of the week. There is still time to enter the prize draw, too.
BIFM unveils World FM Day plans
The BIFM has confirmed its plans for celebrating the first-ever World FM Day on Friday, 28 August.
BIFM welcomes access to the professions report
The BIFM has welcomed the conclusions of the final report from the Panel on Fair Access to the Professions.
Welcome to the all-new i-FM
i-FM is ten years old this year! We are celebrating with the launch of a completely redesigned site, supported with refreshed back-end systems to ensure our users have fast and easy access to our full content.
RICS White Book for FMs published this month
This month sees the publication of the first part of the White Book. Rosemary Elder's review for PFM's July issue – reproduced below - explains how this overarching FM Guidance Note covers the strategic role of FM in business performance.
BIFM restructures
The British Institute of Facilities Management is overhauling its staff structure and making several key appointments to ensure it can meet the challenges of both its own strategy and the current economic climate.
FMA and BAR in strategic alliance
The Facilities Management Association and the British Association of Removers have formed a strategic alliance in order to build effective working relationships between the two organisations' members.
Workplace Law tie-up to benefit FMA members
The Facilities Management Association is to offer its members access to the range of consulting, training and advice on employment law, health & safety and premises management available from Workplace Law Group.
Promoting FM: whose job is it?
Of the half dozen or so institutions and associations that count facilities management professionals amongst their members, none is promoting the role and value of FM as it could or should.
BIFM plans changes
Redefinition of the top accreditation and introduction of a new membership category are amongst the proposals set to be voted on at next month's BIFM annual general meeting.
Who speaks for FM?
With facilities management so fundamental to day-to-day operations, to sustainability and indeed to overall business success, you might think it would enjoy a high profile outside the confines of the discipline.
FM: where are we going with this industry?
We have, at least for the time being, left behind the debate about what FM actually means Ð though there is at least one alternative interpretation that seems particularly apt from time to time.
Varcoe named CoreNet chairman
Barry Varcoe, Director of Group Property at the Royal Bank of Scotland, starts a one-year term as Chairman of the professional association of corporate real estate and workplace executives, CoreNet, later this month.
BIFM refreshes its act
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched a new brand identity to reflect a change in its mission statement and a renewed focus on progress.
FMA backs CBI proposals for 2009 Budget
The Facilities Management Association has weighed in with full support for a range of proposals developed by the CBI and passed to Chancellor Alistair Darling in advance of the next Budget.
Does this work pay?
A Fair Pay Network campaign targeting Premier League football clubs has highlighted the issue of pay rates for facilities services staff.
BIFM confirms deputy chair election results
Voting at its February meeting, the British Institute of Facilities Management MembersÕ Council elected Ian Broadbent as one of two Deputy Chairmen of the Institute.
BIFM sparks new relationship with ECA
The British Institute of Facilities Management has signed a formal 'Partners in FM Excellence' agreement with the Electrical Contractors' Association.
IFMA: a return to the 'global domination' strategy?
IFMA's education department is set to kick off a research exercise aimed at defining the roles and responsibilities that characterise the job of facilities manager worldwide.
Are you ready for World FM Day?
Global FM, the alliance of FM member organisations, has declared 28 August 2009 as World FM Day.
BIFM plans action on qualifications
This year will see significant progress towards the BIFM's goal of ensuring its professional qualifications are the preferred choice for facilities managers, the Institute says.
Aussies opt for IFMA badge
The Facility Management Association of Australia has dropped its own member accreditation system, replacing it with the credentials offered by the International Facility Management Association.
Survey puts a value on professionalism
Individuals that hold professional qualifications and membership stand to gain £152,000 in additional earnings over the course of their career, a new analysis of the UK workforce shows.
FM groups report busy Q4
Our regular quarterly review of issues and actions at the UK's leading FM organisations finds them busy with a combination of recession-defying initiatives, events and even growth.
FM pioneers named
The BIFM's fortnightly magazine has compiled a list of key players who have helped to create and steer UK facilities management over the past 30 years
Is CPD the hallmark of a profession?
CPD - continuing professional development - attracts strong feelings, both positive and negative, concerning importance, relevance and effectiveness of the various systems in use.
BIFM renews partnership agreement with IFMA
The British Institute of Facilities Management and the International Facility Management Association renewed their Partners in FM Excellence agreement on 15 October at World Workplace in Dallas, Texas.
Who speaks for whom in FM?
The recent decision by the Scottish government to ban soft service outsourcing in NHS facilities has had one unexpected consequence - it has touched off a lively debate about whose job it is to speak up for FM.
Ironman does it again
Jason Cousins, Premises and Facilities Director at law firm Olswang, has become FM's second Chartered Manager.
Cost and quality: what FM is all about
In this quarter's update on views and issues at the leading facilities management organisations it's clear that the focus is at least in part on the fundamentals, as the bigger economic picture concentrates minds on what counts for FMs.
Reliance FM offers BSRIA guide
Reliance Facilities Management is backing the new BSRIA Whole-Life Costing Analysis Guide - and i-FM readers can obtain a free copy, courtesy of Reliance.
Choosing and using consultants
More and more, FMs are on the frontline when it comes to compliance. The new corporate manslaughter act is just the latest driver pushing facilities management up the boardroom agenda.
BIFM calls for papers
Submissions for BIFM's Annual Conference 2009, which will focus on sustainability, are now being invited.
Iain Murray takes over at BIFM
The British Institute of Facilities Management has a new Chairman. Iain Murray succeeded Peter Cordy in the top role at yesterday's AGM.
BIFM offers FM Taxonomy
The BIFM has unveiled the first stage of a facilities management taxonomy designed to help Institute members and the wider FM community structure their understanding of the scope of the field.
FMpedia lands achievement award
The IFMA Foundation's online FM glossary has won the 2008 Facility Management Association of Australia and Rider Levett Bucknall FM Industry Achievement Award.
New ethical procurement guide unveiled
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and the charity Traidcraft have launched a new guide entitled 'Taking the Lead,' which explores responsible procurement practices.
Built environment professions to act on climate change
Climate change topped the agenda of a recent conference organised by the Construction Industry Council for 45 Presidents, Chairmen, CEOs and senior staff from professional institutions and the professional bodies in the built environment.
FMA seeking the best young FMs
The Facilities Management Association is calling for entries for this year's Young Manager Award, one of the most prestigious prizes in UK FM.
IAOP identifies outsourcing skills set
A new report from the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals outlines the skills necessary to be a successful outsourcing professional.
Books: by FMs for FMs
Two leading figures in the UK facilities management industry have published books recently and both are getting good reviews.
FM bodies looking at new initiatives
Uncertain economic conditions may be putting a damper on the marketplace, but that's only temporary. Taking a longer term view, several FM organisations are working on changes that will impact their members - and perhaps even the wider industry.
Young Managers get high-level view on IT issues
Technology can become a stumbling block, tripping up the service relationship between FM providers and their clients. The solution may lie in more effective use of 'middleware'.
Global FM gets new chairman
At its first AGM, held in Oxford last month, the Global Facility Management Association elected Steve Gladwin as its new Chairman.
BIFM achieves Awarding Body status
Ofqual, previously the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, has recognised the British Institute of Facilities Management as an Awarding Body, opening the way to accreditation of its qualifications.
Does it matter if we can't define FM?
The arrival this year of the new SIC code for facilities services (note: not facilities management) is just the latest reminder that there is still no good definition of what this business actually comprises.
Contractor vs consultant - who's the best source of advice?
Last month Jeremy Waud argued on these pages that FM providers offer clients the best source of advice, based on their funds of specialist knowledge and practical experience. But it is not always that simple, says Tony Angel.
Young Managers tackle the mid-life crisis question
Thursday's packed-out meeting of the Young Managers Forum saw a large group of FMs - most of them far off having to worry seriously about the big four-0 arriving - take on a series of key issues in ongoing professional development.
Would you ask a contractor for consultancy services?
Suppose you were a client-side organisation, in the public or private sector, and you wanted advice on a facilities issue. Would you ring up an FM service provider or a management consultant?
CIOB names 33 FMs chartered environmentalists
The Chartered Institute of Building has awarded chartered environmentalist status to 33 facilities manager members.
Murray to be new BIFM chair
Iain Murray was elected as the new Chairman of the BIFM at a meeting of the Institute's Members' Council held today.
Quarterly update: all about development
Skills and career development are on the agenda at many of the organisations supporting FM in the UK. And there is some further organisational development going on at a few of them, as well.
How to make it onto the buyer's shortlist
When it comes to putting potential suppliers on the shortlist for consideration, buyers use a whole range of different criteria. But the focus is on hard measures for contract performance evaluation later.
FM: time for a change
Facilities management as a recognisable discipline is getting on for 30 years old. Now is the time for some fresh thought and renewed vigour to stave off commoditisation and stagnation.
BIFM agrees strategy to 2012
The British Institute of Facilities Management has agreed a new strategic plan for the medium-term.
Workplace conference content now online
The full content of last week's well-received Workplace Futures conference is now available online.
Big picture view is critical to FM's future
Specialists in FM, property and ICT must learn to view the workplace as an integrated whole. And facilities managers, in particular, must learn to speak the language of the boardroom.
Costs top FM priorities for 2008
Facilities management isn't only about cost control - but that concern lies close to the top of every FM's agenda.
Paid better but getting older - that's FM
For anyone looking to break into FM, this is the time to do it. The workforce is ageing, but at the same time there has been a jump in salaries for those entering the industry.
Global FM plans training workshop
Global FM plans to bring public and private sector representatives together from countries around the world to focus on education and training issues in an event that coincides with the BIFM annual conference.
ODA seeks FM
The Olympic Delivery Authority is advertising for a Director of Venues and Facilities Management.
BIFM launches Rising FMs SIG
A new Rising FMs special interest group has been launched by the British Institute of Facilities Management for FMs of any age who are new to the business and keen to develop their careers.
Reports provide insight into UK FM
Recognise this person? Male, far side of 40, little or no formal education for the job he does, working in a different field from the one in which he started. That's right - he's a facilities manager.
New for you on i-FM
Three new additions to our content touch on some of the most important issues in the marketplace today.
IFMA launches FMpedia
The International Facility Management Association foundation has launched a free online facilities management glossary.
IFMA backs OSCRE property standards
The International Facility Management Association has thrown its weight behind OSCRE, the Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate, which is aiming to establish standards for workplace data.
Sq ft safe from the EU bogeyman
The UK's long-standing ambivalence about going metric has moved into a new phase with the announcement by the European Commission of plans to change EU law to allow indefinite use of miles, yards, feet and inches, pints and pounds and ounces.
Quarterly update: all about change
Change is the consistent theme running through the reports from UK FM organisations, published today on i-FM.
i-FM launches new jobs site
i-FM Jobs, already the leader in online access to new opportunities in facilities management, has had a major makeover.
You get what you ask for
Facilities management is no place for the lazy - or even the easily satisfied. If we get sloppy about performance, we'll live to regret it.
FM's influential women named
FM World, the magazine of the British Institute of Facilities Management, has compiled a list of the 20 most influential women in the facilities management sector.
RIBA unveils five-year plan
Responding to the needs and expectations of its members, the Royal Institute of British Architects has developed a strategic plan setting out where it should be by 2012 and the priorities that need to be addressed in order to get there.
RIBA Chartered Practice scheme ready to go live
The Royal Institute of British Architects says it already has 'thousands of practices' signed up its new Chartered Practice accreditation scheme, which is due to go live from 1 July.
Survey reveals FM responding to economy and social pressures
A survey by the British Institute of Facilities Management shows those working in FM believe it will expand within their organisations over the next five years.
BIFM hosts forum to make FM 'career of choice'
The British Institute of Facilities Management has hosted a forum at the new Wembley Stadium to involve employers in its professional development strategy.
IFMA moves Euro services to Texas
From July all membership services for IFMA members in Europe will be administered from IFMA's global headquarters in Houston, Texas.
FMA deal yields first chartered FM
Victoria Bradley, Consultant at BT, has become the first Chartered Manager under an agreement reached earlier this year by the Facilities Management Association and the Chartered Management Institute.
Arsenal scores!
Arsenal's landmark Emirates Stadium opened nearly a year ago. So what has it been like for the man in charge of operations?
How far does convergence go?
Bringing FM and property services together for the benefit of clients is a start - but doesn't go far enough in some cases.
FM organisations positive about prospects
Recruitment of more good people and skills development for those already in the sector are the key themes driving programmes at industry organisations.
Anti-corruption manual launched
Transparency International, an organisation dedicated to fighting corruption anywhere it is found, has unveiled the 'Anti-Corruption Training Manual' specifically for the built environment.
Global FM reports 'significant progress'
Global FM, whose vision is 'to create the worldwide community of organisations that provides leadership in facilities management', has issued a brief report on its progress.
Glass resigns from BIFM Board
Michael Glass has resigned from the BIFM Board, effective immediately.
What next for Global FM?
Global FM, which positions itself as a worldwide alliance of FM organisations, is firmly established - but what is it doing and where is it going?
IFMA forecast underlines link to core business
Future success for FM will depend on establishing the link between facilities management and an organisation's core business strategy.
Wilson new deputy at BIFM
Dave Wilson, Corporate Services Director at Macro, has been elected a Deputy Chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management.
FM should be in at the start
Involving facilities management expertise in the construction process - right from the start, beginning with the concept and design stages - delivers significant overall benefits.
France and Hungary join Global FM
ARSEG and HFMA, the French and Hungarian FM associations respectively, have become members of Global FM, the alliance of national FM groups.
New features: unique views on FM
There was one 'odd one out' in the gang of four that launched FM company Macro in 2002 - Alison Hartigan.
Gooding joins BIFM Members Council
WSP Knowledge Solutions Managing Director Nigel Gooding is to join the Members Council of the British Institute of Facilities Management, representing BIFM corporate members.
Rising stars call for mentoring strategy for FM
A group of young FMs is to host a fringe event at this month's BIFM conference focused on attracting more experienced colleagues to become mentors for new recruits to the profession.
Shake-up for BIFM member's council
The BIFM Members' Council is to review its mission and rules of engagement following a workshop held earlier this week.
BIFM welcomes chartered FM initiative
Reacting to the news that FMs are soon to have a new opportunity to pursue chartered status, a spokesman for the BIFM told i-FM: 'BIFM welcomes any initiative that furthers the status and professional development of facilities managers'.
BIFM to question FMs on key challenges for 2007
The British Institute of Facilities Management, in collaboration with business advisors BDO Stoy Hayward, is to quiz FMs on what they think are the key challenges in 2007.
Chartered status now available for FMs
The Facilities Management Association and the Chartered Management Institute today signed a Memorandum of Understanding bringing chartered status within reach of FMs with a management background.
Reliance develops its own passport
Reliance Integrated Services has launched its own skills passport for facilities managers.
BIFM reminds on bird flu guidance
The British Institute of Facilities Managers has today reminded FMs that it issued a briefing on the facilities management response to the risk of an outbreak of bird flu in the UK last year.
Gagging Orders: a comment
Michael Glass writes: I was first alerted to your article, which opens with the line 'Publish my interview and I could be thrown off the Board ', by the BIFM Communications & External Affairs Manager.
Avoiding the pitfalls of cross-border FM
Implementing a successful national FM contract is hard enough. Introduce a multi-national dimension and you're likely to be in for a real challenge.
BIFM chokes on Chairman's interview
Earlier this month, I interviewed Mick Dalton following his two-year term as Chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management, the only such interview Mick has given. But you won't be reading it.
BCO launches occupier handover guide
The British Council for Offices has launched a new guide to assist in achieving a successful handover of an office building.
Buy now, pay later?
You get what you pay for, argues US facilities adviser Tim Springer. Whether it's a product or a service, quality is likely to cost more upfront - but save you money in the long run.
BIFM calls for greater involvement in energy issues
In a new 'Energy Position Paper', the British Institute of Facilities Management calls for greater involvement of FMs in building projects to ensure energy efficient design takes into account the whole lifecycle of the building and how it will be used.
New cost code launched
IPD Occupiers has published the fourth edition of its International Total Occupancy Cost Code.
Flu pandemic: should you worry?
According to the government, influenza pandemic is currently one of the leading risks to the UK.
Wilson and Glass join BIFM Board
Dave Wilson and Michael Glass, both known for their firm views on the way ahead for FM, have been named as new members of the British Institute of Facilities Management Board.
Mum's the word on misconduct allegation
The BIFM has concluded its investigation into allegations of professional misconduct by CEO Ian Fielder - but the outcome is strictly confidential.
When cost cutting has to stop
Recent events in the City targeted at corporate occupiers, and taking place in the context of the TGWU's 'justice for cleaners' campaign, highlight FM's responsibility in fostering good practice in employees' terms and conditions.
Women surveyors leaving for 'family friendly' alternative
The chartered surveying profession is losing experienced women, who are retraining to work in roles with more family-friendly hours, according to new research.
Quarterly review focuses on training
i-FM's fourth quarterly update from the UK's leading facilities management groups reveals a strong emphasis on developing the right training and education opportunities for the industry.
FM career progress stifled by lack of recognition
According to research carried out by the Chartered Management Institute, facilities managers are highly motivated but believe the impact they have on business performance goes un-noticed.
FMs must learn to speak business
Too many FMs are woefully inarticulate when it comes to understanding and expressing the language of business. Why? And what can be done about it?
FMA to launch membership drive
The Facilities Management Association, the trade association for companies in the facilities sector, is set to launch a major membership recruitment drive.
RICS signs up to pro bono venture
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has become a founder supporter of a new initiative to encourage professionals to take part in pro bono community schemes.
FM misses the boat with skills academy bid
Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson has announced the launch of the first three National Skills Academies and the successful bidders for the next four. FM is nowhere to be seen.
BIFM Fellows sent to Tower
One dark night in October found twenty-five very privileged Fellows of the BIFM and their guests at the unlocked gates of the Tower of London. Derek Paxman reports.
Cinderella services: FM is not the only one
Spare a thought for your colleagues in HR, who also believe they don't get the recognition they deserve.
Fear and loathing in San Diego
Dave Wilson's plan to enjoy the extravaganza that is World Workplace was highjacked by IFMA's decision to decertify its UK Chapter.
Hamer to chair Assets Skills FM board
Keith Hamer, head of facilities at McLaren Group, is to be the next chair of the Asset Skills facilities management board.
Hall to leave Asset Skills FM board
Peter Hall has confirmed that he will be stepping down as chair of the Asset Skills FM board due to increasing work commitments.
Turning the focus on the value of FM
Next week sees the autumn meeting of the Turning Point group, coming together to demonstrate the value of FM on the bottom line. Its goal is to uncover the turning point, the point at which the industry gives as much weight to service value as to cost.
PropFM delegates told to get serious about innovation
The past decade has seen considerable social, economic and technological change - but there have been no big innovations in FM. Why not?
Germans 'bitterly disappointed' by IFMA decertification
The recent decision by the International Facility Management Association to decertify its German chapter has been met with dismay by local members.
We're failing to meet customer expectations, PropFM delegates told
Property and facilities services providers are drifting out of sync with the expectations of the marketplace. Corporate clients are increasingly looking at the big picture; we're still looking at the details.
Customers want your full attention, research shows
Bad customer service could prove disastrous according to new independent research.
BIFM Qual to get makeover
British Institute of Facilities Management members attending yesterday's AGM heard that a wide-ranging review of standards and education could lead to wide-ranging changes.
Emanuel elected to BIFM Members Council
It was announced at yesterday's British Institute of Facilities Management AGM that i-FM managing director David Emanuel has been voted onto the BIFM Members Council as one of two directly elected representatives.
CPD: new best practice advice
The Construction Industry Council, which includes virtually every body involved in the built environment including RICS and BIFM, has developed new guidance on CPD.
Abandon cheap clients, engineers told
Firms should walk away from projects where they are being asked to squeeze their profit margins, according to the chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering.
Alleged misconduct by BIFM CEO to get independent investigation
The British Institute of Facilities Management has appointed a firm of solicitors to investigate an allegation of professional misconduct by CEO Ian Fielder.
IFMA decertifies UK Chapter
The International Facility Management Association has finally pulled the plug on its UK Chapter, upsetting more than few members.
g4c launches young professionals awards
g4c, the promotion and networking group for young professionals working in the built environment, has launched an award scheme to recognise high achievers.
Communication technologies: reliable in a crisis?
Effective communication before, during and after a business continuity incident can alter the outcome of the event. Knowing what you are going to say is part of the challenge. But having a safe and reliable means to say it could be critical to success.
News: quantity vs quality
It's the news editor's dilemma - do we offer readers a long list of stories that might interest them, or do we focus on only those that are most relevant to our sector?
Too busy to train? Here's an answer
Combining part-time postgraduate study with a full-time job can often be demanding. Particularly in a sector such as facilities management, where time is always at a premium and periods away from work can have significant cost implications.
FM gets new collective voice
Facilities management in the UK will speak with a louder voice following the formation of Action FM, a dedicated industry group that will promote FM's strengths, benefits and opportunities to key targets including business, the media and education.
PropFM: book now for free FM Handbook
Now there is another excellent reason to book early for October's landmark PropFM conference. i-FM has free copies of the latest Facilities Management Handbook to give away to the first 50 delegates booking this month.
Making FM believers out of FM cynics
How far can a fully developed FM model be taken in a university setting? Or indeed, in any setting where 'old school' silo thinking still tends to hold sway?
IFMA calls professionals to new forum
The International Facility Management Association is inviting industry professionals to submit proposals to be considered for inclusion in the IFMA Industries Forum 2007, which takes place in the US in May next year.
BCM code of practice deadline looms
The deadline for making comments on BS 25999-1, the proposed Code of Practice for Business Continuity Management, is less than two weeks away.
Getting more from your accommodation spend
New features on i-FM today focus on topical aspects of the work environment and argue that businesses - and FMs in particular - could do better.
PropFM: book now for free FM Handbook
Now there is another excellent reason to book early for October's landmark PropFM conference. i-FM has free copies of the latest Facilities Management Handbook to give away to the first 50 delegates booking this month.
Rising stars of FM
FM World, the British Institute of Facilities Management magazine, has identified the 'rising stars' of FM - 35 who are under 35 and predicted to be tomorrow's leaders.
What makes customer value?
The value a service provider delivers to a customer comes down to a mix of people and procedures. If both are not right individually and in balance, value suffers.
Service delivery: think people, not buildings
FM has come a long way in its short history, and it continues to evolve and develop. But has our understanding of what customer need and want kept pace?
BIFM opens qualifications review
The British Institute of Facilities Management has launched 'a major review' of its qualifications framework and is now seeking input from members on the issues involved.
How to avoid tears when it's all over
Contracts come to an end one way or another. But companies that plan for the various ways this might happen are rare indeed.
Is FM ready to go international?
Ready or not, a growing number of facilities managers are finding themselves working in unfamiliar settings as large organisations - and even some small ones - increasingly operate in multi-national markets.
BIFM invites submissions for annual conference
The British Institute of Facilities Management has invited facilities management professionals to submit presentations for consideration for next year's annual conference.
Quarterly review highlights challenges for FM
i-FM's third quarterly update from the UK's leading facilities management groups highlights the wide range of issues and concerns facing the industry.
Young Managers attract another record crowd
The FMA-sponsored Young Managers Forum held the latest in a series of events aboard HMS Belfast on Tuesday, attracting more than 50 guests to enjoy networking opportunities against a backdrop of Thames-side London.
Building a case for FM
Today sees the publication on i-FM of the first in a series of articles drawn from this year's Facilities Manager yearbook.
Poor document management leads to contract disputes
Almost one fifth of projects result in damaging disputes, according to research by e-business support company BuildOnline.
The business continuity lessons of 7/7
The business continuity experts at Continuity Central recently surveyed companies to discover whether the events of July 7th 2005 had a lasting impact on their business continuity practices.
EFMC seeking papers for 2007
The organisers of next year's European Facilities Management Congress have issued a call for papers. The deadline for submission of abstracts is September 15th.
FM: where to from here?
i-FM's latest FM Roundtable was held at Barclays HQ in London's Canary Wharf on June 13th. There were strong views about what's wrong with the industry, but also much agreement about what's right.
Research looks at value in FM
A new research-led programme aims to give ‘value' equal weighting with cost when assessing the impact and contribution of facilities management to business success.
Small businesses short-changed on purchasing
New research has revealed that small businesses are losing out financially because of inefficient purchasing policies.
RICS unveils service charge code of practice
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has published a new code of practice covering service charges for commercial properties. It comes into full effect from 1 April 2007.
New centre for corporate responsibility due
Cranfield School of Management is to establish an international centre for the study of corporate responsibility, following a £3m donation.
New networking group for public sector procurement
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply has launched a new educational networking group for public sector procurement professionals.
FMA sends for FM Guru
The Facilities Management Association has completed an agreement with training specialist FM Guru to provide a new programme for FMA members, their staff and the FMA's Young Manager's Forum.
Working party to consider future of FM
A working party with representation from each of the key stakeholder groups in UK facilities management is to meet to consider how best to foster continued development of the sector and the people employed within it.
Latest FM handbook: i-FM discount offer
The latest edition of the Facilities Management Handbook, edited by Frank Booty, has just been published. i-FM readers can save 10% by ordering online.
A way with words: i-FM talks to Ian Fielder
The BIFM's CEO has that marvellous skill with words that we associate with good salesmen.
Cost monitor for facilities services promises intelligent decision support
Facilities Cost Monitor, newly launched and promising intelligent support for planning and controlling the cost of facilities services, can handle an infinite variety of site-specific scenarios, its developer says.
Majority of businesses still failing to plan for disaster
A government backed survey reveals that many UK organisations are failing to prepare for disruption, despite evidence outlining the business benefits of disaster planning.
Think before you renew that contract
Increasing maturity in the FM outsourcing market has brought with it increasing experience on the demand side. Faced with the end of a contract, it may be right to consider bringing the function back in-house.
BIFM Midlands plans Irish visit
The BIFM Midlands Region is planning a two-day visit to Dublin in June. Only a few places remain.
RIBA to research member views and needs
The Royal Institute of British Architects has commissioned its largest ever membership research programme into architects' perception of its role and effectiveness.
London businesses: disaster planning is too expensive
Half of London's businesses do not have plans in place to deal with a terror attack or other emergency, according to the latest London Business Survey by the CBI and KPMG.
Cordy to pursue more collaboration in support of FM
New on i-FM today is our interview with Peter Cordy, the man waiting in the wings to take over as chairman of the BIFM.
What does it take to become a chartered institute, anyway?
With the question of chartership back on the agenda for many FMs - if not yet for the BIFM - i-FM has been investigating what it takes to achieve this status, which some argue is the ultimate in professional recognition.
Quarterly review shows diversity of current FM issues
i-FM's second quarterly update from the UK's leading facilities management groups highlights the wide range of issues and concerns facing the industry.
Planning FM's future
New on i-FM today is the second in our series of interviews with heavy-hitters at the BIFM.
Young Managers set their next date
The FMA's Young Managers Forum is to hold its next information and networking event on Wednesday 26 April.
Details: how much is enough?
The architect Mies van der Rohe declared that 'God is in the details' - but it's a safe bet that within days somebody was countering with the hard-won observation that in fact it's the devil who's in there.
Take on more risk, FM organisation leaders told
Delegates at last month's BIFM conference were told that the facilities management industry is in danger of stagnating if it does not take on more risk and develop greater value-focused services.
The way forward: building an inclusive profession
i-FM today begins a new series of interviews with key figures in UK FM. Our first subject is Lucy Jeynes, possibly the most interesting BIFM chair we never had.
The rocky road to Global FM
Three ambitious organisations - the US-based IFMA, Australia's FMA and our own BIFM - have created Global FM, an alliance that aims to foster advancement of the profession. In the UK, at least, the path to this achievement has been anything but smooth.
CPD goes back online at BIFM
Almost exactly a year after the British Institute of Facilities Management launched its comprehensively redesigned website, it has re-introduced online continuing professional development recording for members.
Real views on FMs' needs
Two new additions to i-FM today look at facilities managers' needs - for pay and for information. There are challenges to be faced up to in both cases.
BIFM to pursue chartered status?
The BIFM conference is underway, and what was surely one of the most important sessions took place yesterday. This year's Fellows Forum, normally a closed event but this time open to all, found wide support for developing a more professional institute.
FM gets SIC
It's official. The facilities sector is to get its own Standard Industrial Classification code when the system is updated in 2007.
FM salaries stagnating, new research reveals
The 2006 Salary Survey from Hays, published in PFM's latest edition, reveals stagnating salaries at all levels of facilities management as a result of too many candidates vying for a limited number of jobs.
FM practitioners get new online knowledge resource
i-FM, the UK's leading provider of facilities management news and market information, has now launched i-FMP, a new and indispensable online resource for facilities management practitioners.
BIFM London Region hears of student success and industry issues
Thursday night's BIFM London Region meeting featured recognition for a number of students working their way through Institute exams.
No surprises at BIFM council meeting
BIFM deputy chairman Peter Cordy was confirmed as chairman-designate at today's Members Council meeting in a decision that was widely anticipated.
New BIFM chair due to be named this week
Thursday's BIFM Members Council meeting looks like being an interesting event.
IFMA CFM exam to be offered in London
The BIFM has confirmed that the first London-based sitting of the IFMA Certified Facility Manager exam will take place in May. This is in line with the 2005 agreement that saw the UK Chapter of IFMA brought within the BIFM structure.
European standards reach milestone
The two draft European standards on facilities management are nearing the conclusion of a process that started in 2002, writes Stan Mitchell.
FMA to target growth in 2006
Thursday's 12th annual general meeting of the Facilities Management Association saw the organisation looking back on the highlights of the past year and setting out its programme for the next 12 months.
Two landmarks in one day for BSA
The Business Services Association, the advocacy group for companies providing outsourced services in the UK and Europe, marked two major achievements yesterday.
Vocational qualifications vs experience: where's the balance of benefit?
A compulsory minimum level of vocational qualifications is unlikely to lead to improved standards in skilled professions, according to information and employment consultants Croner.
BIFM opens 2006 awards programme
The BIFM is calling for entries for this year's International Investors in FM Excellence Awards programme.
OFR back on the agenda - maybe
The government's on-again off-again plans for extended company reporting obligations looks like it is back on, despite Chancellor Gordon Brown's announcement late last year that they were to be abandoned.
BT publishes business continuity management processes
To reassure its customers about its own preparations, BT has posted details of its business continuity processes on its website.
BIFM signs partnership agreement with HVAC
The British Institute of Facilities Management and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association service and facilities group have signed a formal agreement entitled Partners in FM Excellence.
RIBA launches good practice guides
The Royal Institute of British Architects has launched a good practice guide series targeted at architects and other construction professionals, offering advice and guidance on topics that affect them and the management of their businesses.
Young Managers hold second successful event
The Young Managers Forum, sponsored by the Facilities Management Association, continues to attract the attention of like-minded professionals. A meeting earlier this week, attended by more than 50, also included representation from parallel groups.
FM organisations putting their emphasis on training
Today sees the launch of a new feature on i-FM - our quarterly update on the plans, programmes and issues currently featuring on the agendas of the UK's leading facilities management groups.
Young FMs plan late New Year celebration
Is January 23rd a bit late to be celebrating the New Year? The Young Managers Forum has decided the answer is 'no'.
BIFM agrees new business plan
The BIFM Board has approved a new business plan that will guide the Institute through 2006/7.
Too much reliance on London-based back-up facilities, FSA warns
The Financial Services Authority is concerned about the concentration of critical functions and back-up sites in and around London. It is also worried about reliance on key providers of infrastructure, telecoms and disaster recovery facilities.
Standards process moves ahead another step
The development of European standards for FM has moved on a stage, with a meeting held in Rome to review comments on the draft documents and consider the next steps.
Debate about the real value of FM's 'big initiatives' rumbles on
European standards for facilities management could damage the profession, and Global FM looks like little more than a monument to its creators.
London Region takes the lead on Euro consultation
Sixteen members of the BIFM London Region joined in an interactive session focussed on the draft European standards for facilities management, hosted at UCL last night (15 November).
BIFM and partners move ahead with Global FM alliance
Key players from the British Institute of Facilities Management, the Facility Management Association of Australia and the International Facility Management Association met in Philadelphia last month to progress the formation of Global FM.
Deloitte launches directors academy
Business advisor Deloitte has launched an academy for UK public company board directors that promises free advice.
Young FMs reach new heights
Vertigo, the champagne bar perched atop Tower 42 in the City of London, must have been close to legal capacity Thursday night when the FMA's Young Managers Forum held its autumn event.
An FM by any other name?
What makes a facilities manager? It certainly isn't job title. So it must be a blend of relevant knowledge, practical experience and commitment to the profession.
London group puts FM Euro standards on the agenda
The BIFM London region has organised an evening meeting that will focus on the draft European standards for facilities management.
Second FM standards event cancelled
The London event designed to present and explain the new draft European standards for FM has been cancelled as a result of insufficient bookings. This follows on the cancellation of another event planned for Glasgow earlier in the month.
Getting beyond tactical
If facilities managers are thought of as 'doers' rather than strategic thinkers, it may be their own fault.
RIBA launches Chartered Practice scheme
The Royal Institute of British Architects has launched an accreditation scheme for architectural practices to provide clients with an assurance of quality and competence.
How much is an FM worth?
What is FM, Martin Pickard wonders in his regular column this month. Perhaps a more pressing question for the career-minded, however, is what is a facilities manager?
Lynda Tilbury to chair BIFM London region
Overbury facilities manager Lynda Tilbury has been elected the first ever female chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management London region.
Time for FM to broaden its horizons
Monday's BIFM awards dinner reminded many observers that, in some ways, UK FM really is a small world.
Is FM losing sight of what's important?
Two well-regarded members of the profession raise important questions about the current state of FM and where it is headed in new contributions to i-FM today.
Is this official recognition that FM actually exists?
FM looks set to make it onto the government map, as a review of the Standard Industrial Classification system could see facilities management get its own code.
Worried about how much they are paying you?
Following analysis of the data collected in this year's Audit of the UK FM Sector, i-FM has updated its unique Salary Checker to incorporate the latest 2005 information.
FM standards published for consultation
The European Standards Committee on 'Facility Management' has completed the first phase of its work and published two draft standards for review and comment.
LCCI targets smaller companies on disaster plans
The London Chamber of Commerce has called on directors of small and medium-sized companies in the capital to respond to the heightened terrorist threat by implementing disaster recovery plans urgently.
Asset Skills to map FM
Asset Skills the sector skills council for facilities management is to produce a functional and occupational map for the facilities management industry.
BIFM calls for papers for 2006 conference
The British Institute of Facilities Management annual conference is to move to Oxford for 2006, after several successful years in Cambridge. The call for papers has been issued.
Half of UK businesses still have no continuity plans
Research from AXA reveals that almost half of businesses in the UK do not have a business continuity plan in place - especially worrying, says the insurance giant, because almost 20% claim to have been affected by a disaster in the past.
FM websites: must try harder
Can you imagine doing business without internet technology? Probably not. So, is your website really working for your company? Probably not.
Several sandwiches short of an airline
The industrial action that has forced BA to cancel all flights in and out of Heathrow at least until Friday night is a clear reminder that supply chain factors must figure in business continuity plans.
Missing: 50,000 FMs
Asset Skills calculates that there are more than 70,000 facilities managers working in various sectors in the UK. We are trying to find them - can you help?
Global FM federation on the cards
The British Institute of Facilities Management has confirmed that talks are underway with the Facility Management Association of Australia and the US-based International Facility Management Association to establish a global FM body.
Questions and advice for practising FMs
New features on i-FM raise key issues in facilities management practice, asking questions about some hot topics as well as providing advice.
Timely advice for FMs on disaster recovery
Nick O'Donnell, who managed a major organisation through the 1996 Docklands bombing, has drawn together valuable guidance on preparing for - and coping with - a nightmare scenario.
HVCA attacks accreditation confusion
The building services industries could find themselves undermined unless workforce accreditation schemes are completely reviewed and client attitudes to quality are improved.
CSR opens new doors for FM
Corporate social responsibility is here to stay as a business principle. Getting involved offers FMs the prospect of securing a range of benefits, both personal and professional.
New FMA website features ground-breaking recruitment video
The Facilities Management Association has unveiled its redesigned website. In an unprecedented industry recruitment drive, the site includes an FMA-produced video designed to attract young managers into the business.
BIFM declines to set an example on qualifications
Ever wondered how many of the senior team at BIFM hold the BIFM qual or the CFM? We did - and we still do.
FM standards due to arrive
CEN/TC 348, the pan-European group pulling together draft standards for facilities management, is set to launch a communications drive seeking comments and buy-in.
CIBSE calls for government to take lead as 'expert client'
Incoming CIBSE President Donald Leeper has called on the new UK government to become an expert client for public sector construction procurement.
The BIFM/IFMA UK relationship explained
Martin Pickard writes: The International Memorandum of Understanding between BIFM and IFMA created the opportunity for greater collaboration between BIFM and IFMA UK.
Re-thinking support service culture
Too many organisations are locked into an out-dated, compartmentalised structure that leaves support functions under-valued and under-managed.
IFMA and BOMA in measurement initiative
The International Facility Management Association and the Building Owners and Managers Association International have set up a working group to develop common definitions for floor area measurements.
New BIFM website goes live
A comprehensively re-designed website, launched today, is the second phase in a programme to make the BIFM an 'online institute'.
CIC calls for better post-election approach to built environment
The chairman of the Construction Industry Council has written to the Prime Minister and the Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties to seek post-election improvement to the way in which the buildings industry interacts with government.
RICS role reviewed
A wide-ranging review of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors regulation in the property profession has recommended greater separation of regulatory and representational functions.
IFMA UK Chapter confirms BIFM integration
The UK Chapter of the International Facility Management Association has formally announced its integration with the British Institute of Facilities Management.
Convergence: is this the future of FM?
As we discover more and more overlaps between non-core functions - especially FM, IT and HR - and as FM becomes increasingly dependent on technology, are we moving toward a future where there is just one business support service discipline?
Image still the biggest issue for FM, says Forum
Creating a positive image for facilities managers is one of the biggest issues facing the industry according to delegates at the 16th Facilities Management Forum held in Grantham last month.
In it for the money?
More than 500 people responded to the recent PSD/FMWorld salary survey. The majority said money was the most important factor in their careers.
BIFM plans to link up with HVCA
The British Institute of Facilities Management has taken another step in building links with industry organisations. BIFM and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association are planning initiatives designed to forge closer working relations.
CIBSE FM group grows
The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers grew by nearly 2,000 members last year to a total record high of over 17,000. Over 2000 of the total work in FM.
FM struggles with its lack of coherent image
The facilities sector is disjointed, confusing and inefficient because it has no clear boundaries, no consistent objectives and no recognisable spokesmen.
BIFM and CIBSE sign partnership agreement
The British Institute of Facilities Management and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers today signed a partnership agreement aimed at joint development and promotion of excellence in facilities management practice.
BIFM names knowledge director
Stephen Bennett has been appointed to the new post of knowledge director at the British Institute of Facilities Management.
Unfinished business: recruitment and training issues in FM
In October, i-FM invited senior representatives of the UK's leading facilities management organisations to join in a review of the current state of FM and to try to reach some agreement on what needs to be done to support development of the industry.
FM plagued by brand awareness problems
The facilities marketplace may be worth billions of pounds but it will remain inefficient and disjointed unless the sector itself - and the companies within it - start to take branding seriously.
More collaboration between professions on the agenda
The Construction Industry Council says there is 'great potential for increased collaboration and co-operation between the professional institutions in the built environment'.
Good-bye IFMA UK; hello BIFM
The British Institute of Facilities Management and the UK Chapter of the International Facility Management Association have reached an agreement that will see IFMA UK brought within the BIFM structure.
BIFM members back restructuring plan
Members of the British Institute of Facilities Management have given their backing to proposals to reform the Institute's structure and governance.
EuroFM agrees succession plans
EuroFM's plans to improve its way of working have been approved. Meeting in Glasgow last month, members voted in favour of the new succession system proposals.
Asset Skills awarded 5 year licence
Secretary of State for Education and Skills Charles Clarke has approved a five-year licence for Asset Skills to operate as the Sector Skills Council for property, housing, cleaning services and facilities management.
BIFM Training offers new programmes on key topics
The training arm of the BIFM is introducing three new courses. One is exclusively aimed at FM service suppliers, and the other two are about the health & safety issues that all FMs need to address.
Dalton named BIFM chairman
Mick Dalton will be the next chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management, following Council approval yesterday.
BIFM awards hotly contested
Over 100 entries have been received for the BIFM's annual awards programme, which for the first time has been opened up to international competition.
BIFM outlines plans to restructure
In advance of next month's AGM, the British Institute of Facilities Management has unveiled plans for significant changes in the way it is structured and managed.
More CFM qualifications awarded
The IFMA UK Chapter has confirmed that a further five FM professionals have attained the CFM Professional qualification. This is the fifth cohort of candidates to put themselves through the test of professional competence.
BIFM to host first Women in FM event
September will see the British Institute of Facilities Management hosting the first event to look seriously at roles and opportunities for women in the facilities management profession.
Too many surveys?
Everyone wants good, hard information about FM. OK, some are motivated by finding sales opportunities; but FMs themselves, the various organisations that serve them and the suppliers they deal with all need to understand this dynamic marketplace.
Workplace Law moves to meet growth
i-FM content partner Workplace Law Group has moved to new offices in Cambridge. The group is the UK's fastest growing and most innovative provider of legal information services for the built environment.
Two men with a mission
Ian Fielder, new CEO of the BIFM, and Stan Mitchell, chairman, have frequently found themselves with opposing views. But they have one thing in common - a desire to transform the Institute into one ready to lead the profession into the future.
High level networking proves successful
The second in a series of focused networking events was held in London today, attracting upwards of 50 senior property and facilities executives to the top of the 30-storey Landflex development, the Empress State building.
Why doesn't partnership work?
Establishing customer/supplier partnerships has been a common theme in FM. It's easy to identify the potential benefits, and adoption of the philosophy is taken for granted in many bidding situations. So, why is the end result so often disappointing?
Reliance joins Institute of Customer Service
Reliance Integrated Services has been accepted as a corporate member of the Institute of Customer Service in order to work with other businesses and programmes that 'focus on this key issue.'
IFMA and FMA sign new collaboration agreement
IFMA and the Facility Management Association of Australia FMA have signed a Partners in FM Excellence Agreement. The programme now links up to 28,000 FM association members worldwide through four organisations.
BIFM lists 'greatest value' DTI projects
The British Institute of Facilities Management has published the results of a study to find the top DTI Partners in Innovation projects that are of greatest value to FM.
New online register for FM KPIs
The British Institute of Facilities Management is piloting an online register containing key performance indicators used in FM.
Is the world ready for another FM magazine?
British Institute of Facilities Management plans to introduce a fortnightly magazine later this month have raised some serious questions in the minds of journalists and publishers already working in the sector.
BIFM conference highlights
The first of a new generation of BIFM conferences saw a strong audience gather in Cambridge last week for a mix of education, discussion, networking and opera. Delegates also had a preview of a new 'definitive' register of key performance indicators.
BIFM Fellows cool on chartered issue
Should the British Institute of Facilities Management pursue chartered status? Not now, according to the great majority of Fellows participating in a recent debate.
BIFM signs up for further collaboration with IFMA
The BIFM has announced two new agreements to promote international collaboration. IFMA have signed up for an Partners in Excellence agreement while BIFM, IFMA and FMA Australia have agreed further international joint activities.
More FMs awarded CFM qualification
A fourth set of facilities management professionals has attained IFMA's CFM qualification in the UK, joining around 30 already accredited.
IFMA survey shows jump in compensation
A new salary report from the International Facility Management Association shows that compensation for facility management professionals has risen an estimated 21% over the last five years.
Largest ever survey of US FMs underway
Six leading facility management organisations and publications in the US are partnering to conduct a comprehensive survey of the industry. In all, more than 150,000 professionals will be targeted for participation.
FM Skills Council starts work and gets a new name
At a forum for those involved in professional development the new Sector Skills Council to cover facilities management announced a change of name and outlined its objectives.
Talk and action for a sustainable future
The recent sustainability workshop piloted a new approach for BIFM's special interest group meetings.
FM Innovation Awards winners
Four winners were selected for the 2003 FM Innovation Awards including FSI (FM Solutions Ltd) which took the overall award for its CAFM software developed especially for the visually impaired.
Nordic FM network starts work
A network to promote better facilities management in the five Nordic countries has been set up by private and public sector organisations along with trade associations and education institutions.
Australian government supports FM sector
Australia's industry minister announced the government's support for the country's facilities management sector today with an initiative to remove impediments to growth and identify opportunities.
IFMA creates airport facilities group
The International Facility Management Association has officially set up a 'council' for those involved in managing airport facilities.
Amey gets full BSI certification
Amey has achieved certification to ISO 9001:2000 for quality management systems and ISO 14001 for environmental management across the group.
RICS fees dispute leads to EGM
The issue of rising fees at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors will be aired at an extraordinary meeting, to be held within the next 90 days.
BIFM signs agreement with Irish FM association
The British Institute of Facilities Management has signed its second Partners in FM Excellence agreement with an overseas professional association.
Higgs: battle won but war not over yet
Following i-FM's analysis of how the FM sector conforms with the Higgs report on corporate governance, broad agreement has been reached between business groups and investors - but the debate has not yet ceased.
Forum to debate the workplace of the future
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Johnson Controls are to co-host a forum for leading players in the property industry next week.
Harris to step down as BIFM chief
Ian Harris, chief executive of the BIFM is to leave for personal reasons and the Institute has begun the search for his successor.
IFMA European chapters to join EuroFM
Cooperation between FM's professional associations takes another step forward as EuroFM and the International Facility Management Association announce that IFMA's European chapters will become members of the EuroFM network.
CFM for Edifice directors
Both directors of independent FM consultancy Edifice have now achieved Certified Facility Manager status through the International Facility Management Association.
Inflexible working scares off women
Britain's businesses are missing out on a huge pool of talent because working practices alienate women, says a new Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors study.
Good news and bad news at RICS
The naming of a new chairman for the largest professional interest group within the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors comes against the backdrop of debate about recently increased subscriptions.
New board, new direction at EuroFM
The European facilities management network has announced a new board intended to give the organisation fresh impetus.
The meaning of FM
At last, a single-sentence definition of facilities management. Now everyone will understand what you do. Well, maybe.
BIFM recognises achievement at annual conference
The British Institute of Facilities Management acknowledged the contributions to the development of the profession made by previous chairmen, longstanding supporters, academics and others at its annual conference in Cambridge last month.
BIFM conference soundbites
The British Institute of Facilities Management returned to Cambridge for its 10th anniversary conference last month. As an introduction to our full report here are some notable quotes.
New professional development options from IFMA in the UK
Following the launch of the Certified Facility Manager qualification in the UK, IFMA is offering a number of new services to assist both organisations and individuals with professional development.
BIFM sets out its vision
Within five years FM will be recognised as a strategic discipline, the BIFM will have doubled membership from the current 8300 and will be influencing business and government leaders. These are the aims of the Institute's strategy announced today.
Exam success for CFM candidates
The UK chapter of IFMA says the first group of facilities management professionals has sat the exam for the CFM professional qualification in the UK.
Grafton named CRE of the Year
Vivienne Grafton of Thomas Cook Group was named Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year at the CoreNet awards this month.
Debate rages around 'unintelligent consultants' accusation
The UK FM industry is a refuge for hangers on of limited ability and value, says Mark Purnell of DSA in a no-holds barred attack on 'self-styled' FM consultants, provoking controversy on the pages of the industry's discussion forum.
Milliken backs IFMA
Textile, carpet and chemical manufacturer Milliken has become the first global Corporate Sustaining Member of the International Facility Management Association.
Tassell is first CoreNet UK president
Corporate real estate association CoreNet Global has appointed Robin Tassell as the first president of its UK Chapter.
CFM in the UK - it's official
The first candidates for the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) qualification in the UK should be turning over their papers on the 4th February as they sit the pilot examination.
BIFM launches 2003 Investors in Excellence Awards
The British Institute of Facilities Management has announced its 2003 awards programme culminating in a gala dinner at Le Meridien.
BIFM award winners named
Timed to precede the opening of FM Expo 2002, the BIFM announced the winners of its annual awards programme at a celebration dinner held October 21st at the London Hilton.
BIFM to rebrand with new logo
The professional facilities management body in the UK , the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), will launch a new initiative and logo at the annual Scottish Conference in Glasgow next Friday.
Boost to FMA membership
Six new companies have joined the supply-side organisation the Facilities Management Association which now represents FM providers employing over 300,000 people.
Dave Wilson goes global at IFMA
Dave Wilson, managing director of FM consultancy Edifice, has been appointed director of global liaison for IFMA's FM Consultants Council.
BCO to launch office fit-out guide
The British Council for Offices will launch a guide to office fit-out next year outlining the requirements for a fit-out project for new and existing buildings.
BIFM passes 7,000 member milestone
The British Institute of Facilities Management broke the 7,000 mark when it welcomed its newest member, the director of facilities at a Kent NHS Trust.
CIOB and ASI might merge
Following a meeting last week, the Council of the Architecture and Surveying Institute (ASI) agreed to progress negotiations that could lead to a merger with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Alan Chaney of London Electricity is CRE Executive of the Year
London Electricity's Alan Chaney was named Corporate Real Estate Executive of the Year at the NACORE and IDRC UK annual Corporate Real Estate Awards.
NACORE visits Merrill Lynch
More than 100 members and guests of NACORE UK visited the new EMEA region headquarters of Merrill Lynch this week to hear about the 're-invention' of the corporate services team.
New BIFM head seeks change
Ian Harris, the new chief executive of the British Institute of Facilities Management is looking for a step-change" in the range of services offered by the BIFM and in the way the Institute communicates with its members."
FM graduate essay winner
This year's FM Graduate of the Year Award goes to Albert Lightfoot, Assistant Facilities Manager for the Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.
FMs talk to MPs
At the inaugural meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Business Services last Monday, MPs and Lords received a presentation from representatives of the facilities management sector.
BIFM launches enhanced website
The British Institute of Facilities Management launched its new website at FM Expo as part of a push to broaden services to its members and streamline administration.
EuroFM founder steps down
Bert Zwikker, founder member and leading light of EuroFM, finally retired this week. At a cocktail party held during FM Expo he was presented with a gift by EuroFM Chairman Lionel Prodgers.
The BIFM 2001 award winners are…
The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) announced the winners of its 2001 Awards last night at the London Hilton.
RICS launches FM Faculty with wide-ranging conference
The RICS Facilities Management Faculty, created at the beginning of the year and now boasting 8000 members, held its inaugural conference last week (4th October).
IFMA joins forces with FMA at FM EXPO
The UK chapter of IFMA will be jointly hosting a stand at next week's FM Expo with the Facilities Management Association (FMA)
New head and website for BIFM
The British Institute of Facilities Management has finally appointed a new business leader.
IFMA members express solidarity in Kansas
IFMA's decision to go ahead with the Kansas World Workplace conference was clearly a difficult one. The event was to take place just two weeks after the tragic events of 11th September.
Outsourcing clinic for FM Expo
Visitors to next month's FM Expo event will be able to get free advice from a leading facilities consultancy.
World Workplace Kansas to go ahead says IFMA
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) says it is moving forward" with its World Workplace 2001 conference and expo scheduled for 23rd to 25th September in Kansas City
IFMA responds to US terrorist attack
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has created a web portal with business recovery resources following the atrocious terrorist attack in the US earlier this week.
Nacore's UK chapter largest in the world
At Nacore's last meeting, UK president David Turner told members the UK chapter has become the largest in the world with over 320 members.
FM companies need to be flexible, says BIFM
BIFM speakers will urge FM companies to retain flexibility to ride out the high tech downturn at a conference in Scotland this month.
IFMA to launch Dutch CFM
IFMA Holland will launch the Dutch version of the Certified Facility Manager programme next month with the first exam taking place in November.
Insignia in partnership with IDRC
The International Development Research Council (IDRC) has announced a strategic alliance with property advisor Insignia for its annual European World Congress in Belfast, to be held in September this year.
FMs falling behind fellow professionals says salary survey
Facilities managers are lagging behind their fellow professionals in the salary stakes. The first i-FM Summit Salary Survey shows FMs are failing to achieve remuneration in line with their budget and staff management responsibilities.
FM Week for Prague
The Czech Republic is planning a week long event this autumn to raise the profile of facilities management in the country.
Leading light of German FM dies
Dr. Walther Moslener, an indefatigable protagonist for FM in Germany and Europe, has died unexpectedly, although after a long illness, at the age of 66.
IFMA UK election results
The board of IFMA's UK Chapter has been expanded to handle its rapid growth since launching in June last year.
IDRC to hold seminar series in Europe
The International Development Research Council (IDRC) will hold its first Executive Development Series seminar in Europe next month.
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World FM Day – resilience in action
To mark World FM Day 2025, Sodexo UK & Ireland is highlighting Rose Nicholls, assets and lifecycle coordinator.
Resilience in action: 125 years of FM evolution
As we mark Global FM Day 2025, themed ‘Resilience in Action’, it is a fitting moment to reflect on OCS’s remarkable 125-year journey.
Asset management vs facilities management
Two disciplines, the same but different.
The future of FM: embracing data-driven innovation
The role of data in facilities management has become increasingly pivotal.
FM market growth: chipping away at the barriers
How do we avoid a lack of skills, learning & development and experience becoming a block on business development?
Growth, technology, experience: squaring the circle
With ambitions to grow and an increasing appetite for new technologies, are FM providers redefining ‘the workplace experience’?
The challenge of change
In the face of so much possibility and potential, how do FM service providers harness new technologies for the benefit of customers – and themselves?
The cherry on the parfait
If FM wants to prove its role, it’s time to put employee experience first, workplace specialist Debra Ward tells Fiona Perrin.
FM: strategies for uncertain times
Uncertainty, change, agility, creativity: these are business-as-usual factors in FM. But could the industry be approaching a critical point where decisions made could reshape its future?
Thinking a bit more creatively
Steve Brewer reflects on this year’s IWFM ‘agents of change’ conference.
Building a career in FM
To mark International Women’s Day 2022, we feature Lorraine Thomas, deputy business director for Sodexo Healthcare at Queen’s Hospital, Romford.
Tackling the recruitment challenge
In recent months ‘shortage’ has become a key theme in all sorts of conversations, whether that’s doing the weekly shopping, planning a building project or looking to recruit staff.
World FM Day 2020: reports from the frontline
People in FM hold all kinds of roles in all kinds of situations, working these days under considerable pressure. It is inspirational to hear what they do and how. We asked a whole selection to tell us about themselves in their own words.
9 megatrends that every FM provider should know
Economic growth, globalisation, technological development... here are a just some of the megatrends that are shaping the future of FM, analysed by the experts at ISS.
Plugging the skills gap
Why does the UK continue to suffer from a short supply of engineering talent? Why is the gap getting bigger despite efforts to put an end to the problem? And where can FM help?
International FM: the Sri Lankan experience
The future of facilities management in Sri Lanka could be shaped by Chinese investment, Sienna Emanuel reports
LGBT+ in FM
The why, when and what: insights and updates from the LGBT+ in FM committee.
Is public sector outsourcing broken?
Outsourcing is taking the blame for 'poverty' employment conditions and exploitation. How did it come to this and what should our industry be doing about it? Fiona Perrin reports.
Small, medium and enterprising
We hear a lot about the big organisations in UK FM. But who are the rising stars and what makes them successful? Fiona Perrin talked to four of the challengers.
Apprenticeship perceptions are creating a skills gap
According to the Department for Education, apprenticeship figures have been decreasing in 2018. At the same time, perceptions of this career path continue to be debated and discussed.
Five strategic sourcing approaches
To accommodate new market needs and increasing hyper-competition, the way business partners interact will change over the coming decade. The experts at ISS outline some of the options on the horizon.
How 'ethical commissioning' could curb the worst effects of outsourcing
While inadequate budgets, supervision, and regulation are often blamed for the failures of public sector outsourcing, the absence of ethical standards in the commissioning and procurement process remains an overlooked issue.
Enhancing team performance
Tim Hysom discusses high performing teams and the best ways to collaborate effectively to achieve common goals.
The three components of excellent service quality
Service quality is one of the most important competitive factors in today’s business landscape. Here's some advice on how to make it excellent from the team at ISS.
Change vs transition in service outsourcing
Change management and transition management are important processes of any service outsourcing project. But what is the difference between them and what outcomes can they help you to achieve? ISS offers insights and advice.
Making a mobilisation work
John Paul Pearson discusses the stages of a mobilisation, the process and the most common challenges faced by facilities managers.
Maintaining the momentum for change
FM is re-setting its governing compass. Part of that is a new focus on diversity and inclusivity and on attitudes towards delivering facilities services across society. So, International Women's Day could not be celebrated at a better time.
Can FM be disrupted?
Simon Iatrou examines how the gig economy and new technologies may soon revolutionise FM and other built environment disciplines.
Setting standards
Dave Wilson provides some insights into the development of the new ISO standards for FM and, crucially, how the incorporated principles and processes will work.
Intelligent client gets demoted
Facilities management has come a long way since the mid ‘80s when the world gradually awoke to the fact that effective FM could significantly influence business and social performance. Bernard Williams looks at the path of change and where it's headed.
BIFM: a long and winding road
The latest in our occasional history series looks at the path of the British Institute of Facilities Management, definitely a case of moving forward though with a fair few potholes and switchbacks along the way.
FM's professional bodies: where next?
Do the actions and objectives of the facilities management bodies align with where the industry is heading? Simon Iatrou talked with three professionals from different parts of the FM sector.
Is the price of surveillance too high?
Richard Jenkins looks at the challenge of balancing security needs with personal freedoms.
The i-FM News Review 2017
As always in UK FM, it's been a busy year. It has also been a year notable for its mixed messages, with many service providers reporting growth but a significant number of others, including some of the biggest in the business, reporting problems.
Next-gen FM?
Facilities management has a relatively brief past, and throughout virtually all of it requirements, expectations and practices have been changing. Gary Barbour looks at one new solution model, the Integrator.
Happy World FM Day!
To celebrate this annual occasion, i-FM caught up with five facilities managers to find out more about their roles and the noteworthy buildings they look after.
Life lessons
If you're looking for ways to advance your career quickly, you'll learn as much from the mistakes of others as you will from your own. Always good advice, but especially during this Learning at Work Week.
What should I do about KPIs
We first published the following article, offering insights on 'an easy way into a daunting topic', in 2005. It remains remarkably timely. Lionel Prodgers offers a current view on changes over time as a footnote.
Facilities manager as funding champion
Facilities managers today often face steep challenges in successfully performing their traditional duties due to the increased competition for funding. How do you make a convincing business case?
What is the future of FM outsourcing?
Corporate real estate management and facilities management have for decades provided the physical cornerstone for businesses of all kinds. All that will soon change, argues ISS.
Creating competitive advantage
The way we inhabit workspace is changing as are the workplace strategies we must have in place to attract and retain talent, to drive productivity and performance. ISS outlines 7 ways FMs must fulfil customer needs and innovate to stay competitive.
All change
New technologies such as Big Data and the Internet of Things are changing the way companies are doing business. The potential effect on the facilities management industry is an exciting prospect but FMs need to first understand them and then embrace them.
Time: not on your side?
David Kentish discusses ways of managing your time better to make the most of your working day.
CSSA clarifies position on BFG collapse
Following last month's interview with Sarah Bentley on the Building Future Group's collapse, i-FM now gives CSSA Chairman Doug Cooke an opportunity to tell his side of the story.
Play Your Part
It simply wouldn't be a WIFM Conference without an agenda packed full of inspirational speakers sharing stories to make the audience laugh and cry. Tanya Horscroft looks back at this year's event.
Managing Your Employees Through Change
While it may seem obvious that change is difficult and can cause resistance, most managers tend to under-estimate how hard it is for employees to make even small changes to work habits.
Natural Progression
With the evolution of technology, today's facilities managers must focus on learning the skills they will need to stay relevant in the 21st century. Frank Logan examines how the sector continues to evolve.
Planning for Trouble
Jackie Bennett Shaw offers advice on managing crisis situations while in the eye of the storm, as well as some practical ways you can prepare ahead for any problem.
What is Excellent Service?
We live in a service economy where great customer service is an asset for almost every business. But what differentiates between a service that's great and excellent service?
Real-world Asset Management
Records of processes and assets are important, but assets need managing and that's the key role of FM providers.
A Call to Arms
Dave Wilson writes: When someone suggests that an entire industry needs a 'call to arms' that rather implies some deep-seated lethargy or, worse, complacency.
How to Get the 80% Right
80% of a building's value is delivered during its working life, but missed service and maintenance opportunities lead to operating costs that are often far too high, argues Simon Carter.
The True Cost of a Serious Accident
Keeping employees safe in the workplace can be one of the most important functions of a facilities manager, Rob Burgon writes.
Waste Management and FM: a Growing Partnership
Steve Lee reports that waste management is climbing rapidly up the legal and business agendas. There's an opportunity here for facilities management to take a lead on strategy and implementation.
Beware False Economies: Appliance Safety Testing
Jim Wallace encourages a common-sense approach to ensuring the safety of electrical equipment, as cutting corners can carry considerable risks.
Collective Wisdom
Neil Longley introduces the Peer to Peer Club, a new group formed to help like-minded facilities management practitioners share ideas and best practice.
A Brave New Workplace
The future of working will be defined by the convergence between people, workplace and the mass of data this produces. Simon Iatrou reflects on i-FM's latest conference.
Employee Engagement: A Game-Changer in Facilities Management?
Donna Brown discusses how her research into employee engagement can have a far-reaching impact on facilities management within healthcare and beyond.
Strategic Facilities Management Skills to Prioritise in 2015
William Betts discusses the skills and qualifications that employers will be looking for in 2015 and beyond.
Evolve or Regress: What is Our Pleasure?
Much of what we casually describe as FM outsourcing is in reality out-tasking. True outsourcing is a more challenging process. Is the industry ready for that, asks Neil Longley.
The Procurement Challenge: Practical Advice
Phil Ratcliffe offers service buyers some guidance on getting the outcomes they want from one of the most fraught stages in any outsourcing exercise.
Listen up: delivering great customer service in facilities management
Sam Hockman suggests that one of the best ways facilities managers can deliver great customer service is by listening to their clients.
Stop Firefighting: How Data Drives Strategic FM Decision Making
Dr Rachel Dick says that smarter use of IT can help facilities management organisations enhance their strategic decision-making.
Why Facilities Management Should Do What's Right for Business Success
Stephen Shallcroft says that FM can help create competitive advantage if it focuses on what is 'right' for the business.
BIFM aims high (and hits its target)
The strategic importance of the ‘high ground’ was first articulated by Sun Tzu in his ancient Chinese military treatise 'The Art of War'. Simon Iatrou looks at how this applies to FM today.
The Informed Observer's View of FM
Editors and PR consultants specialising in the facilities management sector are in a unique position to see into this business, what it does, how it presents itself, where it's headed, what the challenges are. We recently asked them to share their views.
Recruiting Support for FM Qualifications
Whether you are a keen supporter of the 'professionalising FM' campaign or simply interested in career-building, the issue of qualifications in facilities management is very relevant. Yet in some ways, it remains controversial.
Putting FM at the Heart of your Organisation
Connel Bottom says that in-house FM teams can help the wider business deliver better value and greater efficiencies by reviewing how they are structured and managed.
Strategic FM Skills to Prioritise in 2014
Kath Fontana suggests that as FM develops as a profession the landscape of strategic FM talent is improving. But it’s in the area of general management skills that more progress is needed.
Why Relationships are Essential to FM Strategy
Stephen Shallcroft suggests that because facilities management functions tend to be fairly inward focused, FMs often don’t have a clear understanding of how they fit within the business.
The Innovation Challenge
Innovation is a much-used word in facilities management, but what does it really mean? Cathy Hayward talks to service providers, consultants and client-side FMs about the challenges of true innovation.
Why Cutting FM Costs can have a Business-wide Impact
Connel Bottom advises that facilities management costs principally relate to assets, services and management. So cutting costs in any of these areas can have a big impact across a business.
Strategic FM comes to Brussels
Wayne Tantrum writes: Over 50 delegates attended a joint conference held by Euro FM’s European Facility Management Network and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recently to discuss how to promote strategic FM.
The Intelligent Client
What do these words really mean? On numerous occasions over the past ten years or so the term has turned up for debate. Larch Consulting's Mike Cant gives us his thoughts.
The Many Faces of the FM Consultant
As the FM market changes, so too does the role of the FM consultant. Dave Wilson examines the reasons why clients employ consultancy services and how this has been affected by external issues such as the economy.
FM in the Legal World
Do sound facilities management principles apply across the board, or is it wise to single out FM in a legal context? Russ Stevens of Mace Macro considers the issues.
Developing a Social Business Strategy
Iain Murray was an early adopter of social media in the FM sector. Here he tells us why it should form a key part of your organisation's overall business strategy.
Delivering Strategic Benefits
Nigel Thacker writes: Customers are always looking for cost reductions, or quality improvements, or both. The term 'more for less' is ubiquitous across the outsourcing industry.
Contract Communications 2
Nigel Thacker writes: The first part of this article outlined ways to enhance communication with your customer during the contract to help build better relationships.
Contract Communications 1
Nigel Thacker writes: For contract leads, communicating with the customer is a day-to-day activity. You will have formal reports to deliver, regular set meetings and probably daily informal chats.
Global FM Makeover
i-FM caught up with Global FM Chairman Duncan Waddell in Australia last week to hear how 'the association for associations' has re-built itself with a clearer focus on goals and outcomes.
Career Building Strategies
Peter Forshaw explores the case for training and qualifications in the context of job finding and career building within the FM industry.
The Real Value of Qualifications
Since 2010, qualifications in facilities management have been a hot topic. Visit any FM event and you’ll be lucky to get away without hearing someone talking about FM qualifications.
It's All in the Training
John Lambert discusses the importance of training and what aspects need to be considered to ensure a thorough programme is in place.
Training is a Core Business Function
In tough financial times, it is expected that most organisations will make cutbacks in order to become more sustainable.
BIFM: Professionalising FM
Talk to any accountant, doctor or lawyer and you will find that qualifications formed an integral part of the early stage of their careers, and continuing professional development has been a constant throughout.
Making a Better Case for FM
Martin Pickard, Conference Chair at Workplace Futures 2013, looks back at a long list of challenging issues facing FM but concludes the overall message is a positive one.
FM in the Future
Barry Varcoe and John Hinks explore a future that offers greater recognition, integration and value for FM.
FMA on the Brink
The news at the Facilities Management Association these days is all about the launch of FMA@Uni, the MBA programme being hosted by Sheffield Hallam and open only to FMA members.
Changing Times
The BIFM has been a busy place in recent months, dealing with a whole range of big issues, some planned and some not.
FM Success Factors
Steve Silen, of business advisors KPMG, looks at some of the key actions needed both before and after implementing an integrated FM contract.
Lean Thinking in FM
One approach that is becoming a key weapon in the facilities management armoury in dealing with inefficiency and waste is 'lean thinking'.
FM's Game Changer
That's a punchy title, full of promise. But is there really a change on the horizon that could reshape this large and dynamic sector? Yes, argues David Emanuel.
Procurement: defining what you need and how to get it
Sometimes we seem to be an industry that knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing.
Improving Performance
Can guiding managers to consider the link between their use of resources and the achievement of corporate objectives help them to identify new routes to improving the business?
Setting Standards for FM
There are more than 250 British Standards applicable to facilities management. How many of those can you name? How many do you actually use?
Career Builder
This year's BIFM FM of the Year started in construction and migrated into facilities management, ideal for someone who simply loves making buildings work.
Level 3: Questions Linger
We've learned something recently: the newcomer venturing into the realm of FM qualifications delivery needs to be prepared to meet a baffling mix of jargon, confusion, delay and obstruction.
Workplace Futures 2011
This year's conference tackled some big issues in facilities management and raised some fundamental questions the industry needs to resolve.
Making FM a First-Choice Career
New FM qualifications will be an important factor in making facilities management a recognisable, and desirable, career.
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Apprenticeship reforms 2025: a step forward or two steps back?
The UK government has introduced sweeping changes to the apprenticeship programme across all occupations and levels.
The price of self-serving leadership
Anthony Walker explores the qualities required for successful organisational leadership.
Are traditional FM models ineffective?
There’s a growing view that established models for facilities management need reinvention.
The meaning of a failed MoU
The cancellation of the IWFM’s Saudi tie-up hints at bigger issues.
Good-bye ISIG; hello Strategic Leaders Forum
The past couple of decades have seen the steady evolution of the facilities management landscape. Some FM organisations have changed quite a lot, too.
FM Standards: get involved
Legislation, regulation and contract compliance; KPIs, SLAs and QSHE; governance groups, industry bodies and those blasted consultants…
The need for long-termism in ESG
Organisations are placing increasing importance on their environmental, social and governance strategies. How should FM react?
Time for change: how we can avoid neglecting assets
For any company that has been around for a long time, change can be difficult to accept. After all, why change the core of a business which has stood the test of time?
FM: the next generation
Simon Ball reflects on 20 years in facilities management: what’s changed, what hasn’t and what needs to.
An evening to celebrate, and celebrate FMs did
The IWFM awards dinner took place Monday evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, and how nice it was to be back.
IWFM: is it fit for purpose?
There are a number of big issues facing the Institute that suggest the answer may well be no. Certainly the pressure is increasingly on to prove otherwise.
Security: innovation is shaping the future
Jason Pope turns the World FM Day focus onto security services to show how Covid-19 has been the catalyst the industry needed.
Why do companies change FM suppliers so often?
On World FM Day, Alistair Scott argues that in order to break this cycle we need to first consider the causes behind it.
Why behaviours are key to our success in FM
To mark World FM Day, Debi Rowland offers some insights on skilling up for a career in FM.
Women in manufacturing: an opportunity in FM
In celebration of World FM Day, Ann Gent outlines the career prospects in what might fairly be called a neglected sector.
FM: time for a new approach
Jeff Dewing argues the industry has a watershed moment to address its issues and shares his manifesto for change.
The FM industry under the spotlight
The role of the facilities manager is evolving. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the workplace experience for companies in all industries, finance, retail and tech among them.
Time to build on what's been achieved
Despite the concerns about the economy due to the type of Brexit we ultimately get and more recently Covid-19, one of the constants is that the facilities management sector remains positive.
Women in FM
Recent research looking at women in facilities management relayed the disappointing finding that half of FM businesses in the UK have no female representation at board level.
The next generation of FM: which way forward?
The facilities management industry has been a place that's good for everyone. The slow and steady growth seemed guaranteed, and there was a well-known operating model for how to win. But the good times are over.
Freed from chains
For the FM industry to drive innovation and deliver the superior performance customers demand, we must lead a radical overhaul of FM service supply chains, says Andrew Wood.
FM has an image problem
And that is what's stopping our future talent from joining what one student called a 'hidden industry'. Sienna Emanuel asked a group of students what we need to do.
Responsible FM
"May you live in interesting times" is a Chinese curse that we would do well to consider long and hard right now.
Showcasing values-based activity in FM and workplace
Today is World Values Day, an opportunity to think about the principles that are important to us and to act on them.
Outsourcing in the public sector: a social commitment
The Public Service Act (Social Value) 2012 puts social value at the heart of commissioning, ensuring that authorities consider the wider economic and environmental benefit that they can achieve when buying goods and services. The Act became law in 2013.
Mutually beneficial
Collaborations between facilities management membership bodies have happened before. So, what makes the partnership between RICS and IFMA any different?
Owning the data and the data agenda
The future is equal parts exciting and terrifying. New technologies are opening up a world of possibilities; but they are also raising real-world concerns, like who will use, manage and ultimately own the abundance of new data that is produced.
Making technology work for FM
If technology is going to become an increasingly necessary and perhaps even an enhancing part of FM going forward, how do we ensure that this promise is delivered? Mark Hazelwood looks at some of the issues.
Passing the buck: responsibility and accountability for compliance
Who is really responsible for compliance in an organisation? This was just one of many questions recently posed at the latest BIFM Leaders' Forum panel debate hosted by Churchill Service Solutions in London.
Talking the industry up
I think it’s very easy to talk down the FM industry right now; but more than ever I am seeing a real movement behind positive change and some urgency in creating a conversation that elevates the perception of the value of what FM does.
Smarter working
It has become an industry adage that FM needs to move up the value chain, developing stronger, smarter working relationships with its customers. This is vital to the health of not just the industry but of customers' businesses too, says Jeff Flanagan.
You can't handle the truth
That memorable line from A Few Good Men, a drama about two US Marines accused of murder, resonates with me every time I hear politicians speaking about the 'truth'.
What's the point of marketing in FM?
In these uncertain times, how can CEOs and managing directors hope to deliver shareholder value, drive long-term profitability and create stability for their businesses?
FM and the need for leadership
With the world changing fast this is an important time to position facilities management as the lead enabling function for positive progress in multiple aspects of our lives, from the workplace through to cities. Geoff Prudence argues for greater focus.
The demise of Carillion and what it means
Even before there was a Carillion, stretching back into the days of its Tarmac predecessors, this business was a pioneer of the facilities management industry. Now that it has crashed so spectacularly what should we take away from this sorry situation?
How ready for change is FM?
Could we be on the road to a completely new approach to buying and selling FM, something which might end the price-based tendering that has dragged the industry so much downhill?
The Elemental Workplace
The relationship between facilities management and the emerging discipline of Workplace has always been slightly awkward.
Broadening the FM view
Considering how an environment makes employees feel and interact is key to creating business-supporting workspaces, says Jeff Flanagan.
Brexit: final straw for the industry's recruitment crisis?
There has been talk of a skills shortage and recruitment crisis in the FM sector for some years. Guy Pakenham looks at how the emerging political situation changes the discussion.
Stability and growth on the agenda
David Emanuel reports from Thursday's Annual General Meeting of the British Institute of Facilities Management.
The FM onion
Simon Iatrou looks back at some of the highlights from this year’s RICS FM Conference.
The case for holistic thinking
As human consumption nears a pivotal moment, George Adams explains why the built environment has a huge part to play in the fight against social and ecological disaster.
Is FM at risk of dehumanising?
Embracing the age of big data and all its associated ground-breaking technology is crucial for the FM sector, but there is a risk that partnership working and collaborative cultures could be lost to the detriment of the client relationship.
FM BLT
I've wanted to write this piece for a while. I suspect it'll annoy a few people. But I need to get it off my chest.
Disruption in FM: competing in a Google world
Colin Kenton explains why the FM discipline needs to scenario plan for the future of work and create the flexibility to deliver services in uncertain times.
Is facilities management ready for change?
Disruption of traditional industry has been a buzz-phrase for a while now. Is FM ripe for disruption? Dave Wilson looks at some of the possibilities.
BIFM: déjà vu
With reference to David Emanuel's pertinent article 'Where next for the BIFM', I have a couple of observations from my own experience, writes Lionel Prodgers.
Beyond outsourcing: to vest or not to vest
Granted it is not the font of all knowledge; however, Wikipedia is a useful reference for definitions.
Policies, common sense and defining what's really important
I asked my colleagues in our employment relations team whether they would like to step up to defend the boss of the company that had very publicly been admonished for sending home an employee, without pay, who refused to wear high heels at work.
Vacancy for a trade association
I enjoyed Andrew Brown's critical appraisal of the facilities service industry's failed love affair with trade associations, but I want to offer a few words of warning to anyone thinking of jumping into the empty seat left by the demise of the BFG.
FM in an international marketplace
With sad predictability, the response from the UK to Tuesday's announcement of the IFMA/RICS collaboration has been, at best, inward looking.
FM industry representation: who cares anyway?
Does the UK facilities management sector deserve to have a representative body? Does it need one? Does it care enough to deserve one?
Outsourcing: the responsibility lies with us
In a recent article on i-FM, Nigel Thacker highlighted what he called a 'sub trend' for some organisations to take their facilities management and other services back in-house.
First impressions count
Ana Canabarro asks whether you can afford not to have a professional front of house service.
An FM profession in unison?
On World FM Day, Simon Iatrou explores just how globalisation is shaping the facilities management profession.
A fair day's pay
Our staff work hard to help maintain our clients' facilities and provide key services. Every one of them deserves to receive a salary that not only recognises their skills and hard work, but also reflects the real cost of living in the UK.
Time to move on
At times, facilities management can seem to be its own worst enemy. Andrew Brown shares his views on progress and limitations, spurred by discussions at the recent Workplace Futures conference.
Style over substance
The temptation to buy the latest must-have gizmo can often be too hard to resist. In the workplace, this impulse negates the practical needs of staff and leads to poorly performing spaces.
Workplace management is NOT 'non core'
Another year has gone and we're within a short hop of this year's Workplace Week Convention, entitled 'The work/place revolution… taking human performance to new levels'.
Name and shamed
While helpdesks may get a bad rap, changing hats is not the solution, says Ian Robertson.
The customer comes second!
Yes, you have read it right; it really does say 'The customer comes second'. Frazer Rendell, an expert on employee engagement, explains.
Social value: why should FMs take notice?
Tony Raikes argues that social value will become central to all support services providers and will no longer just be a tick in a box on a tender document.
Power to the people
It is a belief in the abilities of our people that will create the disruptive innovation and dynamic customer relationships needed for FM & CRE to deliver strategic value.
FM on the board: really?
It’s been a hobby horse of many people in the industry since I first got involved three years ago, and those of my associates who are a little longer in the tooth tell me it's been going on for much longer than that.
Show and tell: the path to strategic influence
Facilities managers want to be taken seriously. Indeed, it can sometimes feel as if we spend a lot of our time saying: “Look at me, I’m a professional, just like the architects, engineers and accountants, take me seriously”.
Inside the tent, peeing out
The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and the British Institute of Facilities Management recently announced the intention of coming together in a partnership to drive a number of research and insight projects.
When will FM be properly recognised?
Bernard Crouch thinks the problem lies with terminology. It's time we moved past this, he argues.
The beginnings of a profession
Or is it the end of a 30-year project? Paul Carder argues that FM might be headed in the direction of becoming a profession, but there is much more work needed if that is really to be the case.
BIFM replies
Reading your recent article, 'The Informed Observer's View of FM', the resounding message for me was the passion for both the sector and the profession; two very separate elements in my eyes.
In-house vs outsource: that is the question…
With the workplace being the main facilitator of organisational success, senior management should view facilities management as a key function and, as such, consider it strategically.
FM: technology is the future
Advances in technology increasingly mean facilities can be managed from anywhere, often without the need for human intervention. Lionel Prodgers makes the case for embracing the trend now.
Energy efficient partnerships
A recent survey conducted by the BIFM and the National Energy Foundation shows that facilities managers must improve their approach to energy efficiency. But it is not their responsibility alone, argues Phil Shepley.
A collaborative approach
Collaborative contracting helps build lasting, successful relationships with clients which results in improved service delivery. It should therefore be a fundamental way of doing business.
In defence of FM bingo
Innovation is one of those buzzwords. It makes everything sound a little bit sexier and a whole lot more impressive. But what is it, and can it actually be applied to the often-fluffy world of FM services?
The what and when of service excellence
Should FM providers aspire to deliver excellent service at all times? The answer may not be as obvious as it might seem, according to new research commissioned by ISS.
The social support services
Social, or 'new', media is everywhere and, as evidenced by Facebook's $104bn 2012 market capitalisation, it's big business.
What puts the 'total' in Total Facilities Management?
Until the facilities management industry can agree on a clear definition of TFM, the service model will never truly deliver the value it promises.
Margin dive: but how far?
For years people in the wider facilities services industry have complained about the commoditisation of contract services.
Trained professionals
The build up of knowledge, skills and certifications is quickly moving the cleaning industry away from its roots as an unskilled job for uneducated people.
The FMA Poser
Mark Purnell wonders if his company should join the Facilities Management Association, and decides the answer is no.
Stepping up our game
With over a million young people not in employment, education or training, there is no doubt this issue needs to be addressed urgently; and FM is part of the answer.
Facilities and Management
Facilities are, or should be, a concern of organisational managers. They are a managerial lever to enable an organisation to deliver its defined purpose.
Outsourcing by the numbers
A hard-headed approach to outsourcing facilities management is delivering value, but could it be squeezing out innovation at the same time?
FM's increasing complexity
What's the future of this industry? Could it be a bigger, more critical role at the heart of client organisations?
Building a solid foundation for business change
There is regular discussion in the FM community which encourages debate and consideration about the role of FM in business and how it can evolve and mature.
Game changer opportunity
No matter what the economic circumstances, the successful teams, the successful businesses and the successful people all have one thing in common: a sense of purpose provided by strong leadership.
No blood on carpet shock
Monday night's debate hosted by RICS achieved the seemingly impossible task of putting a number of FM interests together in one room and no fight ensued.
The PR dilemma
Public image is an elusive thing. Just ask politicians, celebrities and major brand names.
Social media 101: ROI
We might as well address the elephant in the room, because if you are not saying it, you are thinking it. What is the ROI on social media?
We need a new story to tell
Facilities management has, in my view, reached a crisis point in its evolutionary path.
Public sector challenge
In the 10 seconds or so that it takes you to read this sentence, it is a fact that the public sector will be spending in the region of £100,000 on outsourcing.
Missed opportunity at RICS
Unless you've been asleep in a cave somewhere, you will probably have noticed that RICS has launched a consultation 'to help shape global facilities management standards'.
Interesting times for FM
The origin of that 'ancient Chinese curse', may you live in interesting times, is disputed; but it's wonderfully apt to our situation these days.
Marmite man speaks out
David Emanuel is the subject of the feature interview in this month's FMX magazine. An interesting experience for both sides.
Managing our assets
Did you ever have cause to wonder why you do what you do? Has your time at work been well spent? Do you think FM is well recognised, and that you are too?
The State of FM
Dave Wilson writes: It is, in many ways, quite odd that so many people should feel so passionate about facilities management.
Backing Rising FMs
With unemployment rising and more poor news from the economy, the facilities management industry recently fought back with the first FM careers event.
Chartered status? Really?
Pitifully predictably, BIFM has again opened the Pandora's box of the possibility of chartered status for FMs.
This is How We Do It
'Organisational culture' is a hard-to-define concept that many facilities managers see as outside their remit.
Presenting for FM
"Don’t tell me words don’t matter." There were many reasons Barak Obama became President of the United States; not least is his ability to get a crowd on his side.
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