Servicing management

The British Institute of Facilities Management is inclusive, working across related disciplines and forming alliances with like-minded professional bodies. Increasingly international in outlook, the BIFM is a founding member of both EuroFM and Global FM.

BIFM’s members are responsible for many of the services that support business and other organisations, including business continuity, health & safety, space planning, energy management, maintenance and catering.

Career development
Membership of BIFM affords professional recognition and shows commitment to the FM sector, many members have said that the tools provided by BIFM have helped to enhance their careers. BIFM offers its members qualifications, examinations and discounted training courses (including IOSH and NEBOSH) as well as a structured Continuing Professional Development programme.

BIFM is committed to the development of FM as a career of choice and supports all members as they progress throughout their careers, from those who are joining the profession, to facilities managers with years of valuable experience. The online job section on the BIFM website is updated regularly and can be searched by keyword, region or salary to help find the ideal role.

Networking
BIFM has specialised Sector Forums, Special Interest Groups and Regional groups which brings together members who similar professional interests or are based in the same geographical area. The groups provide an effective means of networking and a forum for exchange of advice, guidance and knowledge sharing all of which help to reduce isolation. The groups also aim to be an effective lobbying group, on behalf of the BIFM, influencing and voicing opinions on FM sector issues with stakeholders and decision-makers.

Members of BIFM also have access to a wide range of regional and national networking opportunities organised across the country throughout the year.

BIFM annual conference
Next year’s conference returns to Keble College, Oxford (17th – 19th March 2008). The theme for the 2008 conference will be ’Sustainable FM – meeting the challenge’, covering a range of issues within the FM profession including Business, People & Skills, Communities, Environment, and Innovation.

Keynote speakers will include Barbara Stocking, the Director of Oxfam and Tim Smit from the Eden Project. The conference will be chaired and facilitated by Stephen Sackur from BBC World’s ’Hard Talk’.

The popular Fringe sessions and visits to interesting local facilities, will be retained and enhanced for 2008. A strong programme along with the BIFM’s noted entertainment, hospitality and networking opportunities is expected to attract delegates from across the profession.

Knowledge & information
BIFM members are also provided with information and knowledge resources such as market research, guidance on good practice and the latest industry news through respected industry magazine FM World. The members-only areas of the website contain a wealth of useful information, which can be accessed around the clock, including a fully indexed document library, FM events diary and active forums to share experiences with colleagues online.

BIFM has recently launched its Good Practice Guide series which is available free of charge to all members. Titles published recently include ‘Procuring & running catering contracts’, ‘Selecting FM Software’, and ‘Procuring & running cleaning contracts’.

BIFM has also begun to engage with policy makers through the work of the Public Policy Unit. Publication of a BIFM Energy Position paper has helped to demonstrate the influence of facilities managers on sustainability issues.

Find out more about BIFM by visiting the website www.bifm.org.uk for an overview of activities.
Ian R Fielder
Chief Executive Officer, BIFM