Governing Body of the UK Facilities Management Industry BIFM
In the United Kingdom the governing body for the facilities management industry is the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM). At the time of writing the BIFM had nearly 10000 members.
The Institute was formed in 1993 following the merger of the then two leading bodies, the Association of Facilities Managers and the Institute of Facilities Management, when they came together they had a total of 3300 members.
Facilities management in the UK became recognised in 1985 and in 1986 the two groups mentioned above formed their respective organisations. Their aims and objectives were almost identical and in the merged organisation they have successfully addressed many of the immediate requirements in the market place.
The BIFM has 10 Regions including one for International interests, 4 Sector Forums, 7 Special Interest Groups and 8 Networks each of which organises activities which all adds up to a vibrant events calendar. There are also annual awards dinners, Burns Night Suppers and exhibitions run at various locations around the country so the opportunities for networking and expanding one's knowledge are endless.
The Institute has a conventional membership structure of Students, Associates, Members and Fellows interlinked with the Regional Committees and Special Interest Groups which encompass areas such as Public Sector, Security, Business Continuity, Access and Inclusion, Health and Safety and Shopping Centres.
There are also a number of main committees that undertake much of the work of the Institute and these include Membership Services, Research, Information and Knowledge and Professional Standards and Education.
The BIFM has a qualification simply called BIFM (Qual) and it can be achieved through three routes shown in the following table (courtesy of the BIFM) which incorporates links to the BIFM website: -
Route |
Knowledge |
Experience |
Examination |
A series of 7 modules in two parts, based on the BIFM competences. Typically taken over a period of two-four years. (Exemptions for Part I and Part II are available.) |
On completion of the exam modules, candidates are required to produce a portfolio of evidence from the workplace. |
Higher Education |
Successful completion of a BIFM-accredited HE course |
On completion of the course, candidates are required to produce a portfolio of evidence from the workplace. |
Professional Competence |
Demonstration of knowledge through a portfolio of evidence from the workplace or prior learning. (Completion of the BIFM Self Assessment Handbook will indicate suitability for this route.) Candidates are also required to undergo a Professional Interview with a panel. |
Candidates demonstrate their experience through a portfolio of evidence from the workplace. |
The BIFM Competences have been identified through the work of many parties who have formulated a comprehensive list, they are noted below as published in the BIFM's website at www.bifm.org.uk
The scope of knowledge, managerial skills and specialist expertise demanded of the successful facilities manager can seem daunting. To help shape and define this scope, BIFM has identified twenty competences, grouped into six key management areas. These competences underpin the assessment criteria for all three routes of the BIFM Qualification. They have also been used to develop the BIFM examination syllabus and criteria for accreditation of higher education courses.
Current competences
The full current and revised competences can be downloaded by visiting the website and clicking on the documents below.
UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS ORGANISATION
1. Understanding the Structure and Behaviour of Organisations
2. Understanding Business and Organisational Strategy
3. Developing FM Strategy
MANAGING PEOPLE
4. People Management
5. Communication
6. Working with Suppliers and Specialists
MANAGING PREMISES
7. Property Portfolio Management
8. Understanding Building Design
9. Building Fabric Maintenance
MANAGING SERVICES
10. Managing Building Services
11. Managing Support Services
12. Project Management
13. Managing Customer Service
MANAGING THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
14. Environmental Issues
15. Space Management
MANAGING RESOURCES
16. Procurement
17. Risk Management
18. Financial Management
19. Quality Management
20. Information Management
Training
The BIFM has been a major force in developing the training courses that underpin the attainment of knowledge and skills required to satisfy the levels of ability needed in the subjects shown above. The full details of what is available and how much it will cost are published at www.bifm-training.co.uk
There are eight main areas of training provided for all aimed at providing the level of knowledge required to pass the stringent expectations associated with achieving the qualification.
Other Bodies
International
Facilities Management is truly an International profession and there are professional colleagues throughout the world. Other organisations promoting FM throughout the world include:
- The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) based in the USA
- The International Society of Facilities Executives (IFSE) based in the USA
- Japan Facilities Management Association
- Facility Management Netherlands
- Association de Responsables des Services Generaux (France)
- Facilities Management Association ( UK trade body)
- Facilities Management Association Australia
- South African Facilities Management Association
Development of FM continued into Europe and around the world with the founding of institutions in :
- Germany (GEFMA)
- Austria (FMA)
- Hungary (HUFMA)
- Denmark (DFM)
There are institutes now growing in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland and Scandinavia not to mention many others yet to be publicised.
In Europe, we also have the European Facilities Management Network (EUROFM). This is an organisation bringing together many academic, research and practice organisations that work together for the benefit of the profession to generate information on FM education and practice to enhance the production of professionally qualified students and share information on the development of new FM processes.
There are also other bodies in the UK who have various interests in the FM profession and these include: -
Chartered Institute of Building – Primarily focused on the provision and support of many thousands of members involved in the construction process but also has a facilities management interest group.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – Focused on supporting its members involved in operations associated with property development and management, building construction and surveying but has its own FM Faculty aimed at providing support for its 12000 or so members who have declared interests in the FM field.
Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers
CIBSE have long been associated with the BIFM and has high numbers of members listed as being directly involved in the FM profession for obvious reasons, many Facilities Managers have come from a building services background where they have been involved in the running of building services in buildings.