09.04.11
Estates & facilities managers – is it all down to you?
Estates and facilities management has become more prominent within the healthcare sector in recent years. This has been driven by a number of factors including patient choice, payment by results and the media attention drawn by cases of hospital acquired infection
Patients now have more choice and control over where and when they are treated. As patient choice is intimately linked with the payment by results system there is a financial incentive for hospitals to attract patients through improved quality.
Estates and facilities management is one of the few services that has an impact on the entire patient experience. Factors such as cleanliness, catering and laundry services play an important role in improving clinical outcomes and are also some of the key issues affecting patient choice . Therefore, estates and facilities managers have a vital role maintaining high standards to ensure that their hospitals can compete for patient business.
The successful delivery and management of these services relies on board level recognition of the importance of estates and facilities management in delivering key performance targets. Estates and facilities management is a fundamental strategic discipline because it translates the high-level, strategic change required by senior decision-makers into day-to-day reality for people in their work or living space.
If you are working hard in an estates or facilities management role within the healthcare sector you are not alone. Support is available through the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) where you can network and share knowledge with colleagues in similar roles across a variety of different sectors. You can also gain greater professional recognition and develop your career further.
The rise of facilities management
Facilities management has been a recognised and established business activity since the mid-1980s. The description was adopted as a collective term for activities that support organisations in their occupation of space – from cleaning, security, space planning, mechanical & electrical maintenance, and reprographics to catering. Responsibility for the management of these activities was brought together – creating facilities managers and teams.
The need for a professional approach was soon recognised and this resulted in the formation of the BIFM in 1993. The BIFM is the UK’s lead institute representing the interests of those who practice FM and those who work in organisations supplying FM related products or services.
The BIFM has remained one of the fastest growing professional bodies in the UK and is the largest national FM organisation in the world. Most of its 11,000 members are individual professionals although there is a growing corporate membership.
Career development
BIFM has many members in the healthcare sector and would be pleased to hear from you if you are working in estates & facilities management and would like to further your knowledge and advance your career. Whether you are new to FM, considering it as a possible career, moving into FM from another discipline or widening your role from related areas such as cleaning, catering or security, BIFM is the place to start.
Membership of BIFM affords professional recognition and shows that you are committed 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 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 you find your ideal role.
Networking
BIFM has a specialised healthcare sector forum which brings together members who are working in or have a professional interest in estates and facilities management in the healthcare sector. The group provides an effective means of networking and a forum for exchange of advice, guidance and knowledge sharing all of which help to reduce your isolation. The forum also aims to be an effective lobbying group, on behalf of the BIFM, influencing and voicing opinions on healthcare sector issues with stakeholders and decision-makers.
A s a member of BIFM you will also have access to a wide range of regional and national networking opportunities organised across the country throughout the year.
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’.
Membership – the next step
To receive a free membership assessment that will tell you which BIFM membership grade you should apply for or if you have any other questions about BIFM please contact us quoting ref: HSC5.
British Institute of Facilities Management
Vanessa Green
T: 0845 058 1358
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