BIFM members vote in favour of changing name

A Manifesto for Change unveiled by chairman Steve Roots on 1st March set out to re-frame facilities management by emphasising its ability to make a real contribution to organisations’ performance. The manifesto has been resoundingly supported by members who voted overwhelmingly to adopt the new name.  

The Manifesto sets the Institute the twin tasks of helping members improve their skills and their status to meet the needs of modern organisations; and raising the profile of facilities management and the value it contributes. It also signals a commitment to work towards members’ desire for the profession to achieve Chartered Body status, confirming that the FM profession is well established and is capable of recognition in its own right.

According to BIFM, research on the current FM landscape, its future, its relationship to workplace and the role BIFM should play showed that, against a background of unprecedented change, FM has built a track record which highlights its contribution to organisational success. The research also identified a clear desire for FM to be operating in a different, more strategic, space – as value creator, not cost centre. 

The Special Resolution, which required the support of more than 75% of eligible voting members to succeed, was passed at the AGM in Manchester where the vote took place on 5th July.

BIFM Chairman Steve Roots said: “I am delighted that the membership has voted to change the Institute’s name and approved the course planned for the next phase of the professional body for all those who contribute to workplace productivity.

“The Board listened to the views of members and the wider profession in shaping proposals designed to make BIFM more valuable to the FM profession, the FM industry and the wider business community.

“The Institute has a role in helping to re-set expectations and forge ahead with making workplace and facilities management a career of choice for the coming generation. This mandate means we can really grasp the opportunity presented by the leading-edge associations of workplace to reposition what FMs do.

CEO Linda Hausmanis added: “The external environment for our members is changing rapidly and BIFM has readied itself to change with it.

“I am thrilled by this result and excited by the prospect of leading a strong, proud and relevant professional body that is a fitting home for the FMs of today and tomorrow.

“We are, and we will remain an inclusive body. Wherever FMs are in their career this Institute will provide a framework of qualifications, professional standards and development opportunities."

Hausmanis concluded: “Our plans to refresh our brand and systems are already in progress and now that the membership has decided, we will adopt our new name and our new look before the end of the year.