by Brianna Crandall — May 24, 2017 — The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is rolling out a new direct route to Fellowship of the Institute to encourage the profession’s most accomplished professionals to apply for this prestigious membership grade or designation.
Recently, eight BIFM members successfully applied to become a Fellow of the Institute as part of a pilot of this new application route to attract facilities management (FM) professionals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to FM to become ambassadors for the FM profession through Fellowship.
Historically, FM professionals have only been able to apply if they have first moved up through the BIFM membership grades; however, the new direct route means anyone who can demonstrate the right level of expertise and experience can apply regardless of what membership grade or professional qualifications they formerly held.
Lee Grant, BIFM’s head of Service and Community Development, said:
We know there are many well-respected, influential FM professionals working within the sector who may not have previously considered becoming a BIFM Fellow but who could bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to the Institute and profession. As the professional body for facilities management, we understand it is hugely important to the profession, wider built environment sector and business that BIFM provides a platform to recognize those who have contributed significantly.
In turn, BIFM Fellows help inspire and motivate others throughout all stages of their FM career to continually develop, excel within their chosen field, and make a positive impact on business, the economy and society. As the pinnacle of BIFM’s membership, our Fellows are shining examples of excellence in FM, showcasing through their achievements how the FM Professional Standards can be embedded in practice.
Not only does achieving the Fellow grade demonstrate that an individual is operating at the highest standards, but it shows a commitment to the FM discipline and supports the continued professionalization of FM in an ambassadorial role. Therefore, anyone wishing to apply should consider the impact of their work and the overall contribution they have made to the wider industry.
The new Fellows pathway was piloted following consultation with BIFM Membership Assessors, its Fellows Special Interest Group and Certified members. Part of the consultation process included benchmarking to identify industry standards and best practice with other professional bodies.
The streamlined application process includes a written submission that is appraised by a team of experienced Membership Assessors (Fellows in their own right) against criteria aligned to the FM Professional Standards to ensure each applicant is operating at the appropriate senior level and has contributed significantly to the FM profession.
The assessment criteria covers the FM Professional Standards functional areas of strategy, leadership, change management and business continuity, risk and compliance.
It is hoped the direct route will recognize individuals from a range of FM backgrounds who can add continuous value to BIFM in order to ensure the organization has the right expertise and level of resource to support its agenda on research, education and policy response.
More information on the direct entry route to Fellow membership grade is available on the BIFM Web site.
