by Brianna Crandall — October 27, 2014—The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) announced last month a collaboration with The Building Futures Group to launch a new initiative to open up a career path in the facilities management (FM) sector. RICS is the U.K.-based international professional body for land, property and construction, and The Building Futures Group is the trade association for the U.K. FM/cleaning industry created from the merger of Asset Skills, the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA), and the Facilities Management Association (FMA).
The two organizations announced their plans at an event entitled “Pathway to Professionalism,” sponsored by Barclays, that explored career progression opportunities for people working in FM, and encouraged entrants to the sector from a wider range of backgrounds.
The partnership will see The Building Futures Group’s Strategic Manager, Senior Manager and Manager qualifications offer entry to the RICS Associate (AssocRICS) accreditation, which was developed as an opportunity for people without a degree to benefit from a world-class professional qualification.
The event will form part of a series of future tie-ups between RICS and The Building Futures Group, including training, conferences and guidance on FM best practices.
Johnny Dunford, global commercial property director for RICS, commented, “RICS offers a home for entrants to the FM sector who aspire to climb the career ladder. Our professional standards call for FM to be given a more strategic role in business management, and through our partnership with The Building Futures Group we are offering an opportunity for people to transition their career path from operational into strategic FM.”
Steve Davies, FRICS, chair of The Building Futures group, added, “As a fellow of RICS, I know first-hand the value of chartered status as an individual, and its importance to FM as a leader in the facilities management industry. The collaboration between RICS and The Building Futures Group marks an important event in the development of the FM industries. The opportunity for those in FM to become chartered professionals through a vocational pathway will increase client confidence, and help the U.K. FM industry to be recognized at all levels across the globe.”
For further information on the opportunities offered by RICS to professionals in the FM industry, visit RICS’ Facilities Management Web page.
