Defining FM

Here I am in Edinburgh, facilitating the Professional Facilities Manager Module 2, and once again the topic has come up about how to promote FM as a profession, and as a career.

My delegates this week come from so many different organisations, and not one of their roles is the same. Here's what the Asset Skills Council says about Facilities Management...

"Facilities Management (FM) relies on people with excellent management and communications skills, combined with specialist know-how.

The Facilities Manager provides the services that ensure the smooth running of the environments people encounter in their working and personal lives.

They may have a range of job titles but they form a vital management function. They work behind the scenes supporting all operations from building maintenance through to catering, cleaning, reception and security.

The FM is the person who introduces service innovations in office buildings, shopping centres, hospitals, educational establishments or big sports stadiums.

In many cases the Facilities Manager will also be responsible for environmental management, business continuity planning, risk management and sustainability.

If there is a problem, it is the FM's job to solve it while minimising disruption to the daily business of the organisation."

For me, this is the key phrase, 'They may have a range of job titles but they form a vital management function'.

If you want to ensure your organisation recognises the role FM can play in strategic business objectives, talk to Liz Kentish The FM Coach 01778 561326 / 07717 787077 coach@lizkentishcoaching.co.uk