Efforts behind the scenes

On a visit to Dubai, Gareth Tancred, chief operating officer at the BIFM, reflects on how the institute is undergoing a positive transformation

 

30 September 2010

I recently visited Dubai and was in awe at the transformation of what was apparently 40 years ago, a small desert fishing village to a giant ultra-modern tourist metropolis with everything you can imagine. The vision, construction and running of the hotels and attractions in Dubai is so inspirational, it’s little wonder they surpass what the rest of the world has to offer time and time again. A lot of this transformation is due to the diligent work of those in the facilities management field and indeed, it would not be possible without FM. It made me think about the transformation of the institute.

Just like Dubai, much work goes on behind the scenes long before the glass and marble hotels open their doors to the public. In a similar way, the institute, which is still only 17 years old, is undergoing a similar transformation.

If I look back over the last few months, there are some good examples of this transformation; for instance, the Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting that took place at the London Imax in June. We trialled a number of new initiatives – a bold venue with unsurpassed presentation techniques, electronic voting, an enhanced format, etc. I am pleased to report back to you that our survey showed 100 per cent of those that attended thought that it was a huge success.

Prior to that we launched our new qualifications, accredited by Ofqual at Levels 4, 5 and 6. Training centres are now delivering courses around these new levels. Soon you will see this network expand. Also this year, we introduced the new certified member grade – CBIFM. Congratulations to those who have already achieved it. If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of CBIFM, and how you too can achieve it, I encourage you to visit the website, visit us on stand D75 at Total Workplace Management on 6 and 7 October, or contact the membership team.

Yet another example of the transformation is this issue of FM World. You will already have noticed changes on your favourite FM magazine. I am delighted with it and we hope you will also find it a change for the better. The FM World team and I welcome your comments.
It is the time of year when most organisations plan for the future. The institute’s board also has been closely examining its strategic objectives. At a time when many organisations are planning flat or only very modest single-digit growth, the institute has its sights on much bigger plans. There are many exciting projects going on behind the scenes to continue this transformation and I can promise you it won’t take 40 years to deliver.

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