New year, new challenges

The year 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting one as the BIFM delivers better value to members, says BIFM chairman Ian Broadbent

 

10 February 2011

I am delighted to write this column so early in 2011 as it gives me the opportunity to reflect on 2010, look forward to 2011 and look back at my first six months as chairman.

In 2010, it was great to see us convert to the new qualification. While I had supported and been an examiner of the old programme, it has been a big win to switch to the new Qualification Credit Framework at levels 4/5/6, and crucially our relationship with the ILM, giving us a link to FM apprenticeships.
As ever, the quality and breadth of events we held were excellent in 2010, from local networking groups to CPD events, our awards evening, members' day and conference.
Since taking the chairmanship from Iain Murray in June, one of my major roles has been to ensure the board continues to constructively challenge our CEO Ian Fielder and the head office team in the delivery of our medium term strategy, while adapting to the current marketplace and setting challenging yet realistic targets. I remain confident we have the right team in place and while 2011 promises to be another challenging year I am sure we will deliver better value to members through an improved membership proposition.

A major focus for 2011 will be growth, and our membership department has been working on effective ways to manage membership applications and new promotional ideas. We are proud of the benefits and offers available to members but we recognise we must continually improve the amount and quality of knowledge available. Improvements to our web and systems are designed to facilitate this important area of service.

Events this year include Th!nkFM, the rebranded BIFM conference (thinkfm.com), members' day and the BIFM Awards. To support our focus on increasing the customer and membership experience we are well ahead with developing a number of staff initiatives, including gaining the Investors in People accreditation and launching into achieving the European Foundation Quality Management (EFQM) framework.

I was talking with a member recently about their professional development and how they felt their organisation wasn't helping in this regard. However, we concluded that the person best placed to own their development was the member themselves; if you aren't owning your development make this the year of change. Use the BIFM to make it happen.

This is shaping up to be an exciting year. Along with my fellow board members and BIFM head office team I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year, and updating you on progress against plan. Remember, you can contact me via my blog at bifm.org.uk, or catch my updates on Twitter twitter.com/ibroadbent_bifm

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