Restructuring

 

16 August 2012

Earlier this year, I announced that the institute was adopting new ways of working in order to deliver our strategic objectives for 2012 and prepare us for the challenges beyond.

The aim was to be more agile, to enable our teams to make decisions, to be more responsive to members and customers alike, be more open, have a healthy view of risk, and to recognise the seriousness of the challenges, but nonetheless to enjoy and be motivated by them. I am delighted to report that we are succeeding.

It was first necessary to look at our executive decision-making process. Our executive is now a three-person committee, comprising myself, Stephen Bennett (strategy director) and Mark Morgan (finance director and company secretary).

Stephen has been with the institute since 2005. He has been instrumental in developing strategic direction and has steered the board on the constitution, board development matters, and the creation of the audit and governance committees in 2010.

Mark joined BIFM in 2010 as head of finances and resources and has successfully run finance, IT and governance for the institute. He had previously served as finance director and company secretary for a local firm and brings extensive board experience. Mark now has a wider portfolio as an executive director, adding HR and project management to his list.

The second phase of restructuring involved departments reporting to the executive. The board took the view that the institute's commercial operations were coming under increasing pressure during the recession. To that end, we have now successfully combined our business development and enterprise department with member services to form a new team under the direction of Sarah Hunnable, head of membership and business development.

Sarah previously managed member services and has been with the institute for over ten years. Since her appointment, Sarah has gone on maternity leave and her role is being covered by Jacqueline Gillman, who has worked closely with Sarah in this team for over a year. Jacqueline has already successfully streamlined a number of processes and reviewed our commercial operations.

Linda Hausmanis had previously been appointed to run the Awarding Organisation and has been instrumental in developing and delivering the Level 2-Level 7 platform for our qualifications and an apprenticeship programme to be launched this autumn, as well as our growing network of accredited training providers. Linda has been with BIFM since 2007.

Rebecca Thomas has been appointed as head of business operations, reporting to Mark Morgan. Rebecca started with BIFM in 2006. She has previous experience managing IT and has, for the past three years, successfully managed the projects team. Rebecca is responsible for the smooth running of back-office IT operations, quality and project development specifically delivery of the Institute's new website and CRM system.

For members able to attend the AGM, you will recall how I was able to say that at the end of the first six months of this year we were ahead of our targets. I am delighted to give the credit to the people mentioned above and their teams. Sadly, space does not permit me to mention everyone by name.

But they have adopted the new ways of working and restructuring plan and are delivering the results. Well done all!