15 March 2017 | Jamie Harris
The BIFM has published a Good Practice Guide that explores how facilities management services can be procured at a continental or global level.
The guide, Managing FM Teams Across Borders, is the latest in a series of publications offering best practice guidance on different aspects of facilities management operations and strategy, and is aimed at both client and supply-side facilities professionals.
It examines the challenges of managing FM teams in different locations and the various models for doing so. With step-by-step help and advice on managing a global facilities management team, each section offers practical advice and tips on handling issues that can arise from cross-border FM delivery, such as political climates, currency risk and cultural differences.
BIFM research and information manager Peter Brogan said: "This latest Good Practice Guide has been developed for anyone who is planning to manage, or is currently managing, FM teams across borders with the aim of helping them to expand their knowledge and understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with a cross-border approach.
"The guide covers everything FMs need to know to be successful in this area, from understanding the benefits of increased consistency in workplace experience and achieving a standardised approach to customer relations, to handling legislative and cultural differences. It also contains tips and advice on measuring success and aligning cross-border FM delivery to the organisation's core business objectives."
The guide has been authored by Bruce Barclay, senior manager EMEA, global real estate and facilities at Dell EMC.
He said: "Facilities management is increasingly becoming a global discipline, with the announcement of pan-European and pan-global contracts now a regular occurrence.
"Cross-border delivery of FM, and management of FM teams, is now a common challenge for many large organisations and this guide has been produced in response to this trend in order to support facilities management professionals who are undertaking this task and to make them aware of the challenges and best practice in this area."
The Good Practice Guide: Managing FM Teams Across Borders is available to download at www.bifm.org.uk/BordersGPG