Professional bodies work to improve services in buildings
CIBSE president Graham Manly (front left) and BIFM chairman Mick Dalton (front right) sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting excellence in facilities-management practice. Also in the picture are CIBSE chief executive Julian Amey (back left) and BIFM chief executive Ian Fielder.
Better understanding of the interaction between the design of services for buildings and their operation is signalled by an agreement between The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the British Institute of Facilities Management. The two organisations are joining forces to develop and promote excellence in facilities-management practice. The move follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding last month covering three main aspects. • Joint commitment to work together to develop and promote excellent FM standards. • Shared access for members of both bodies to technical publications, events, training and other sources of information. • Collaboration on development issues, including research, standards development, accreditation and assessment schemes, professional development, qualifications, CPD, conference and other relevant activities. Graham Manly, president of CIBSE, expressed delight that this agreement has come to fruition in his presidential year. He said, ‘FM and the operation of buildings are becoming increasingly important for our members, particularly because of the growing emphasis on whole-life performance of buildings. Many CIBSE members work within the sector, and we have an active FM special-interest group. The institution has collaborated with the BIFM in the support of events, but this agreement takes the relationship onto a new level and will help support the role of FM as it is practised in the UK.’ Mike Dalton, chairman of BIFM also acknowledged the opportunities. ‘The BIFM has worked closely with CIBSE over the years because facilities managers recognise the importance of well designed, commissioned and maintained building services in today’s demanding work environments. BIFM has an active building-services special-interest group, and this new Partners in FM Excellence agreement can only improve communications between professionals for the good of all.’ The agreement enables members of each organisation to register as a ‘partner’ with the other. Partners will benefit from services, events and other activities provided by the other professional body as specified in the agreement.
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