BIFM launches extended accreditation scheme

Citation

(2001), "BIFM launches extended accreditation scheme", Facilities, Vol. 19 No. 13/14. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2001.06919mab.007

BIFM launches extended accreditation scheme

BIFM launches extended accreditation schemeKeywords: Facilities management, Training, Accreditation

For the first time, in-house training counts for FM qualification

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is taking its qualification for professional facilities managers to the workplace with a first-ever accreditation for an in-house management training programme.

BIFM already accredits university courses at seven universities, meaning that students who graduate from BIFM accredited courses are exempt from the knowledge component of the BIFM Qualification. The move to easy access learning is a key strategy in encouraging professional development across the FM sector.

Now this accreditation programme has been extended for the first time to an intensive in-house Manager Development and Training programme, developed by leading FM service provider, Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls' six-month pilot programme began in January with an introductory workshop. The programme includes workshops on themes such as commercial focus examining the legal and financial aspects of FM through which it aims to enhance the strategic skills and business perspective of customer business managers and directors. BIFM is responsible for assessing and monitoring the programme and ensuring consistency and quality of delivery.

"We see the accreditation of in-house training programmes as an important step in making the BIFM Qualification more widely accessible and giving active support to in-house training initiatives", says BIFM's director of professional development, Valerie Everitt. "Respected FM qualifications such as BIFM's, will become increasingly important for those who wish to forge a career in the industry and BIFM would encourage other companies to follow the example of Johnson Controls."

Says Don Kenny, managing director at Johnson Controls Integrated Facility Management, "We see our new Customer Business Programme as being of critical importance in helping prepare our people to successfully improve their skills to maximise their career potential and to help meet Johnson Controls' objectives. Through this programme, we are taking a more strategic look at how we develop the ideal skills for business managers and directors; that includes how we develop, recruit and motivate them. We see the BIFM accreditation as of great value both to the company and to the individuals on the programme who can use it to work towards a well-respected FM qualification."

For more information on BIFM's accreditation for in-house training programmes, please contact Valerie Everitt at BIFM. Tel: +44 (0) 1799 508605 E-mail: valerie.everitt@bifm.org.uk