get ahead brochure

www.bifm.org.uk

T: 0845 058 1355E: [email protected]

Get ahead

with BIFM qualifications in facilities management

Get ahead

“FM qualifications ensure that FM principles are followed and developed and give credence to those who truly believe in facilities management and promoting the benefits operationally and economically.”

Rob Ratcliffe Head of House Services Aberystwyth University

“This is an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills and knowledge, enabling me to approach my role with independent and critical thinking to deliver the best results. It’s a true demonstration that my professional development is valued and important to the performance of the organisation.”

Martin Edwards Regional Director OCS Group UK

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Contents

About BIFM 4

Welcome 5

Your progression pathway in facilities management 6

Level 4 qualifications 8



Employers – get ahead with a qualified workforce 14

What else does BIFM offer? 15

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Get ahead

“The BIFM qualifications allow individuals to gain more formal recognition of their knowledge of the FM industry. Whether you have been working in FM for two years or 20 years, you benefit not only from the most up‑to‑date industry news, but you share and learn from each other’s experience. Good FM is about supporting our people and the business – the qualifications cement this idea.”

Emma Cornwell Facilities Manager Ruffer LLP

About BIFMThe British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is the professional body for facilities management (FM) in the UK. Founded in 1993, the Institute represents and promotes the interest of members and the wider FM community.

The Institute delivers a range of services and benefits, including information, qualifications, continuing professional development, training and networking for over 12,000 individual and corporate members.

Our strategy is to increase participation and collaboration, promote professional standards, support career development and build an effective relationship with stakeholders including Government.

Facilities management professionals are responsible for services that support business. Their roles can cover management of a wide range of areas including: health and safety, risk management, business continuity, procurement, sustainability, space planning, energy, property and asset management. They are typically responsible for activities such as catering, cleaning, building maintenance, environmental services, security and reception.

4

Welcome

Professional development to transform your career and your business

Getting ahead in the current economic climate is more challenging than ever. Whether you want to develop your skills in your current role or work towards a new position, professional qualifications can add considerable value to your skill and knowledge base. With expertise at a premium in this environment, as employers seek ever more efficient ways to meet their objectives, make sure you have the tools to deliver.

Facilities management professionals are integral to the successful delivery of strategic and operational objectives across all sectors of the economy. The knowledge, skills and expertise that you gather, or your staff develop, are essential to the performance of your organisation.

That’s why, as the largest professional body for facilities management professionals in the UK, we have invested in developing clear progression pathways through our range of FM qualifications to support individuals and organisations in developing their FM expertise. This enables them to get ahead and achieve a benchmark of excellence in the FM industry.

Our comprehensive suite of facilities management qualifications was developed with the expertise of leading FM employers and stakeholders. Endorsed by our sector skills council, Asset Skills, the qualifications are also flexible, accessible and accredited within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This means that the qualifications are recognised nationally.

BIFM is committed to advancing the facilities management profession and our qualifications are one aspect of how we seek to support the professionals and businesses in the sector in performing to the best of their ability.

Our members benefit from a range of information and knowledge, networking, professional development and industry recognition. We provide opportunities for anyone working within FM. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, you can develop your career with us.

Qualifications are essential to gaining respect, recognition and a secure future. Our aim is to ensure that, by listening and being responsive, we reflect the needs of a dynamic and progressive facilities management industry in our suite of professional qualifications.

Ian BroadbentChairmanBritish Institute of Facilities Management

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Your progression pathway in facilities managementGain a recognised, accredited qualification to support your career and build your earning potential. All BIFM qualifications in facilities management are designed to be flexible and meet your needs. Choose a level and depth to suit you and select the optional units to match your development needs.

Key features

> All qualifications come in three sizes – Award, Certificate, and Diploma – so you can choose the one that suits your needs and the time available.

> Qualifications are built up from a combination of mandatory and optional units, offering flexibility and choice.

> There is no need to work up through the levels – you can start at the right level for you and your organisation.

> The qualifications can be customised by you and your organisation to suit your business needs.

> All assessments are practical and work based, so that they add value to your business.

> The qualifications cover real need‑to‑know facilities management knowledge and skills, and the learning outcomes and assessment criteria are clear.

> BIFM recognised centres offer different ways of learning – face‑to‑face, evening class, distance learning – to suit you.

> Each qualification needs to be completed within two years, but you have the flexibility to complete it more quickly.

> The qualifications are aligned with BIFM membership grades so you can enter into the appropriate member grade and gain extra recognition in the job market.

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Diploma

Diploma

Diploma

Diploma

Certificate

Certificate

Certificate

Certificate

Award

Who is it for? Senior, strategic facilities managers

BIFM Level 6 in Facilities Management

Award

Who is it for? Operational facilities managers


Award

Who is it for? Specialist facilities managers


Award

Who is it for? First-line and supervisory managers

ILM Level 3 in Facilities Management

A Levels3

Certificate of Higher Education4

Foundation Degree5

Bachelor’s Degree6

BIFM Qualifications What do they mean on the QCF?

QCF Level Equivalent qualifications

Size

Ch

all

en

ge

> Which level matches your key responsibilities?

> Do you have specific skills and knowledge gaps to fill?

> How much time can you commit over the next year?

> Where/how would you like to study?

> Where are you in your career?

> What do you want to achieve?

> What’s the next step?

> How could doing a qualification link with your personal development plan?

Whether you’re looking to better equip yourself for your current role or are looking to progress to the next level you can choose a qualification level, size and units to help you achieve your goals.

How to take charge of your career

Take some time to consider these questions below to help formulate your own professional development plan and work out how you could use these flexible qualifications:

What’s in it for you?

> Progressing your career and professional capability

> Building your earning potential

> Nationally recognised qualification in facilities management

> Enhanced credibility in the workplace

> Aligned to the BIFM professional competences and national occupational standards

> Increased knowledge and skills in facilities management

Choose the qualification package to suit your goals

BIFM and ILM

BIFM partnered with ILM (the Institute of Leadership & Management) to develop three qualifications at level 3 aimed at first‑line managers in facilities management or similar roles. The Award, Certificate or Diploma provide the perfect pathway into the BIFM level 4 qualifications in facilities management. Find out more at www.bifm.org.uk/level3

Learner profile

Barry Scott, Facilities Manager Netherhall Specialist Sports College Studied BIFM Level 5 Certificate in Facilities Management

Why did you decide to study for the qualification?

Although I have been in the job for a number of years, I did not possess any formal FM qualifications (only awards relating to elements of the role i.e. Health and Safety etc). Additionally I was due to be promoted and to manage a larger amount of staff. Therefore I decided that the time was right to gain a qualification.

How has achieving the qualification helped in your current role?

My confidence has increased as a result, I am able to tackle issues in a more methodical and focused manner. All the units that I undertook have been useful in gaining a deeper understanding of the reasons for carrying out a task in a particular way, I am also able to prioritise more effectively, analysing, delegating, and ensuring tasks are carried out swiftly and efficiently.

Would you recommend the BIFM qualifications to others?

Absolutely. It has made me aware of the complexity of the FM role and how to best apply the principles to my own organisation. It has opened my eyes to so many opportunities to develop and enhance our service provision to the college.

Read more about Barry’s experiences of the qualification at www.bifm.org.uk/learnerprofiles

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Level

Size Units

Centre

Level 4 qualificationsBIFM level 4 qualifications provide a broad understanding of facilities management and equip learners to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well‑defined but complex and non‑routine*.

Who are they for?

The level 4 qualifications are typically for those working at an operational management level. They are, however, also suitable for those aspiring to these roles looking to stretch and develop themselves. Although there are no set entry criteria, you will probably have a background in facilities management or related fields.

You are likely to be responsible for managing:

> Day‑to‑day operations (in‑house or outsourced)

> A range of support services > Contractors and key supplier

relationships > Budgets > Health and safety > FM projects.

Choose the size

Level 4 qualifications in facilities management are available in three different sizes; you can choose the size to suit your needs:

> Award – will give you a succinct overview of the basic skills and knowledge needed at this level

> Certificate – will provide you with a more comprehensive coverage of the subject

> Diploma – will provide the full package of skills, knowledge and understanding at this level.

Leve

l4

Choose the units:

Depending on the size of qualification, you will have a certain number of mandatory units that you have to complete.

After this, you can make up your remaining credits by choosing from the available units.

Award in Facilities Management

Certificate in Facilities Management

Diploma in Facilities Management

Credit value Minimum 12 credits

Minimum 24 credits

Minimum 48 credits

Mandatory units

One (6 credits) Two (12 credits) Five (29 credits)

Optional units

6 credits 12 credits 19 credits

Details on credit values per unit can be found on the BIFM website: www.bifm.org.uk/level4

* Based on Ofqual level descriptor.8

Level4

SizeUnits

Centre

Mandatory units

> Overview of FM (Award, Certificate, Diploma)

> Managing health and safety in own area of FM (Certificate, Diploma)

> FM strategy (Diploma) > People management in FM

(Diploma) > FM support services operations

(Diploma)

Optional units

You may choose to make up your remaining credits through a selection of the optional units below:

> Risk management in FM > Financial management in FM > Business organisation and its

impact on FM > Performance measurement in FM > Leadership and management

in FM > Management of information

and knowledge in FM > FM projects > Developing relationships with

suppliers and specialists in FM > Quality management in FM

> Managing customer service in FM > Property and asset

management for FM > Property, fabric and building

services maintenance for FM > Space management for FM > Sustainability and

environmental issues and the impact on FM

> Energy and utilities management in FM

> Procurement and contract management for FM

Or when studying the Award or Certificate you can also select from the remaining mandatory units if desired.

How are they assessed? How are they delivered?

You can choose the centre at which you study, which means you will have a choice of different delivery styles, including: face‑to‑face, evening class, distance learning and online learning.

Next steps

To take the next steps to studying a level 4 qualification in facilities management, visit the BIFM website to find your nearest or most suitable centre.

When contacting a centre, you might consider these questions:

> How is the qualification delivered?

> What does it cost? > How long will it take

to complete? > Which units does the

centre offer?

Visit www.bifm.org.uk/centres

Find out more

If you want to find out more about the qualifications or to talk through your options:

Visit www.bifm.org.uk/level4 Call 0845 058 1355Email [email protected]

BIFM qualifications are assessed against clear learning outcomes setting out the knowledge and skills needed by managers at different levels.

Assessment tasks are practical and work based, reflecting live business projects and activities – a real benefit to both individual learners and their organisations.

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Level 5 qualificationsBIFM level 5 qualifications develop the ability to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address complex problems. They will support you in being able to take on the responsibility for planning and delivering solutions, exercising autonomy and judgement in your area. They will develop your specialised knowledge further so that you can approach your role with independent and critical thinking to deliver the best results*.

Who are they for?

The level 5 qualifications are typically for those working at a middle or senior management level who are responsible for more specialised and complex functions. They are, however, also suitable for those aspiring to these roles and looking to stretch and develop themselves.

You are likely to be heading up:

> Single or multi‑site operations > Hard and/or soft service provision > Partner relationships > Performance management > Major projects with capital spend > Compliance in health and safety

and other key critical legislation > Financial management.

Choose the size


> Award – will give you a succinct overview of the basic skills and knowledge needed at this level



Leve

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Choose the units:







Minimum 24 credits

Minimum 48 credits

Mandatory units

One (6 credits) Two (14 credits) Five (32 credits)

Optional units

6 credits 10 credits 16 credits



Mandatory units

> Operational and FM strategy (Award, Certificate, Diploma)

> Managing people in FM (Certificate, Diploma)

> FM development and trends (Diploma)

> Risk management in FM (Diploma)

> Financial management in FM (Diploma)

Optional units


> FM support services operations > Managing health and safety in FM > Performance measurement in FM > Providing leadership and

management in FM > Managing information and

knowledge in FM > Managing FM projects > Managing negotiations in FM > Managing relationships with

suppliers and specialists in FM > Quality management in FM > Customer service in FM > Property and asset management

for facilities managers > Property, fabric and building

services maintenance for facilities managers

> Space management for facilities managers

> Sustainability and environmental management and the impact on FM

> Energy and utilities management and the impact on FM

> Managing procurement and contracts in FM

> Implementing change in an organisation and managing the impact on FM.

Or when studying the Award or Certificate you can also select from the remaining mandatory units if desired.



Next steps

To take the next steps to studying a level 5 qualification in facilities management, visit the BIFM website to find your nearest or most suitable centre.





centre offer?


Find out more





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Level5

SizeUnits

Centre

Level 6 qualificationsBIFM level 6 qualifications develop the strategic skills and knowledge for those facilities professionals working at or aspiring to senior positions. By achieving the qualifications, you will reflect the ability to refine and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address complex problems. They will help ensure that you are able to take responsibility for planning and delivering plans that are able to underpin substantial change or development, as well as exercising broad autonomy and judgement*.

Who are they for?

You are likely to be working at senior level and responsible for:

> Strategic review and development of FM service provision

> Corporate governance and risk > Driving innovation and change > Financial performance > Corporate responsibility

and sustainability > Property and procurement

strategy.

Choose the size


> Award – will give you a focused qualification covering FM strategy within a single unit



Leve

l6

Choose the units:







Minimum 30 credits

Minimum 60 credits

Mandatory units

One (10 credits) One (10 credits) Four (30 credits)

Optional units

20 credits 30 credits



Mandatory units

> Strategic FM (Award, Certificate, Diploma)

> FM governance and risk (Diploma)

> Quality management and customer service in FM (Diploma)

> Financial management in FM (Diploma)

Optional units


> Strategic FM support services operations

> Compliance with organisational health and safety and the impact on FM

> Strategic leadership and management in FM

> Human resource management in FM

> Developing strategic relationships in FM

> Strategic management of information and knowledge in FM

> Corporate responsibility and sustainable FM

> Procurement strategy for FM > Property management and

maintenance strategy for FM > Introducing and leading

change in an organisation and managing the impact on FM.

Or when studying the Certificate you can also select from the remaining mandatory units if desired.



Next steps

To take the next steps to studying a level 6 qualification in facilities management, visit the BIFM website to find your nearest, or most suitable centre.





centre offer?


Find out more





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Level6

SizeUnits

Centre

Employers – get ahead with a qualified workforceThe BIFM qualifications are designed to help you build your organisation’s capability and reputation with high‑performing FM teams.

Designed after in‑depth consultation with FM employers, the qualifications have been developed to meet industry needs.

Accredited within the national Qualifications and Credit Framework, they can be used as part of your staff development programme, playing an integral role in succession planning and talent management.

The qualification structure also provides a useful development framework to help you identify the knowledge and skills needed in key roles across your organisation.

The wide range of units can also be used to fill any immediate or foreseen skills gaps in your workforce.

Key features:

> All qualifications come in three sizes – Award, Certificate and Diploma

> Qualifications are built from a combination of mandatory and optional units, offering flexibility and choice

> The choice of units means qualifications can be customised to suit your business needs

> Learning can be linked to live business projects

> The qualifications cover real need‑to‑know facilities management knowledge and skills

> All assessments are practical and work based, so that they add value to your business

> BIFM recognised centres offer different ways of learning – face‑to‑face, evening class, distance learning, online or delivered in‑house

> The qualifications are aligned with BIFM membership grades for extra recognition.

Want to find out more?

BIFM is dedicated to helping the advancement of the facilities management profession and would be pleased to talk to you about how developing your staff with BIFM qualifications can support your business needs and goals.

To discuss further, please contact 0845 058 1355 or email [email protected]

“Facilities management is a key growth area for our business so it is vital that our support services teams have the right knowledge and skills to effectively manage increasingly complex multi‑service FM contracts.

“Supporting our employees in gaining professional qualifications is something Compass is fully committed to; it provides us with a more engaged workforce and by making this investment in our people, it makes them feel more valued. This qualification enables us to provide tailored training and development for employees and gives our clients confidence in Compass’ ability to deliver and manage these services to the high standards expected.”

Andrew Richards HR Director Compass Group UK and Ireland

“The BIFM qualifications are vital for gaining respect and recognition within the industry, providing a sustainable competitive advantage in a constantly changing marketplace. Amplifying the knowledge, skills and expertise of staff is vital in achieving ever more efficient ways of meeting our business objectives.”

Jane Drysdale HR Director OCS Group UK

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What else does BIFM offer?The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is the UK’s leading Institute for facilities management professionals and represents over 12,000 individual and corporate members.

Qualifications and member gradesThe BIFM Qualifications in Facilities Management are aligned with BIFM membership grades. On completion of certain qualifications, they form part of the entry criteria to these grades:

Qualification level Member grade

BIFM Level 6 Diploma in Facilities Management*

Certified grade (CBIFM)


Member grade (MBIFM)


Member grade (MBIFM)

BIFM Level 3 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Facilities Management*

Associate grade(ABIFM)

* With certain experience requirements

To find out how to apply for these grades and the additional experience requirements, please visit www.bifm.org.uk/routes

Becoming a member of the Institute provides access to a whole range of useful benefits, whether you are new to the profession or highly experienced in it.

Our mission is to advance the profession and since we were first established in 1993, we have been driving the FM industry forward and are committed to facilitating professionalism. We work to provide our members, and the wider FM profession, with the tools they need to progress in their careers; including relevant information and knowledge, professional development through qualifications, training and continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities. We provide:

Professional development

You can use your membership to develop your career in FM and expand your skills, training and experience in a structured and achievable time frame. Resources include CPD opportunities, an online CPD record system, our annual Careers Guide Supplement, big reductions on our training courses and more. We will facilitate your progression and encourage you through carefully planned, manageable stages.

Networking

As a member of BIFM, you will have the opportunity to share best practice and gain experience from different disciplines across the FM profession. We will connect you to the industry and to your fellow professionals with events that range from special interest groups to regional networks, social events and online forums. BIFM – your one essential membership.

Information and knowledge

Use our indispensable advice, training and know‑how to enhance your career. We will keep you up‑to‑date with the latest thinking in facilities management to help you achieve your full potential and deliver to the best of your ability. You will receive our industry leading magazine, e‑news bulletins, annual Buyers Guide, free access to Good Practice Guides plus much more.

Recognition and industry awareness

Membership provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate both your experience and professional expertise in the field of FM. Our clear membership grading structure provides pathways for any stage of your career, which are recognised throughout the industry. Furthermore, the letters you can put after your name as a member demonstrate your level of expertise and experience within your field.

Become a BIFM member today

To find out more about the benefits of being a member and how to join:

Visit www.bifm.org.uk/joinEmail [email protected] 0845 058 1358

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British Institute of Facilities Management

Number One BuildingThe CausewayBishop’s StortfordHertfordshire CM23 2ERT: 0845 058 1356E: [email protected]

www.bifm.org.uk

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