Overview
Join us on this virtual meeting to learn about how you can make a difference and bring positive change to the workplace and facilities management industry by becoming a volunteer for our IWFM Regions, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Networks.
We’ll share the opportunities and requirements of volunteering as well as the next steps. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
We hope to see you there.
Speakers
Ian Christopher
Ian Christopher is the Volunteer Partnership Manager within the Memberships & Partnerships team at IWFM. In this role, he works closely with volunteers, committees, and strategic partners to support engagement, collaboration, and the delivery of member‑focused activity across the Institute.
Ian plays an active role in coordinating community and committee initiatives, working across forums and leadership groups to ensure strong connections between members, volunteers, and organisational priorities. He is closely involved in reviewing community activity, supporting strategic forums, and contributing to ongoing development across IWFM’s volunteer landscape.
Through his partnership‑focused approach, Ian supports the effective delivery of events, forums, and collaborative initiatives that add value for members and stakeholders alike.
Steven Roles
Steven is a highly experienced Facilities Manager whose career began with 24 years of service in the British Army. During his military career, he undertook operational tours with the United Nations in the former Yugoslavia and several tours in Iraq. These experiences provided him with invaluable skills in leadership, logistics, and resource management, as well as the ability to deliver results under pressure and lead diverse teams in challenging environments.
Since leaving the Army in 2007, Steven has established himself as a client-facing Facilities Manager across a wide range of sectors. He spent his first decade as an in-house FM within an engineering consultancy, where he was responsible for managing complex estates and embedding service improvements. He then broadened his experience by working in the hospitality, care, charity, and consultancy sectors, gaining a reputation for his ability to adapt to varied environments and deliver consistent operational excellence.
For the past two years, Steven has been a Facilities Manager at the University of Glasgow, supporting the operations of one of Scotland’s most prestigious academic estates. His role involves not only ensuring high standards of service delivery but also contributing to long-term sustainability initiatives and enhancing the overall workplace experience for staff and students.
Steven is also an active committee member of the IWFM Scotland Region, where he helps to shape the profession through events, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities. He is passionate about supporting the growth of Facilities Management as a recognised profession, while also championing the value that veterans bring to the sector. With a career that spans both military and civilian life, Steven combines leadership, technical expertise, and people-focused management, making him a respected voice within the FM community.
Christy Smith
