Donncha Downey BSc CIWFM is a experienced Asset Manager at Heathrow Airport with over 30 years of client side expertise in airport operations., Donncha began his career as an electrical apprentice, gaining hands-on knowledge of asset systems and infrastructure. This practical foundation has evolved into a strategic leadership role, where he now oversees complex asset portfolios with a focus on performance, compliance, sustainability, and long-term value.

In 2025, Donncha earned a BSc in Facilities Management from the University of Greater Manchester, complementing his extensive field experience with academic insight, he is known for his analytical approach and commitment to operational excellence.

Currently, Donncha is contributing to Heathrow Airport’s long-term growth strategy, managing the staged closure and demolition of Terminal 1 ahead of Terminal 2 expansion a critical project that reflects his capability in navigating large-scale infrastructure transitions.

Steve is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM). 

In 2005 he received the IFMA recognition award for global contribution to FM as a result of his position as Chair of the Facilities Management Association, Australia and then Chair of Global FM.

More recently in 2020, he was recognized in the IWFM Excellence Awards for his contribution to industry and profession.  The following year was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the PFM Awards.

In 2013, following 4 years as Lead Judge, Steve was appointed Chair of the IWFM Industry Excellence Awards and held this position for 6 years.  He was also the Chair of the IWFM International Special Interest Group.

He is a Director of Nodus Solutions Limited a privately-owned Facility Management company based in the UK providing FM and Consultancy advice to a broad range of clients ranging from large multi-national listed entities to public sector bodies.

He is also a Course Trainer for the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) Academy and has developed and delivered training for the Institute for over 15 years.

He has lectured at Liverpool John Moore’s University, Sheffield Hallam University, Sydney University, Hong Kong Polytechnic and most recently lectures at University of Greater Manchester on their Level 6 BSc FM Degree Apprenticeship program.

Steve is a Building Services Engineer by background and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New South Wales (Australian Graduate School of Management).  

With more than 20 years’ experience in the property and FM sectors, Chris is currently Director and Head of Facility Management Advisory at Mott MacDonald.

His specialities include FM strategy, procurement and contract management, service improvement initiatives, delivering sustainable workspace and property service solutions for a wide range of built facilities.

Chris is a permanent member of the LSWG, past chair of the IWFM Procurement Special Interest Group and regularly contributes to a number of industry bodies and initiatives.

Gordon Mitchell helps organisations turn digital clutter into trusted insight. As Co-Founder of Wholus, he closes the data gap between design, build and operations - transforming Facilities Management into a strategic value engine that delivers measurable ROI, Net Zero progress and human-centred results.

As the ISO Global Standards Convenor for digital, data and technology Gordon translates lifecycle, digital capabilities and ESG frameworks into grounded, adoptable models - trusted by Fortune 100 companies and national government agencies. His work connects innovation with governance, helping teams embed AI, Digital Twins and standards into investment returning systems people actually use.

He leads on:

• Closing the lifecycle fracture and supporting the handover so information powers operational value
• Delivering measurable ROI through AI, Digital Twins and ESG alignment
• Translating standards into frameworks teams adopt with confidence
• Cultivating transformation through the anthropology of change

Tom leads Arup’s UKIMEA building performance services and is global building performance and systems skills network leader. This covers services and expertise that get under the skin of how buildings are actually performing in operation and advising how to deliver sustained improvement: operating efficiently to provide comfortable, productive, safe environments.  This delivers immediate operational benefits alongside contributing to reducing capital costs and meeting mandatory and voluntary ESG objectives and reporting requirements.

Services Tom leads cover core technical expertise relevant to most sectors in investigating and improving the performance of building services systems, occupant surveys, and change management – improving alignment of organisational practices with ensuring buildings perform well on a daily basis.

CIWFM and NEBOSH certified Facilities Management professional with over 16 years of experience in delivering full oversight Real Estate & Facilities related services. This has included instituting improved service delivery, Real Estate Portfolio optimisation and driving sustainability across different contracts and services.  

I am currently Director of Global Workplace Management at Ramboll, responsible for a global property portfolio of 230 buildings covering in excess of 270,000 square metres and supporting over 18,000 staff. Ramboll is a global consulting group with revenues in excess of $2billion per annum. 

As Vice Chair of the Institute for Workplace & Facility Management (IWFM) Strategic Leaders Forum, Tim works connecting with UK and global leaders within the industry, setting industry standards and best practice direction.   

Steph Welch is a seasoned Workplace and Facilities Management (WFM) leader with over a decade of experience shaping and delivering integrated WFM strategies across Arup’s UK offices. As London Office Leader and Head of WFM, she drives innovation in workplace design, operational excellence, and strategic planning, ensuring spaces are not only efficient but also adaptable to evolving business and social needs.

Steph is deeply committed to ethical and sustainable practices, with a particular focus on the circular economy and smart technologies. Her work champions intelligent data solutions, such as sensor-driven plant lifecycle management, and supports smarter pathways to achieving Carbon Net Zero. She is a vocal advocate for creating inclusive, high-performing environments that foster collaboration, wellbeing, and productivity.

As Chair of the IWFM Strategic Leaders Forum, Steph plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the profession. She is passionate about mentoring and team development and was honoured with the IWFM ‘Manager of the Year’ Award in 2020 and recognised as a Top Workplace Leader in 20240.