Overview
Beyond Buzzwords, a recent report by the Young Foundation, underlined the economic and social benefits of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) while noting substantial barriers to progress.
IWFM believes a diverse and inclusive workplace and facilities profession (WFM) can be a powerhouse of progressiveness; yet compared to the other sectors in the survey, the FM specific findings make uncomfortable reading. The report and case study data warn of the consequences of inaction.
IWFM has committed to changes such as foregrounding EDI in upskilling and reskilling, plus ensuring all strategy, policy and practices is approached with an EDI lens. Through boosting EDI at IWFM, the aim is to enhance this vital initiative across the whole profession – but how can this be achieved?
To expand on the research, explain the rationale and discuss the sectoral implications, join IWFM’s EDI Focus Group as they explore:
- Why IWFM embarked in the research, the response to the findings and how it has influenced organisational changes.
- How EDI plays a crucial role in a range of sectoral issues, such as recruitment, retention, employer branding and the skills crisis.
- What EDI success should look like for IWFM and the sector, how to measure it and embed progress.
- Insight into statistical trends raised by Beyond Buzzwords and the real-world impact.
Speakers
Matt Chapman
In his role, Matthew embraces a multifaceted leadership position that goes beyond traditional business responsibilities. In addition to leading the Group’s strategic initiatives, refining client propositions, and driving ambitious growth plans, Matthew stands as a beacon for equality and inclusivity within the organisation. His leadership is characterised by a relentless dedication to fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. In expanding the company's service offerings to meet the dynamic needs of the market, Matthew ensures that the principles of equality and inclusion are woven into the very core of SBFM's operations, nurturing a culture of fairness and respect.
Sofie Hooper
Sofie Hooper leads on the IWFM’s wider policy and public affairs work, helping to raise the voice of the Institute, its members and the wider workplace and facilities management sector. She engages with stakeholders to ensure best practice is taken on board and concerns affecting workplace and facilities professionals are mitigated.
Covering a wide range of activities and areas, sustainability, workplace and building safety form the core agenda. Sofie has been leading on IWFM’s Building Safety Manager work programme, feeding into the legislative process towards the Building Safety Bill. She provided the Secretariat for the Competence Steering Group’s Working Group 8, which developed the Building Safety Managers competence framework.
In addition to being the co-author of the Group’s report, Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management, she is a regular contributor to Facilitate. Building on WG8’s recommendations, Sofie is a part of the Interim Executive of the Building Safety Alliance, a cross sector collaboration which is working to improve holistic building safety competence across the occupation phase. She is also a part of the Steering Committee for the DLUCH sponsored PAS 8673, which is setting the competence specification for Building Safety Managers.
Colin Kimber
Colin has worked in the FM industry for 16 years, both for large and small organisations in customer environments ranging from global corporate headquarters to the public sector, museums to tech giants.
He is currently Operations Director at Pareto FM, a business which places social value at the very forefront of what they do, with supporting inclusion in FM a key part of that strategy. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Colin also leads the HSEQ, L&D and D&I activities for the company, and is very proud to be part of the steering committee for LGBT+ in FM.
Sharon Slinger
With a background in quantity surveying, Sharon has over 20 years' experience working for main contractors in the construction and FM industries. She is the director of Constructing Rainbows and works with built environment organisations to improve their business through implementation of D&I strategies.
Sharon’s other roles include: co-founder and director of STEER Support & Mentoring CIC, an undergraduate mentoring programme; founder of LGBT+ in FM; and member of the Yorkshire and Humber regional boards of RICS and the Construction Industry Council.
She has also featured in the OUTstanding/FT Top 50 Future Leaders list and won several awards for her work in D&I.