Steve Cook is a Fellow of the Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management (IWFM) and a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). He recently retired as Director of Facilities Management for, Europe, MENA and Africa, for a London Bank, concluding a distinguished 44-year Career in the Profession.

Over more than four decades, Steve held Senior Leadership Roles with responsibility for Global Facilities Strategy, Operational delivery and Workplace transformation, across a Complex International Portfolio. His Career has been defined by a Commitment to Professional Excellence, advancing Workplace and Building Engineering Standards, and Contributing to the recognition of Facilities Management, as a Strategic discipline.

Steve also became a Member of the Association of Facilities Management (AFM) in 1991, which later transitioned to the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) in 1993. Actively Contributed to the BIFM London Region Committee from 1993 – 2005, Serving as Chairman from 2002 – 2005. Additionally, was also a Committee Member of the BIFM Fellows Committee, from 2000 – 2011, supporting the advancement and recognition of Senior Professional’s in the Facilities Management Industry.

In addition to his Senior Leadership, Steve has actively supported (IWFM) and the Professional FM Community through Mentoring, Knowledge Sharing, and Engagement with Industry Bodies, leaving a lasting impact on both the Organisation’s he has served and the Wider Profession.

1. Since retiring in April 2020, (IWFM) has continued to add value to me as a “ Workplace Consultant “ by keeping me connected to the Latest thinking in Workplace and Facilities Management and giving me Opportunities, to Mentor and Support the next generation of FM Professionals and allowing me to contribute, to discussions that influence the future of our sector. It has also been both rewarding and fulfilling, to stay involved in this way and ensuring that my FM Experience Continues to have an impact, even beyond my Corporate FM Career.
2. Also, since retiring, I have remained actively engaged with (IWFM) in several ways. I continue to support the Profession through Mentoring and as an “Assessor “  Playing a Role in upholding Professional Standards and supporting IWFM Members, with their own Career Journeys.  In addition, I regularly attend IWFM Events, ensuring that I stay connected to current issues, best practice and the evolving future of the Profession. These opportunities have allowed me not only to give back to the FM Industry, that has supported me throughout my Career, but also to stay intectually engaged and inspired by the next generation of FM Workplace Leaders.
3. For me, maintaining “ Fellowship with IWFM “ goes beyond a “ Professional Title “ as it represents to me, the culmination of over (Four decades) dedicated to Facilities Management and the Workplace Profession. On a Personal Level, it’s a mark of pride and recognition for the contribution, that I have made to the industry and a way of staying connected to the values and standards, that shaped my FM Career. Professionally, even in retirement, Fellowship of IWFM, provides a platform to remain engaged with my peers and to be able to contribute to the ongoing development and support of the next generation of FM Leaders. It also keeps me close to the latest thinking and gives me opportunities to share knowledge and experience, in ways that still adds value to the Profession. In many ways, Fellowship in retirement, isn’t just about looking back at what I have achieved – It’s about staying part of the Journey, as our Profession Continues to grow and evolve.
4. As an IWFM Fellow in retirement, I continue to access a wide range of benefits that keep me connected to the Profession, from industry insight through Facilitate Magazine, research and good practice guides, to active engagement in networking groups, events and Strategic FM Forums. The Mentoring of FM Friends & Colleague’s allows me to support and guide Emerging Professional’s, while exclusive Member Communities and discussion’s, ensure that I remain part of the conversation, shaping the future of the Workplace and Facilities Management. Also, maintaining my “Fellowship “gives me both continued Learning (CPD ) and the opportunity to give back and keeping my Professional Journey meaningful, well beyond my “ Full Time FM Career “.
5. I would encourage any “ Fellow “ Considering Leaving IWFM after retirement, to see “ Fellowship “ as more than just IWFM, FIWFM Membership, its recognition of the FM Career that you have built and a platform to stay connected, even after “ Full – Time Work Ends “. In retirement to me, IWFM gives me real value, access to industry insights, events and forums that keep you current and opportunities to mentor or support, the next generation. Personally, I have found that staying engaged has kept me intellectually stimulated, connected with colleagues and friends and enabled me to continue contributing to the Profession, in meaningful ways. I’m also most sure, that “ Stepping “ away and letting your IWFM Membership lapse, could feel like closing the door on your FM Career and the regular access to your FM Friends, but by Keeping your Membership active and attending events and even at a lighter pace, if it work’s better for you, keeps your voice in the conversation and ensures that your vast level of FM/ Workplace Experience, still makes an impact.
6. I engage with IWFM as my Professional body, by remaining active in its community through events, forums, conferences and keeping connected to the latest thinking and industry development’s and I also contribute through Mentoring & Supporting FM Friends and Colleague’s and “Assessing “and therefore, helping to uphold the “ Professional IWFM Standards “ and ultimately, to Strengthen the Value of Membership.
7. Something worth sharing and especially those approaching retirement: As a Fellow of IWFM, you’re entitled to a Concession Membership rate in retirement. It’s a small but meaningful benefit, that’s not widely publicised and I think that it’s important that more people are aware of it. Also, as a Fellow considering your next steps, or approaching retirement, its worth exploring with IWFM, what ongoing involvement might look like, Personally and Professionally.

Danielle has worked at IWFM for 5 years as the Member and Customer Experience Manager. Danielle’s career has been centred around customer service and supporting members. Previous to IWFM, Danielle worked at Which? Membership organisation as the Membership Retention Manager. Danielle has worked on developing new initiatives for the Institute to support members including the mentoring platform, a new experiential route for Certified and Live Chat so members can chat with us whenever they need to.