30 years of advancing our profession: members urged to raise their voice for landmark anniversary

News

‘It was because of the institute that I realised I had joined a very special professional group where I could grow and develop, working in so many interesting sectors with every day being different and exciting.’ Jason Cousins, Chair of IWFM Members’ Council

This year, we are marking 30 years of the Institute and, as members are at the heart of IWFM, we invite you to join us in marking this special occasion by sharing your stories and your takes on what the future holds for our critical profession.

A variety of member-exclusive activities - including exciting new products - are planned to drop throughout the year, all aimed at providing practical support and outstanding value.

These activities will culminate in our anniversary month of September (look out for a special edition of our award-winning Facilitate magazine) when we will publish a new thought leadership resource for members, featuring insights into the profession’s past, present and future, inclusive of expert predictions on how key issues will impact the workplace and facilities management profession in the years ahead. It’s also when we will call on members to share your views, a selection of which we’d love to publish online.

Mark Whittaker, IWFM Chair, commented: ‘The thirtieth anniversary of the Institute is certainly a cause for celebration, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the journey that both the industry and the Institute has taken over those thirty years, and, just as importantly, to look to the future of this evolving and increasingly high-profile profession.

‘The five key objectives contained within our 2023-25 Strategy set a clear direction of travel for the Institute which will help it remain the trusted and growing voice of the profession, supporting members’ professional development and amplifying their impacts within their organisations.’

Continuing to provide value

Having begun a new strategy in 2023, we want this thirtieth year to be marked by bringing extra value to IWFM membership and enabling continuing professional development to this critical profession.

Members Council Chair, Jason Cousins, whose seat on the IWFM Board represents the member voice in decision-making and future direction, recounts the benefits he has received from membership:

‘Thirty years ago, I was in my early facilities management career when I found what was “BIFM”. It was because of the institute that I realised I had joined a very special professional group where I could grow and develop, working in so many interesting sectors with every day being different and exciting. In the thirty years of my membership, I have learned, networked, made many new connections, and been fortunate to support the continued development of the Institute to be recognised internationally as the “go to” enabler of workplace and facilities professionals.’

Looking back to move forward

When the Institute formed in 1993 as the British Institute of Facilities Management or ‘BIFM’, newspapers were covering climate change, economic woes, the UK Government’s struggles in the polls, and the British Monarchy’s family issues. Not much has changed in that regard, but so much more has, including the FM profession maturing into a distinct profession.

IWFM Chief Executive Linda Hausmanis commented: ‘As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Institute, we have the chance to reflect on the past and acknowledge how far the profession has come, and how well it has adapted to changing economic, societal, technological, and environmental conditions.

‘I am proud of the work our volunteers have undertaken in helping us to create the conditions for individuals to thrive and succeed; they who, in turn, form part of the ecosystem to transform organisations and enhance every day experience. 

‘Our focus is to empower and enable workplace and facilities management professionals to expand their potential and have rewarding, impactful careers. We are a business enabler. Together, we optimise the profession's impact as we look to the next 30 years.’

Keep your eye on our fortnightly newsletter, IWFM News, for more information on our 30-year anniversary plans.