Delivering financial support for an IWFM qualification. Act soon to apply for the Deborah Rowland Scholarship.  

News

If you or someone you know would benefit from financial support to enable them to take an IWFM qualification, the deadline is fast approaching for the Deborah Rowland Scholarship 2026, which provides financial and mentoring support to individuals starting out in their WFM careers. 

Facilitate Magazine has caught up with three previous recipients of the Deborah Rowland Scholarship to see how they’re doing after the first six months. 
 
We’d like you to meet Joseph Beekman, Nick Hardwick and Lamine Drame. 

 
Who is Deborah Rowland? 

Deborah Rowland, Director of Public Affairs at Sodexo UK and Ireland, was recognised as Facilities Manager of the Year 2013 (when IWFM operated as the British Institute of Facilities Management). Deborah’s goal is to help more individuals establish themselves within the WFM profession. Diagnosed with metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid at 21, which progressed in 2019, Deborah has created this Scholarship as her enduring legacy. 

“The FM world has been the most fantastic environment to grow and learn in, I cannot recommend it enough to someone at the beginning of their journey. I have always striven to ensure that this is a profession to be proud of and attractive to future talent. By providing this Scholarship I hope to be able to give others the chance to improve their chances and compete at a higher level – onwards and upwards no matter what their starting point – they just have to demonstrate the desire and passion to achieve their goal.” Deborah Rowland 

The Scholarship is open to additional funding through the Foundation from individuals or organisations seeking to drive social impact, enabling even more people to have a head start in a WFM career. Donations can be made through our JustGiving page. 

IWFM would also love to hear from organisations and individuals interested in developing the Deborah Rowland Scholarship programme through sponsorship and support for more scholars. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved in this incredible programme.