IWFM celebrates thirtieth anniversary with volunteers and long-standing members

News

On Thursday 14 September, we welcomed some of our amazing volunteers and longstanding members to 85 Gresham Street in London for a celebration of the Institute’s thirtieth anniversary and the amazing community that has supported us across the decades in advancing our profession.

Starting proceedings was our Chair Mark Whittaker who welcomed guests with a speech about our dedicated member volunteers and the importance of their contributions.

‘Passionate and dedicated volunteer members are and have always been critical in supporting the Institute in building knowledge, developing skills, creating connections, and ultimately advancing the profession.’ Mark Whittaker

Then it was over to Graham Briscoe, one of our longest serving Fellow-grade members, to share his firsthand account of the origins of the profession.

‘Back in 1966, aged 23, I joined the Institute of Office Management as a member, and in 1968 I became a Committee member of its newly formed “Office Design and Office Services Division” – the forerunner of its Institute of Facilities Management, which with the Association of Facilities Management, merged together in 1993 to become the “British Institute of Facilities Management” (BIFM) that we know of today.’ Graham Briscoe

Next was Marilyn Standley, the Institute’s first Chair and a current NED on the Board, to talk about how the Institute has changed during her storied career.

‘In those early BIFM days much of my efforts went into putting both the profession and BIFM on the map as far as other related professional bodies were concerned and striving for recognition as the voice of the profession. Now I am delighted to see that through its policy work, IWFM is a recognised voice for “what good looks like” in a number of areas, for example in building safety.’ Marilyn Standley

Wrapping things up before networking and anniversary cupcakes sponsored by Pareto FM was CEO Linda Hausmanis. First, she invited Graham and Anthony Taylor, one of our newest members to achieve Fellow-grade, for a photograph sponsored by Thomson FM to symbolise a baton passing from our proud heritage to an exciting future. Then Linda shared a video by the Facilitate team capturing their ’30 stories for 30 years’ online features (make sure you read the thirtieth anniversary special edition of the magazine).

Lastly, Linda said a few words about the exciting future ahead for our profession as the Institute enters its fourth decade.

‘Professional development and continual professional development are key foundations to any profession to ensure it stays on top of its game and equips itself for success. And through our professional standards we will continue to support you to do the job, whatever your career level or your aspirations. I know we will be supported every step of the way by our wonderful volunteers and partners and for that I give you all my heartfelt thanks for your belief and support in all that we have done and in all that we will do.’ Linda Hausmanis