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What is Facilities Management?

According to the BIFM, "Facilities management is the integration of processes within an organisation to maintain and develop the agreed services which support and improve the effectiveness of its primary activities". This is the definition provided by CEN (the European Committee for Standardisation). Further to this, the IFMA defines it as "A profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology."

But what does this really mean, and what do Facilities Managers and their departments actually do within an organisation? Well, whether an FM may work for a hotel, private or public company, retail chain, estates management office, in the health service, the role is the same. It's all about organising. Key areas of the FM's remit may include managing Environmental Health and Safety, Mechanical, Power and Safety Systems, Space Management and Disaster Recovery policies.

Essentially though, a Facilities Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and care of a company's buildings and all of the things within. Depending on the site and company, this may include the up-keep of air conditioning, power, plumbing and lighting systems, the space inside the building, and the areas surrounding it (car parks and green space), as well as organising cleaning, decoration and security services.  In short, if an organisation has a structure, or outsources some or all of its non-core operations, chances are excellent there will be an FM department working the levers and over-seeing the safe, secure, and environmentally sound operations and maintenance of these assets. And all in a manner conducive to the long-term preservation of their asset value.

Effective FM

Facilities Management is also often about outsourcing. They ensure the various day-to-day tasks of keeping the business and its assets running smoothly are undertaken by other relevant and experienced professionals. At the same time, an FM department also ensures that these external companies are providing a cost effective solution to the business.

If carried out effectively, a FM department can dramatically improve a company's working conditions and environment. This can have a direct impact on the profits of a business. It almost goes without saying, but a better working environment will boost the output, and therefore profitability. In short, an FM is a vital part of any business. And so it's any wonder that, according to the British Instituted of Facilities Management, it is one of the fastest growing professions in the UK.