BIFM and DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions) have reinstated their five-year-old Partnership Agreement to promote careers in facilities management
First established in 2013, the Agreement requires both organisations to collaborate to promote routes into the workplace and facilities management sector across the UK.
It sets out practical ways the organisations can work together to unlock and share knowledge about opportunities in workplace and FM to a range of audiences, including school children and job seekers, with the aim of attracting a new generation into this growing sector.
Building on a history of co-operation between the two organisations, such as BIFM and members’ involvement in the DWP Site, Services and Security campaign; and more recent co-operation following the aftermath of the Carillion collapse, the Institute hopes the partnership will help to advance specific measures to support sustainability of employment by promoting upskilling measures and access to a variety of training and lifelong learning.
BIFM CEO, Linda Hausmanis, said: “We are really keen to drive forward our partnership programme to attract and develop the next generation of workplace and facilities management professionals. Our Agreement with DWP is underpinned by a plan to raise the profile and career potential of our sector which has a professional standards framework from entry to executive level, with new audiences.
“While it is encouraging that the UK economy is experiencing near full employment, there are still many people out there looking for opportunities and a chance to succeed through work. At the same time the workplace and facilities management sector is experiencing a skills gap preventing it from reaching its full economic potential.
“The DWP and BIFM will pool knowledge and insight to inform and focus activities which aim to place more people in jobs and also establish diversity, inclusivity and social mobility at the heart of our sector.”
DWP Universal Credit Area Director Central England and Wales, Karen Gosden, added: “I very much welcome this partnership agreement and the opportunities it provides the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and The British Institute of Facilities Management to jointly achieve our shared goals.
“These partnership arrangements are focused on helping our customers develop the essential skills necessary to move away from welfare-dependant lives towards the labour market and into rewarding jobs in the facilities management sector. We look forward to continuing to work with BIFM to help people to realise their full potential and improve their prospects in this important industry.”
