January 2010

Making A Difference - Women in FM forum

Making a Difference? The final Women in FM (WiFM) round table event for 2009, hosted by Channel 4 on 16 December took a look at the Third Sector and how through everyday activities and compliance with current legislation Facilities Managers can provide charities with targeted support. A lively interactive and informative evening with plenty of discussion was the intent, to demonstrate to attendees the influence a Facilities Manager has and how they can make a difference in 2010.

Annette McGill, Director of Upkeep and Chair of the Charities Facilities Management Group provided the audience with a comprehensive overview of the Third Sector, and its impact on the UK economy. Annette was keen to demonstrate how charities and organisations of all sizes can work together on a range of different fund raising activities citing some particular examples of how organisations can match their donations to their market. A great example being a Security Company supporting organisations promoting personal safety, reducing crime, anti social behaviour and reoffending. McGill described the range of work being undertaken by large organisations who as part of the CSR commitment can now expect this to range from education, social investment, art, corporate volunteering as well as sustainability.

“With a wider range of ways to support a charity these days, many organisations now choose to donate time and expertise instead of direct financial contribution” advises McGill.

Through two presentations direct from charitable organisations it was evident that charities are benefiting from the support of the Facilities Management Industry. Janet Owen, speaking on behalf of Providence Row a 150 year old charity providing day care services to the homeless in East London and Alan Cooper, Director and Co Founder of Green Standards presenting the business case for organisations to “reduce, reuse and recycle” office furniture it was evident how the Facilities Manager can provide their support.

Since taking over the role of Facilities Manager for Providence Row she has been increasingly able to influence fund raising activities. Such as through working closer with the Fundraising Manager they have educated the team not to accept every offer. Owen pointedly notes that it is important for organisations to build meaningful relationships with the charities they support. Charities are bound by the same legislation as businesses in relation to health and safety, carbon and waste management. A well meaning donation can often end up costing a charity hard earned funds, if they have to pay disposal costs.

Alan Cooper of Green Standards believes that Facilities Managers can provide the catalyst for change. Organisations are increasingly realising the benefits of an Environmental Management Process, finding it provides them with a way to redirect redundant item and strengthens accreditations such as ISO14001 and BREEAM.

Just to ensure attendees were paying attention the evening proceeded with a quiz to test their current understanding of waste management and recycling issues and was rounded off with a light hearted pictorial table game.

Written by Samatha Bowman