Chartership

BIFM is actively considering applying for chartered body status. The Institute’s Board has agreed to set up a working group to look at the costs, benefits and feasibility of the change. This group will make a recommendation to the Board.

The Institute wishes to ensure that members have all the information they need to contribute to the decision.

The working group will report to the Board no later than summer 2012. Their work will, in part, determine the timing of any further decisions.

The Board’s decision marks a change in the BIFM’s previous position which was that, while chartership was not being actively pursued, the Institute would not take any actions that would preclude the possibility of becoming chartered.

Commenting on the new stance, BIFM Chairman, Ian Broadbent said: “The Institute has reached a size, level of maturity, engagement and influence where it is logical to explore chartership.

BIFM has a stable membership, is an Awarding Body with a comprehensive qualifications programme, has an active regional and SIG structure, strong governance, sound finance and robust systems. Chartered status would be a recognition of the progress we have made, as a profession and as a professional body. However, we must evaluate fully the costs and benefits.”

Update

30 November 2011

In August BIFM announced that the Institute was to start actively considering applying for chartered body status. At this time the Board set up a working group to look at the costs, benefits and feasibility of the change. One of the first tasks of the working group was to gather initial comments through the Members’ Council.

As planned, the November meeting of the BIFM Members’ Council discussed feedback from the various groups that make up this stakeholder body, including regions and SIGs. Council members also heard from BIFM strategy director Stephen Bennett about the shape chartership might take, the process and some of the factors involved in any decision by BIFM. Direct consultation with members will commence next Spring.

BIFM are keen that every member participates in the direct consultation, details of how to take part and have your say will be available over the coming months.

FAQs

1 What is chartership?
There are in excess of 900 Chartered bodies. Royal Charters, granted by the sovereign on the advice of the Privy Council, have a history dating back to the 13th century. Their original purpose was to create public or private corporations (including towns and cities), and to define their privileges and purpose.
New grants of Royal Charters are … reserved for eminent professional bodies or charities which have a solid record of achievement and are financially sound. In the case of professional bodies they should represent a field of activity which is unique and not covered by other professional bodies.
Source: Privy Council

2 Why has BIFM taken this decision now?
BIFM feels that the Institute, indeed the wider FM profession, has reached a size, level of maturity, engagement and influence where it is logical to explore Chartership. BIFM has a stable membership, is an Awarding Body with a comprehensive qualifications programme, has an active regional and SIG structure, strong governance, sound finance and robust systems. Chartership status would be a recognition of this progress.

3 Will members be consulted on any decision to apply for chartership?
Yes, the views of members will be sought, both directly and through Members’ Council.

4 Will members have the opportunity to vote on a decision?
Yes, a recommendation will be put to either an AGM or an EGM.

5 What is the timetable should the Institute decide to apply for chartership?
The chartership application process usually takes between 18 months and two years but may take longer. It is very difficult to predict exactly how long it will take.

6 How would chartered body status affect members?
Becoming a chartered body could, in time, enable BIFM to award chartered status to those holding certain grades of membership. They would be entitled to call themselves “chartered facilities manager” and use the appropriate letters after their name (post-nominals).

7 How would chartered status affect the Institute?
Once incorporated by Royal Charter a body surrenders significant aspects of the control of its internal affairs to the Privy Council. Amendments to Charters can be made only with the agreement of The Queen in Council, and amendments to the body’s by-laws require the approval of the Council. This effectively means a significant degree of Government regulation of the affairs of the body, and the Privy Council will therefore wish to be satisfied that such regulation accords with public policy.
Source: Privy Council

8 Where can I find out more?
As work progresses BIFM will keep members informed directly and through updates to this page. If you have further queries please email chartership@bifm.org.uk