Growing into 2012

As we begin to draw a line under 2011 it offers us a good opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months for the institute, and see how we are positioned to enter 2012.

BIFM are closing 2011 in encouraging form; over the last 12 months membership has grown by 221 to 12,245, which is a positive sign. Our 2011 Membership survey told us that 92% of respondents felt that BIFM membership was good (or excellent) value for money, whilst 95% felt that BIFM membership was important. 74% indicated a high score (8,9,10) showing they would happily recommend BIFM membership. This tells us our membership proposition is attractive - but we recognise that we need to evolve based on member feedback to ensure we are offering what you want and expect from your Institute. We would encourage you all to have your say in the next membership survey to ensure you tell us what you want from BIFM.

A review of our Corporate membership scheme was undertaken this year, to ensure this was delivering on requirements. This review and subsequent changes has led to a growth in corporate members from 440 on December 31 2010 to 473. Increasing membership numbers and continually improving our membership offering is a key driver for 2012.

BIFM qualifications have seen growth throughout 2011. The last 12 months has seen a 200% increase in the number of recognised centres who deliver BIFM qualifications in Facilities Management. We now have 15 recognised centres in the UK and one international centre in Ireland. The number of learner registrations has also grown by 143% compared to 2010, with 486 registrations. In 2012 we aim to keep growing these numbers, and plan to launch level 7 qualifications with a higher education institute and employers. Qualifications were touched on in our membership survey, and 21% of respondents are considering undertaking a BIFM qualification in the future, whilst 35% are ‘perhaps’ considering undertaking a BIFM qualification.

Alongside progress in membership, our proposition and qualifications, we have also seen growth around our events. The BIFM awards this year saw the biggest number of entries to date, with 50% more received over 2010, and the quality of entries was extremely high. There was a 30% growth in visitor numbers at the Facilities Show, in association with BIFM, which took place at the NEC in May. There were more than 200 exhibitors and over 100 hours of educational content; this growth means a new hall for 2012 as it has outgrown the previous hall. Moving onto the BIFM AGM held in June, the new online proxy voting system we introduced saw hundreds of members having their say on the future of the institute, we had the highest numbers of voters in the history of the institute and we hope to surpass this in 2012. The AGM allowed us to change our constitution to further professionalise the Institute.

It should be recognised that income outside of membership has been lower than projected, and is a reality faced by all types of organisations in the current economic climate. Most organisations are responding to the on-going recession by making deeper cuts. This has meant that sponsorship income has been harder to source; it has become more difficult for people to leave their workplaces to attend conferences and other events. BIFM recognise the pressure on corporates and individuals and have changed our propositions accordingly. For example, to assist where individuals are under pressure not to commit to expensive training and time out of the workplace, we have introduced a suite of e-learning modules under the SkillZone banner; where members find themselves in difficult employment situations (or just want to enhance their career prospects), we have launched a careers advisory service; our 2012 ThinkFM conference will change to recognise the climate and the amount of time people have available; and we have redefined our sponsorship packages to drive better value. Therefore, we are in a better position to serve the needs of our members, both corporate and individual and meet our 2012 targets.

All-in-all the institute is in a positive position to enter 2012. It should be recognised that although there are 32 staff employed, it is our hundreds of volunteers who work so enthusiastically to make the institute what it is today. We all appreciate that without their hard work the BIFM would not be able to advance the profession nor have the reach that is does.

In closing we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and volunteers for their support in 2011, all that remains is to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.