News

Finding time for CPD is a challenge for the majority of facilities managers as many work long, unsociable hours. To support this commitment, the BIFM has introduced an online CPD framework to make the process easier, which includes online CPD recording, an online CPD questionnaire and online CPD certificates to verify attendance at regional and national BIFM events.

The regional groups have been quick to promote CPD to ensure that as many members as possible take advantage of these useful events and online tools.

Ian Broadbent, BIFM North Regional Chair outlines their aims & objectives:

The North Region holds a variety of events throughout the year, reflecting the needs of the membership. These events are free of charge and offer members a chance to enhance their CPD, as well as offering an opportunity to network with fellow FMs.

The Region also run three local networking groups, which provide a free, informative, relaxed, social and friendly atmosphere to meet fellow peers, discuss FM, exchange views and share successes to the benefit of all members.

The ‘Hot Topics’ events for 2008 cover issues such as Sustainability, Fleet Management and current legislation. These events together with a recent ‘Advanced Workplace’ session are proving increasingly popular with Members.

David Dunsmuir, BIFM Scotland Regional Chair, shares his views on CPD events for BIFM members:

The Scotland Region has over 700 members and we hold a number of events and activities aimed at promoting the profession throughout the year.

Members request to undertake CPD activities that fit into their demanding schedules and a recent event, delivered as a ‘Breakfast session’, proved very successful. The Committee aims to provide more of these sessions with ‘Sustainability’ high on the agenda for 2008.

Lynda Tilbury, BIFM London Regional Chair, highlights the rich variety of opportunities available to BIFM Members:

The London Region is passionate about FM and strives to ensure continual delivery of timely, topical and free events to meet as many sectors of the membership as possible, taking into consideration the diversity of the industry.

We also aim to cover as many hot topics as possible during the event planning, with issues such as Sustainability and Waste Management currently dominating. Recent catering events with the topic of ‘Fine dining’ have been of particular interest and will be repeated again over the coming year.

95% of the London Region’s events are classified as CPD and attendee’s receive a CPD flyer containing the unique event identification code. Members use this to automatically populate their record and create CPD certificates following attendance.

John Bowen, BIFM South West Regional Chair, promotes the importance of offering CPD events:

The South West Region aims to be as inclusive as they can in serving the membership and promoting interaction between members by running a number of events on topics of interest throughout the year with new legislation high on the agenda for 2008. These events are an important contribution to CPD and a strong member benefit.


Stephen Welch, BIFM Ireland Regional Chair explains the support given to Members:

We organise and promote various site visits, which allow us the chance to look at how buildings operate from an M&E perspective as well as from an aesthetic and functional point of view. These visits are informative and offer members great networking opportunities.

The Ireland region celebrated their 11th annual conference in Belfast this year where more than 200 delegates attended to see various FM topics presented and discussed.


All  BIFM members  are encouraged to undertake CPD and for member, fellow and BIFM qualified grades, the use of post-nominals is linked to active commitment to engage in CPD on a regular basis. For details on how to create your own personalised CPD record, please visit the link below:

CPD information