What is the Deborah Rowland Scholarship?
The Deborah Rowland Scholarship (the Scholarship) provides financial and mentoring support to individuals starting out in their WFM careers. The Scholarship will fund the undertaking of an IWFM regulated qualification at an appropriate level (2, 3 or 4) via IWFM Direct and this year we can announce that Xenon Group will support the Scholarship by offering two IWFM regulated FM qualification places at either level 3 or 4. Xenon Group has also offered access to a professional development programme via its XenZone 30+ Online Facilities Management Training Courses | XenZone for applicants who were not awarded a scholarship but wish to progress with a programme of learning. Study for an IWFM qualification will require between 18 to 24 months and includes monthly mentoring sessions with experienced professionals.
The Scholarship aims to break down barriers to progress in WFM and to foster future leaders in the profession, whatever their background. It is backed by the IWFM Foundation and senior leaders in the profession who want to help others to succeed. The IWFM Foundation is supporting the Deborah Rowland Scholarship, which was set up to cultivate the next generation of WFM leaders who are struggling to get the support they need to drive WFM career progress.
The Scholarship is for you if you are passionate and motivated to get on in WFM but can’t move forward due to financial circumstances.
Awarded annually, up to four Scholarship recipients will be announced at the IWFM Impact Awards on 9 October 2025.
Who is Deborah Rowland?
Deborah Rowland, Director of Public Affairs at Sodexo UK and Ireland, where she has worked for the last seven years, was recognised as Facilities Manager of the Year 2013 (when IWFM operated as the British Institute of Facilities Management). Deborah’s goal is to help more individuals establish themselves within the WFM profession. Diagnosed with metastic paplillary carcinoma of the thyroid at 21, which progressed in 2019, Deborah has created this Scholarship as her enduring legacy.
“The FM world has been the most fantastic environment to grow and learn in, I cannot recommend it enough to someone at the beginning of their journey. I have always striven to ensure that this is a profession to be proud of and attractive to future talent. By providing this Scholarship I hope to be able to give others the chance to improve their chances and compete at a higher level – onwards and upwards no matter what their starting point – they just have to demonstrate the desire and passion to achieve their goal.” Deborah Rowland
The Scholarship is open to additional funding through the Foundation from individuals or organisations seeking to drive social impact, enabling even more people to have a head start in a WFM career. Donations can be made through our JustGiving page.
Apply for the Deborah Rowland Scholarship
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What are the eligibility criteria for the Scholarship?
The Scholarship awardee does not need to come from an academic background but must be a UK citizen and resident. Please be aware that all materials and assessment are in English, so you will need a good understanding of the language. You must be able to demonstrate, via the application process:
- that you are passionate and motivated to get on in the sector
- have the necessary work ethic to achieve your goals
- have access to a laptop in order to access the learning platform(s)
- prove that you are not in a position to fund your own personal professional development by other means
- ensure you do not work for an organisation that can fund your learning and development
Why was this Scholarship introduced?
Deborah Rowland’s goal is to ensure that more people are able to establish themselves within the FM profession. She explains:
“By providing this scholarship I hope to be able to give others the chance to improve their chances and compete at a higher level. Onwards and upwards, no matter what their starting point; they just have to demonstrate the desire and passion to achieve their goal.”
For its part, IWFM is committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in all its forms. This scholarship will be administered through IWFM Foundation Charity, and the promotion of EDI in the profession underpins the IWFM Foundation’s charitable activities.
The Scholarship addresses the key EDI issue of social mobility by giving a capable individual the ‘head start’ that circumstance may have otherwise denied them.
How is the Scholarship process to be managed?
IWFM will administer the process with funding sourced through the IWFM Charitable Foundation (Charity Number 1026584).
What commitment is required of the successful Scholarship awardee?
- The Scholarship awardee must engage with any requests for communication from the IWFM or the awardee’s nominated mentor for the duration of the Scholarship
- The Scholarship awardee must engage with their nominated mentor at least once per month for the duration of the scholarship
- The Scholarship awardee must produce a quarterly feedback report, which they will send to their nominated mentor.
- Upon completion of the scholarship the Scholarship awardee will make themselves available to be interviewed about their experience for content to be circulated via the IWFM to the media.
- The Scholarship awardee will be expected to engage with the IWFM through event attendance and appropriate communities.
- The Scholarship awardee must commit to act as a role model for future Scholarship applicants.
What is the process for applying for the Scholarship?
Any individual seeking to apply for the Scholarship needs to complete the application form which must include a 500 word personal statement in which they explain what this opportunity will mean for them. There is also an option to upload a 90 second video to support their personal statement.
What is the timetable for the 2025 Scholarship?
Application deadline - 30 June 2025
Awardees announced - 9 October 2025
What are the Terms and Conditions of applying for the Scholarship?
By applying for the Deborah Rowland Scholarship you agree to:
- Validate the information you have provided during the application process.
- Commit up to a two-year studying period if successful.
- Acknowledge that the Scholarship is towards the study of an IWFM regulated FM qualification via IWFM Direct or Xenon Group only and is not transferable or exchangeable for cash.
What is the IWFM Foundation?
The IWFM Foundation is dedicated to advancing the workplace and facilities management profession by providing opportunities for education and professional growth. It supports initiatives that foster competence, confidence, and leadership in WFM.
The Foundation ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality WFM education and mentorship, thereby contributing to a dynamic and inclusive professional community. The Foundation's charitable objectives include creating opportunities, enhancing skills and developing future leaders in the WFM sector.
The process and funding of the Deborah Rowland Scholarship will be managed via the IWFM Foundation.
The Scholarship is open to receive additional funding through the Foundation, from individuals or organisations. This will enable even more people to have a head start in a WFM career. Donations can be made through our JustGiving page.