The Deborah Rowland Scholarship

The Scholarship awardee does not need to come from an academic background but must be a UK citizen and resident.  Please know that all materials and assessment are in English, so you will need a good understanding of the language. You, via the application process must:

• Demonstrate you are passionate and motivated to get on in the sector

• Have the necessary work ethic to achieve your goals

• Prove that you are not in a position to fund your own personal professional development by other means

The scholarship period for applications is now closed until 2025.  New dates will be published next year.

The IWFM Charitable Foundation (the 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.

Governed by a board of trustees, 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 Foundation.

The Scholarship will be open to receive additional funding through the Foundation, from individuals or organisations with Rowland’s scholarship initiative and to drive social impact. This will enable even more people to have a head start in a WFM career. Donations can be made through our JustGiving page.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Scholarship? 

The Scholarship awardee does not need to come from an academic background, but you, via the application process: 

• Demonstrate you are passionate and motivated to get in in the sector  

• Have the necessary work ethic to achieve your goals 

• Prove that you are not in a position to fund your own personal professional development by other means 

The scholarship period for applications is now closed until 2025.  New dates will be published next year.

Why is this Scholarship being introduced now? 

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 the BIFM (IWFM) Foundation Charity, and the promotion of EDI in the profession underpins the BIFM (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? 

1. 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 
2. The Scholarship awardee must engage with their nominated mentor at least once per month for the duration of the scholarship 
3. The Scholarship awardee must produce a quarterly feedback report, which they will send to their nominated mentor. 
4. 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. 
5. The Scholarship awardee will be expected to engage with the IWFM through event attendance and appropriate communities. 
6. The Scholarship awardee must commit to act as 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.  

Applications closed on 14 September 2024. New dates for 2025 will be published next year.

The winner will be announced at the IWFM Impact Awards on the 14 October 2024. 

What is the timetable for the 2024 Scholarship? 

• 10 June - Promotion of the scholarship and calls for applications commences 

• 14 September - Deadline for all applications and supporting videos 

• w/c 23 September - Judging commences and shortlist agreed 

• 4 October - Finalists interviewed between 11am and 2pm  

• 14 October - Scholarship awarded at the IWFM Impact Awards ceremony 

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 to a two-year studying period if successful.   

• Acknowledge that the Scholarship is towards the study of an IWFM regulated qualification via IWFM Direct only and is not transferable or exchangeable for cash.  

• Be mentored throughout the programme.   

• Uphold ethical behaviour throughout the programme and not act so as to bring the reputation of the IWFM or the Scholarship into disrepute.  

• Communicate regularly via progress updates to the programme.   

• Agree to IWFM using your progress in the Scholarship in marketing and communication  

• Adhere to IWFM's social media guidance which will be provided throughout the programme.   

• Accept that IWFM reserves the right to withdraw you from the programme should there be any valid reason to do so.