Introducing the IWFM Strategic Leaders Forum

News

  • Employment and Skills,
  • Facilities,
  • Workplace

30 May 2024

SLF.jpg

“It is vital that industry leaders have a home at IWFM and that we enable specific professional development tailored to their needs. The Forum marks another step in our strategy to work as one team with our volunteers, enhancing the Institute's work in the time ahead.'

So said Jonathan Nobbs, Director of Membership and Partnerships, ahead of IWFM’s new Strategic Leaders Forum (SLF) launching on Monday 3 June.

The Forum will focus on what it means to be a leader in workplace and facilities management (WFM) today and tomorrow. It responds to calls for more support from members in strategic leadership roles and those who aspire to senior levels.

Evolving out of ISIG, the new body sits alongside IWFM Networks that serve specialist groups; Rising FMs, Veterans in FM and Women in FM. Like them, it underlines an ongoing commitment to advancing and diversifying the profession working with volunteers.

Stephanie Welch CIWFM, SLF Chair Designate and Head of Workplace and Facilities Management at Arup said:  

'The Strategic Leaders Forum represents a welcome evolution: better drawing on the talents of each member, driving professionals to progress further, broadening network opportunities and much more. It’s vital that the Forum can play a positive influence in IWFM and the profession, ultimately helping to improve standards across the board.’

The new Forum’s purpose is to:

  • Promote, support, and foster the growth of Certified and Fellow members wherever they operate.
  • Create a platform to gather insight and develop CPD opportunities for strategic leaders within our profession worldwide.
  • Advocate for strategic leaders to ensure that the output from Special Interest Groups aligns with their needs.
  • Facilitate opportunities for strategic leaders to network both digitally and physically, contributing to the development of a comprehensive body of knowledge.
  • Incorporate feedback and experiences into IWFM's insight programme and collaborate to establish an assurance framework for leaders engaging in policy development and advocacy on behalf of IWFM.
  • Provide representation to support IWFM in collaborating with leading international WFM networks and communities on common objectives. 

Who can join?

Anybody who presently holds CIWFM, FIWFM or (H)FIWFM is eligible to join the Forum; simply log in to your IWFM account and update your contact preferences by selecting to opt into the Strategic Leaders Forum.

Most ISIG members are already in strategic leadership roles and grades of Certified or Fellow and will automatically move across to the new group.

Explaining the background to ISIG’s support for the new initiative Steve Gladwin FIWFM, Chair of ISIG and Director of Nodus Solutions Limited, said:

‘Over the past nine years, the ISIG has focussed on events and initiatives that were strategic in nature. To maximise our national and international value we have long wanted a dedicated place in IWFM for strategic leaders. The goal was to develop networking and development opportunities for them as well as providing inclusive progression pathways for all Members. I’m really looking forward to community engagement with the Strategic Leaders Forum in order to further progress IWFM, the sector and professionals.’

Join us to mark the Forum’s launch

If you belong to the former ISIG or are strategic leader in WFM at Certified, Fellow or Honorary Fellow grade, join us at the Strategic Leaders Forum launch and networking event.

It’s taking place at 5.30pm on 3 June in London or online at 6pm. Attendees will enjoy sessions from two sector leaders. Steve Gladwin will open with insights on the Forum’s purpose and the nature of the transformation. Oliver Jones FIWFM will then draw from his extensive experience with a leader’s perspective on data centres, the new world of AI and the impact on WFM.

Follow the SLF on X and join the LinkedIn group.

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