My journey on the Experiential Route to CIWFM

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My journey on the Experiential Route to CIWFM

The Experiential Route is an alternative pathway to IWFM Certified status. If, instead of a qualification, you have the knowledge, understanding and skills gained from your career, your practical experience can be now recognised and validated as an academic qualification would. Discover one member’s experience, what the Experiential Route entails, the outcomes and more.

Debbie Hilton BA (Hons), CIHM, GradIOSH, CIWFM

Area Housing Estate Manager, Wyton at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Accommodation

I have worked within workplace and facilities management (WFM) since 1998. My current post is Area Housing Estate Manager. The role is multifaceted and includes many aspects of WFM. I support a team in the assurance of maintenance and occupancy management contracts, work with teams involved with customer relationship management and more.

With IWFM’s Experiential Route to CIWFM, working towards and gaining the accreditation demonstrates my ability within WFM and gives key stakeholders the confidence that I have the right aptitude and experience to deliver and support those who manage accommodation.

I didn’t have a pre-existing qualification in WFM, so had to confirm 10 years of experience with at least 3 years at senior level to be accepted onto the route. There were several areas that I had to demonstrate knowledge and skills/experience and, for me, this was property and building services maintenance, support services operations, customer service and aspects of quality and risk management.

Gaining CIWFM allows me to access more in terms of networking, future professional development whilst keeping me up to date with a wide range of areas that WFM covers. It has helped me continue to develop my leadership skills to better support the team and organisation I work within. 

For anyone who is seeking a career within WFM this is a good way forward. Like me, there will be many individuals who don’t have a preexisting qualification but have been doing WFM for many years and this route offers the opportunity to develop skills and understanding plus gain professional accreditation.

If you have the opportunity, go for it. 

To find out more about the Experiential Route to CIWFM click here or contact our Member and Customer Engagement team on [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1279 712 620