Facilities Show Spotlight. Facilities Show Spotlight, April

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1 E I K JAC Y E R FU Facilities Show Spotlight April 2018 Facilities Show Spotlight, April

2 Jackie Furey: Biography BORN: I was born on the 2nd May at Wanstead Hospital in East London STUDIED: University of Life! My Highest qualification is A level in Law gained at night school CURRENT: Director and Co-Founder of Workplace Consultancy; Where We Work Ltd Facilities Show Spotlight, April

3 What made you choose FM as a career? I didn t choose a career in FM, it chose me! I was working as Sales Ledger Accountant for a large Commercial Relocation Company and was intrigued to get involved with the project management and logistical planning of large corporate relocation s. I took the plunge and transferred to their Project Management division, where I learnt the ropes over 20 years ago, now I have transcended to the world of Change Management and Workplace Consultancy. The psychology of the workplace fascinates me. What do you think is required to be successful in FM? You must have the ability to think on your feet, you may have had your day mapped out in your head on the train on the way into the office only to arrive at work and their is an emergency i.e: water leak, air conditioning failure, power outage the list is endless! You have to be adaptable, be able to communicate effectively at all levels and enjoy a challenge. 15 years ago FM was at a very different place, and hugely male dominated, but now it has really come of age and with it some spectacular facilities managers who happen to be Women. Being a woman working in this industry, has that challenged you in any way? 15 years ago FM was at a very different place, and hugely male dominated, but now it has really come of age and with it some spectacular facilities managers who happen to be Women. As Chair of BiFM s WiFM Committee I am a real advocate for promoting diversity within our industry and look to support and encourage new talent be that male or female to get involved with the wonderful world of FM. Is FM too male-dominated? At board level, yes I would love to see more women in top positions within the leading FM & Construction Companies. For those FM s who are delivering the job on the ground, then no, I think we have a good balance, and both sexes have strengths and weaknesses... and we need to continue to work with each other to get the balance correct. Facilities Show Spotlight, April

4 How well do you think the Facilities Management industry is doing when It comes to diversity? I believe the FM industry has historically had a diverse workforce. Focused sadly in some of the lower paid jobs, but I believe this is changing and many of the leading FM employers have apprenticeship and graduate programs that encourage new talent to process through their ranks at a heady pace. Their career progression is based purely upon ambition and their talent to succeed, rather than their race, colour or creed. I believe, good manners, truthfulness and the ability to listen to and respect other people s opinions, whilst just being kind to each other sets you up for long, happy and rewarding career. What can individuals and the industry do as a whole to encourage greater diversity in FM? Personally I believe the HR teams and recruitment agencies could change this singlehandedly. When recruiting new staff I believe their, age, sex, colour, religion and sexual orientation should be kept anonymous and the candidates should be assessed upon their qualifications and experience only. What s the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Always be nice to the people on the way up, as you never know when you will meet them on the way back down! I believe, good manners, truthfulness and the ability to listen to and respect other people s opinions, whilst just being kind to each other sets you up for long, happy and rewarding career. What advice would you give the next generation of FMs? Go for it! If you like a challenge, never want two days to be the same, and really don t want to be stuck behind a desk 9-5 then FM is for you. Operating large public or corporate buildings and estates is not easy and a profession to be proud of. What are your predictions for the FM industry for 2018/19? I believe 2018/19 will be a period change for our industry. I fully support the changes that BiFM are looking to make at the AGM in July this year and incorporate Workplace and Facilities together to gain chartered status, it is long overdue that our industry is viewed as a profession. Facilities Show Spotlight, April

5 Facilities Show Spotlight, April