Raising standards in Facilities Management: Why accept ‘good enough’?

The facilities management (FM) industry plays a vital role in ensuring that spaces across healthcare, education, HR, finance and other sectors are safe, clean, and efficient.

A well-maintained facility has a positive impact on staff and visitors, with research from the WELL Building Standard highlighting the relationship between buildings and human health and wellbeing.

Despite a growing understanding of how physical environments impact health and productivity, there is little standardisation within the FM sector. In consequence, within workplace and facilities management (WFM) leading industry bodies have come together to establish a clear, shared definition of the term ‘statutory’. This joint effort was facilitated by the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM)’s Procurement and Contract Management Special Interest Group (SIG), who want to improve FM standards.

In this article we explore the importance of this initiative, and why partnering with a knowledgeable FM provider is crucial for businesses that want to move service delivery from ‘good enough’ to ‘great’.

A unified definition for clearer compliance

The new definition has been a collective effort on the part of the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), SFG20 (part of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA)), Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the IWFM.

Previously, the absence of a unified method for preparing statutory inspection specifications led to inconsistencies, at times resulting in companies unknowingly failing to meet statutory standard regarding their buildings. Agreeing on a standard definition is an important step in setting benchmarks for the essential requirements that must be met when drafting and implementing specifications:

“By bringing together and collaborating with other organisations and professional bodies, each with their own perspective and expertise, we have been able to create a common definition which should be of great benefit to all.”

          Chris Reeves, Procurement and Contract Management SIG Chair, IWFM

The new definition begins:

‘The term Statutory denotes anything required by primary legislation such as Acts of Parliament and secondary legislation such as Statutory Instruments (including Regulations).’

The complete definition is available in SFG20’s e-guide, ‘There is Nowhere to Hide: Staying Compliant with Statutory Tasks’.

The new guidelines cover all major aspects of compliance, from fire safety regulations to the management of hazardous substances, and ventilation standards. For instance, BESA’s involvement ensures that HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems meet safety and energy efficiency standards, which are often subject to stringent regulations.

The IWFM, with its broad industry reach, ensures that these guidelines are accessible to all FM professionals, while BSRIA provides the research and technical insight necessary to apply the standards effectively.

Through this collaboration, the guidelines provide a consistent framework which facilities managers can rely on to meet compliance requirements confidently and thoroughly within various settings.

A broader industry impact

Christopher Eames, Managing Director at Pyndar, comments: “The standardisation of statutory requirements has the potential to elevate the entire industry. With a unified approach to compliance, FM professionals can demonstrate greater accountability and transparency, which we know enhances trust with clients and stakeholders. A standardised framework also offers a consistent benchmark, enabling capabilities and commitments to quality to be communicated more easily.

The experienced team at Pyndar are well equipped to navigate future regulatory changes; we understand that adaptability is crucial in a world where environmental and safety regulations are constantly evolving.”

Managing compliance complexity with an experienced FM provider

Navigating compliance in facilities management is complex, with regulations covering everything from fire safety to environmental standards. Without specialised knowledge, businesses can easily fall behind on these requirements, putting themselves at risk of costly penalties, reputational damage, and, crucially, potential harm to occupants.

By partnering with an experienced FM provider, businesses can reduce these risks; for instance, a skilled FM provider will understand the intricate details of compliance and proactively address these challenges by integrating statutory checks into regular maintenance routines. This serves to improve overall service quality, meaning that more time and energy can be devoted to optimising building performance and user experience, rather than scrambling to address compliance failures.

When choosing an FM provider, it pays to partner with one that not only meets today’s regulatory demands, but leads the way in creating safer, more sustainable, and better managed spaces. Why settle for ‘good enough’?

To speak to us about your specific requirements, get in touch at transform@pyndar.uk