FM professional bodies “failing employers”

16 January 2013

A leading facilities management employer is spearheading a campaign urging greater cohesion and more effective representation among FM membership bodies.

Chris Cracknell, Chief Executive of international facilities services organisation OCS Group Limited and Chair of FM skills body Asset Skills, is convinced industry representation is too fragmented and employer needs are not being addressed in a coherent manner.

“OCS has a long-standing commitment to the development of professional standards in the facilities management and cleaning industries as demonstrated by our membership of professional bodies, trade associations and my chairmanship of Asset Skills,” he said.

“However, the sector is not recognised by government, it is not seen as a priority for investment nor does it form part of their growth strategy. This is despite the UK being the world leader in FM with a workforce of over 1.4 million.”

Cracknell argues current industry representation is too diverse and blames the sector’s low political profile on this lack of a cohesive approach. He is challenging representative bodies in FM to rationalise their number and increase effectiveness.

“We will be missing a trick if we do not come together to ensure lobbying, support, skills and research add real benefit to employers.

“This challenge demands a radical change to the existing structure and I recognise the organisations involved will have strong views about their roles and future sustainability. However, as employers, our opinions are, and should be, significant.”

Cracknell is confident he has the support of the industry in his endeavour and is inviting professional and membership bodies to meet with him to discuss how they can rise to the challenge.