Press Release
Date: 03 September 2013
BIFM releases guidance on facilities management’s role in
accessibility and the Equality Act
The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) today launched another Good
Practice Guide (GPG) providing practical guidance for facilities management
professionals. The Inclusive Access, Disability and the Equality Act GPG, is the
latest launch in a series of new and improved guides to support standards and
professionalism in facilities management (FM).
Jacqueline Gillman, Product Development Manager at BIFM said: “With the previous
edition of this guide being released in 2009, this update provides practical guidance
on how FM professionals play a key role in meeting the needs of the whole
population by achieving an inclusive service or building which also meets legislative
requirements. BIFM is committed to driving the inclusive access agenda following
the Equality Act 2010 and the launch of this guide enables users to advocate that
agenda.”
Users of this Inclusive Access, Disability and the Equality Act GPG can expect to
gain an understanding of what the barriers might be in providing an inclusive service
or building and also learn how to develop strategies for their removal or the
development of management practices that minimise or overcome those barriers to
equal service delivery.
Accessibility has always been a critical component for many types of facilities and
with people extending their working lives into their sixties and seventies; it has
become more important than ever. It is crucial to understand that access and
inclusive design impacts on every aspect of facilities management, from strategic
procurement and design of space, to appropriate selection of lighting, finishes and
fittings. This updated guide gives a summary of all legislative and regulatory changes
and gives practical tips on achieving reasonable access for all.
BIFM with the help of FM experts has produced the only UK guide focusing on the
FM role in accessibility, which is recognised as one of the most important and
influential professions in delivering facilities that truly meet diverse users’ needs and
ensures everyone can access buildings in an equally dignified and safe manner.
Over the coming months the Institute will continue to build on its good practice
guidance portfolio which is a fundamental part of BIFM’s work in helping the facilities
management professional to deliver outstanding FM.
This new GPG follows on from the recent launch of the Benchmarking and Space
Planning and Management GPGs. The GPGs are available for BIFM members as
part of their membership benefits. FM professionals (that are not BIFM members)
are able to purchase the GPGs for £19.99. In addition to this digital version, a plain
text version to support those with a visual impairment accompanies the full version.
To download this new guide and other practical guidance, go to
www.bifm.org.uk/GPGs
--------ENDS-------Press contacts
For more information, images or to arrange interviews, contact Nomsa Sibanda on
+44 (0) 1279 712624 or email [email protected]
About BIFM Good Practice Guides
Good Practice Guides are a suite of indispensable guides for facilities professionals.
They provide real ‘how to’ information on a range of topics to help FM professionals
with their day-to-day roles and to build effective strategic FM practice. The set of
Good Practice Guides form an integral part of BIFM’s strategy to drive forward FM
performance levels and professionalism across the economy.
www.bifm.org.uk/GPGs
About BIFM
The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is the professional body for
facilities management. Founded in 1993, the Institute provides professional
membership, information, education, qualifications, training and networking services
for facilities management professionals. Supporting and representing over 13,500
members – both individual FM professionals and organisations. The Institute is
inclusive, working across related disciplines and forming alliances with like-minded
professional bodies. BIFM’s members are responsible for many of the services that
enable and support business and other organisations, including business continuity,
health & safety, space planning, energy management, maintenance and catering.
For more information visit www.bifm.org.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1279 712620
@BIFM_UK