Ofqual has recognised the British Institute of Facilities Management as an awarding body.
Achieving Awarding Body status will provide external recognition and allow BIFM to apply for accreditation of its qualifications.
Accredited qualifications can then be included in the existing National Qualifications Framework, soon to be replaced by the Qualifications Credit Framework.
A Professional Standards & Education Strategy paper was submitted at a BIFM Board meeting in September 2006 based on extensive research, this created a road map to ensure the provision of quality managed and where appropriate, branded educational products for life long learning in the facilities management industry.
As part of that strategy paper, it was recommended that BIFM should apply to QCA (now Ofqual) to become recognised as an Awarding Body.
The Board approved this and during 2007 the necessary resources were invested to assist BIFM, and the application was submitted in December 2007.
Approval was granted on 31st March 2008.
Valerie Everitt, Director of Professional Standards & Education at BIFM, said “I am delighted that BIFM has achieved Awarding Body status. This is a major milestone in the implementation of the Institute’s education strategy. BIFM’s work will position FM qualifications within the national context and accelerate the professionalisation of facilities management.”
Before submission of the application for accreditation of its qualification, BIFM is undertaking a remodelling and rebranding exercise whilst ensuring the syllabus and learning outcomes are relevant and appropriate for the industry and are deemed “fit for purpose”.
Work on the remodelling has already commenced through a major research project, with both individuals and employers, to capture opinions and attitudes towards training and qualifications.
This will ensure BIFM delivers an effective and dynamic professional standards and education programme.
In the meantime, it is still business as usual for our existing qualification programme and candidates will still be able to sit our examinations.
Details of BIFM’s remodelled qualification framework will be announced later this year.
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