RICS & IFMA Launch Procurement Of FM Professional Statement

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25 July 2018 | Updated 27 July 2018

The morning of July 25 saw RICS & IFMA launch their Procurement of Facility Management Professional Statement, UK 1st edition. The aim - to increase trust and reduce risk in FM procurement.

Following the Public Accounts Committee decrying the level of FM and contract procurement expertise in Government, RICS and IFMA have taken a lead in improving FM procurement across all sectors - in an attempt to address the ‘race to the bottom’ culture often seen as prevalent in the sector.

RICS professionals have committed to abide by the standards set by the document with the recommendation that the adoption of the professional statement would also benefit the wider FM procurement chain.

RICS, in association with IFMA, have also launched their first professional statement to reduce risk, increase transparency, and further trust in procurement in Facilities Management. 

The RICS Procurement of facility management, RICS professional statement, UK 1st edition, was worked on in collaboration with IMFA and also the wider industry.  RICS led extensive industry engagement and will be looking to make this a global professional statement in due course.

All RICS regulated professionals (mandatory from the 1 October 2018) will follow this guidance, but adoption of the framework would be competitively beneficial for all property professionals involved in the procurement of FM services, including those acting for landlords and occupiers, FM suppliers procuring services from sub-contractors and investors and public and private occupier organisations

Ethics

According to RICS, the FM sector is currently splitting into those engaged in ethical practices and leading on sustainability and those that are not. Paul Bagust, global property standards director at RICS, argues that there should be consequences if professionals do not introduce and implement standards. He said prior to the launch breakfast event: “Discussions about transparency, ethics and responsible business need to be built on a foundation of standards and regulations.

”We need more standards to ensure that there is clarity in what people will deliver, so the supply chain can better understand what it is buying and selling, and what people will receive.  This has held us back as a profession.  We urge Government and all organisations to adopt and follow this statement in conjunction with complimentary practices they already have in place, such as the social value act.

“By demonstrably following good practice, and stating to suppliers that you as a buyer adhere to the RICS guidance, will provide transparency, standards, and improve public confidence.”

The FM sector also has the opportunity to solve issues in other areas of the built environment and improve sustainability – for example through earlier involvement in the construction and design process - so having a positive impact on building design, sustainability and project outcomes, according to RICS. Thus the new statement can only increase the sectors ability to deliver on time and on budget.

Prior to the new professional statement, RICS FM Professionals would have followed the RICS Rules of Conduct – regarding the competence and conduct of members / regulated firms in this area.

Statements

Kath Fontana FRICS, Managing Director, ISS Technical Services. RICS Senior Vice President Elect, said: “RICS are the first organisation to produce a statement like this for their professionals.  Effective and ethical procurement is a fundamental foundation for facilities management excellence, and recent market events show that this is more needed than ever.

“This new statement provides clients and suppliers with the platform to manage risk and opportunity consistently and professionally. Ultimately this will enable all to focus on delivering great service, compliance, transparency and value for money.”

Derrick Tate, PwC Corporate Finance said: "It has been a privilege to author the professional statement that forms a framework of simple straightforward must-do's. Together with the guidance notes covering planning, the procurement process and post-procurement activities, they will make a valuable contribution to raising standards. Professionals should focus on investing time and energy in planning, running a fair and transparent process and putting themselves in the bidder's shoes - think about what they need to do and what information they need in order to deliver the benefits that you require."

A spokesperson for NHS Property Services: “We are pleased to support the RICS FM Procurement Professional Statement. A professional approach to procurement is essential in ensuring contracts are put in place that work effectively for both client organisations and suppliers. The RICS guidance enables this to happen and supports the development of FM as profession. As such it will be incorporated into NHS Property Services approach to FM procurement”

Picture: RICS has launched its Procurement of Facility Management Professional Statement, UK 1st edition.

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 25 July 2018

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