David Stevens Wins Leadership Awards In Facilities Management And Engineering

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• David Stevens Wins Leadership Awards In Facilities Management And Engineering

15 October 2026

David Stevens, Director of Estates, Facilities & Capital Development at East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), and Vice President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), has won IWFM Leader of the Year and Executive Leader of the Year at the Engineering Talent Awards 2026.

The awards recognise his inclusive leadership across estates, facilities management and engineering, alongside his work to develop people and wider participation in the professions.

With more than 30 years’ experience across engineering, construction and estates, David has focused on the role of buildings and facilities in supporting safe care and a better experience for users and staff. At ELFT, his work has included redesigning outsourced maintenance services, strengthening estates risk reporting and involving service users in procurement, design and environmental assurance.

In addition to his role as Vice President of CIBSE, David is also Chair of its Facilities Management Group where he has a focus on inclusive leadership, representation and support for emerging talent. David firmly believes in development through mentoring, creating opportunities for others and having clear routes into leadership.  David was the inaugural chair of the CIBSE LGBTQI Panel.

Through professional institutions, mentoring and awards judging David promotes closer working between those who design buildings and those who operate them, with greater attention to how buildings perform throughout their life.  Buildings exist for people, not designers.

David Stevens said: “I’m delighted to receive both awards. They recognise work that depends on the commitment of many colleagues and teams, and I’m grateful to those who have supported me and challenged me to become a better leader. Congratulations to the other finalists, and thank you to the judges.”

Stevens added: “Receiving this recognition is a privilege. I want to use the visibility it brings to give estates and facilities a stronger voice in decisions about buildings and services, share practical learning and support those coming into the profession.”

Stevens highlighted: “I also want people from backgrounds that have been underrepresented in engineering and facilities management to see a place for themselves in leadership. That means being visible, mentoring others and helping create opportunities for people to progress.”

Picture: An image of David Stevens with his Executive Leader of the Year Award, received at the Engineering Talent Awards 2026.

Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 15 October 2026

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