FM Leader Living With Cancer Launches Scholarship

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11 June 2024 | Updated 09 October 2024

A new scholarship to help facilities management professionals progress has been established by Deborah Rowland, Director of Public Affairs at Sodexo UK and Ireland.

Deborah, who has been with Sodexo since 2016 and is living with advanced cancer, wants to support those who have been limited by financial constraints, allowing them to compete in FM at a higher level. Deborah joined Sodexo from the Ministry of Justice where she was responsible for FM for the justice, home office and crown prosecution services estates. 

The scholarship, created in collaboration with the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), will fund an IWFM-regulated qualification (Level 2, 3 or 4) in the first instance. Two £2,640 awards will be made annually: £1,320 to be donated by Deborah Rowland or her estate, and £1,320 in match funding from IWFM.

The scholarship is inviting organisations and individuals who are passionate about nurturing the next generation of FM leaders to donate. The funds raised will support future applicants in receiving mentorship, training and qualifications.

“The FM world has been the most fantastic environment to grow and learn in, I cannot recommend it enough to someone at the beginning of their journey. I have always striven to ensure that this is a profession to be proud of and attractive to future talent."

–Deborah Rowland

Director of Public Affairs, Sodexo UK and Ireland

Deborah said: “The FM world has been the most fantastic environment to grow and learn in, I cannot recommend it enough to someone at the beginning of their journey. I have always striven to ensure that this is a profession to be proud of and attractive to future talent.

“By providing this Scholarship I hope to be able to give others the chance to improve their chances and compete at a higher level – onwards and upwards no matter what their starting point – they just have to demonstrate the desire and passion to achieve their goal.”

IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis added, “WFM is a diverse and dynamic profession where anyone can forge a rich career path, but not everyone has an equal opportunity to get ahead. The Foundation’s important work will ensure that the Scholarship provides maximum value now and in the long-term. I’m proud to work with a trailblazer like Deborah to help the next generation of WFM get in and get on and to support an enduring legacy for a true WFM role model.”

To find out how to apply, the closing date and more, click here. You can also donate to the scholarship here.

Picture: a photograph of Deborah. Image Credit: Sodexo

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 11 June 2024

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