With the launch of its White Book RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has broken new ground in setting standards in facilities management, a field that has the potential to lead the way in creating more sustainable, efficient and cost effective workplaces.
Launched at RICS' global headquarters in Westminster on September 11, 2009, the White Book will act as a definitive practice guide for all RICS members advising clients on best practice facilities management processes.
The strategic role of facilities management in business performance will be the first guidance note published by RICS as part of a program of Facilities Management standards which will make up the White Book.
The first edition of this new series includes comprehensive guidance on key areas of business where facility managers can make a strategic impact, including:
Developing facilities management strategies linked to the property and business objectives of an organisation
Performance management and improvement
Compliance
Sourcing and procurement of property, projects and goods and services
Contract management
Service delivery
Risk management
Change management
Forming the backbone of the White Book, The strategic role of facilities management in business performance will be joined by further guidance notes on security, performance improvement and strategic sourcing, due to be released over the next 12 months.
Commenting on the new guidance Iain Brodie, Chair of RICS Facilities Management Exec Group, says: "Facilities management costs are often second only to those of human resource within an organisation. By providing the first set of standards for this important area of business, RICS is bringing its professionalism to an area which could potentially save companies millions of pounds a year in efficiencies and strategic management of property."
Source: RICS
