Facility management (FM)

Facilities Management (FM) involves the day-to-day running and strategic oversight of buildings, assets and services. It helps ensure workplaces are safe, efficient and well maintained while supporting the wider goals of the organisation.

What does FM include?

FM is usually divided into two areas:

  • Hard FM – Covers physical systems like heating, lighting, lifts, building structure and fire safety.

  • Soft FM – Includes services such as cleaning, catering, landscaping, mail handling and security.

Together, they ensure that the built environment supports those who use it.

What skills does FM require?

Good FM blends technical know-how with strong communication and planning. The role often involves:

  • Maintenance and operations

  • Budget and cost control

  • Health and safety oversight

  • Project delivery

  • Sustainability planning

  • Stakeholder engagement

Facility managers need to understand buildings, but also people balancing practical needs with user experience.

Why FM matters

Facilities Management plays a vital role in:

  • Reducing downtime and reactive costs

  • Supporting employee wellbeing and safety

  • Meeting regulatory and environmental standards

  • Managing risks and improving resilience

  • Making better use of space and assets

It's not just about fixing things. It's about running smarter, safer buildings.

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