NEWS & ANALYSIS FMJ.CO.UK
LEGAL VIEW
6 OCTOBER 2021
UK FM SECTOR NOT DOING ENOUGH ABOUT
PLANETARY AND PERSONAL WELLBEING
The FM sector is not taking a strategic approach
or taking enough specific action to address its
responsibilities towards the wellbeing being of
individuals and the planet as a whole, argues
VINCI Facilities in its latest white paper report.
VINCI Facilities asked over two hundred
decision-makers how far their organisations
have progressed in developing a coherent
strategy for personal and environmental
wellbeing. Organisations tend to focus on easy
‘quick wins’ and whilst implementing wellbeing
and environmental initiatives produces many of
the expected benefits, including improved sta
morale, reduced operating costs and a boost to
reputation, the absence of a strategic approach
means progress has been erratic.
The research showed that actions tend to be
piecemeal, reducing their e ectiveness and
impact which is undermined by a lack of senior management buy-in, inconsistent
stakeholder engagement and hence insu icient grassroots support.
The VINCI Facilities white paper echoes the findings highlighted by workplace
research undertaken by the Leesman Index and themes explored in the Edelman
annual trust survey as well as data from the World Economic Forum.
Victoria Hughes, VINCI Facilities Director for Business Responsibility commented:
“No one said it is easy and, some good work is being done, but the FM industry as
a whole could do better, by sharing data, experience and best practice. Individual
organisations too oŠ en find themselves reinventing the wheel because benchmarking
and other data is lacking. Poor evaluation means opportunities are missed because
vital connections are not being made – between the cost of an environmental scheme
and savings in recruitment and retention, for example.
“Ideally, a strategic approach needs to be adopted rather than the piecemeal one we
see now with too many quick wins and no long-term vision. FM is brilliantly placed to
help improve individual wellbeing and that of the environment as a whole because of
the holistic nature of the work the sector delivers day-in-day out. That strategy should
be linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
You can view the full report here https://bit.ly/3Ff5rEg
IWFM AGM DETERMINEDLY UPBEAT DESPITE
MEMBERSHIP CONCERNS
Outgoing Chair Martin G Bell admitted there has been a fall in membership numbers to
around 12,000, during the Institute for Workplace and Facilities Management AGM which
was held on Thursday. He also added that: “much needs to be done to map out our member
value proposition while the Institute works on a competence route towards chartered status.”
The finance update confirmed how much the Institute has been a„ ected by COVID, with a
fall in income of 18 per cent in 2020, membership income down by seven per cent and IWFM
su„ ering a 15 per cent reduction in sales. The Institute has sought government help through
the furlough scheme totalling £78,000 for the year, PAYE deferrals of £193K to be paid back on
the 3rd October and a loan of £100,000.
Interestingly, the main drivers for increasing income in 2021 appear to revolve around
training, with IWFM direct, the digital learning solution forecast to be £147K up in 2021, and
revenue predicted to be up £60K up for assessment services.
Challenged about allegations that the Institute’s Communities Report has revealed a
dichotomy between head o„ ice and IWFM membership, CEO Linda Hausmanis said: “We the
board, our committees and members are committed to working together to foster a culture
of trust to help IWFM become a thriving body. The hard work starts now as we work through
the communities report recommendations and begin our
five-year plan.”
“We are a going concern, and given the overall context,
we’ve done extraordinarily well to be in the position we’re
in,” was the riposte of Bell regarding concerns about falling
membership numbers and financial challenges ahead.
WINTER PLAN
By Anil Champaneri, Senior HR
Consultant and Technical Lead,
Alcumus HR and Advisory
On Tuesday 14 September, Prime
Minister Boris Johnson laid out his COVID-19 Winter
Plan to the public. Under Plan A, which includes off ering
booster doses to individuals who received vaccination in
phase one of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, there
appears little impact on employers as most restrictions
are lifted, but if we moved into Plan B, there could be.
With regards to Plan B, Health Secretary Sajid Javid
announced:
• Communicating clearly to the public the need for caution
• Compulsory face masks in indoor settings
• Vaccine passports for certain settings. More guidance to
follow
• Asking the public to work from home
In respect of the above, there could be a requirement to
wear masks at work. Many employers will already allow
this as part of their COVID secure measures, but it could
become mandatory.
The introduction of vaccine passports would mean that
employers would need to train their staff in being able to
gather the appropriate information/evidence.
With regards to vaccines, those in high priority groups
and/or over 50, will be off ered a booster jab which means
potential time out of the offi ce for those employees who
take up this off er. Any side eff ects from those said jabs
could mean those staff are also absent from work due to
illness.
The Government will continue its vaccine programme,
with a particular focus on young people and older people
who will receive a booster jab.
The Government has also launched a consultation on
protecting vulnerable patients by making COVID-19 and
fl u vaccinations a condition of deployment for frontline
health and wider social care staff in England.
Lockdowns
It is understood the Prime Minister is determined not to
adopt another lockdown if COVID cases surge, according to
multiple Number 10 insiders. If there was to be a further
lockdown, then the impact on employers will be as it was
under previous lockdowns.
Masks and working from home could return
Downing Street is most keen to avoid measures that
will severely impact the economy as it plans how the
Government could respond to a COVID surge as the
weather cools.
That means it is determined to avoid another lockdown
and reticent on reimposing social distancing rules, which
the hospitality industry says cripple pubs and restaurants.
However, mask mandates are one lever the Government
is willing to pull if needed, meaning tens of millions of
people will be asked to wear them indoors again if COVID
surges.
Government guidance urging people to work from home
could also be reissued if COVID cases risk overwhelming
the NHS. Most employers adapted to home working
for staff (where possible) and since measures began
easing, many will have adopted hybrid working for their
employees.
You can access the formal publication which outlines the
full plan at https://bit.ly/3ipJHvz
/3Ff5rEg
/3ipJHvz
