SR424 Facilities management industry census 2018 (February 2020)

This project explores the facilities management (FM) industry from the perspectives of FM practitioners, their clients and their suppliers. This includes the demographic makeup of FM practitioners, the nature and quantum of facilities under management, relationships between practitioners, their clients and suppliers and strategic priorities for practitioners and their clients.

The FM industry has an established role in the operation of facilities in New Zealand. However, involving FM practitioners in the planning and development of new facilities is relatively uncommon. Early involvement can offer strong benefits as the operational experience of practitioners can inform design refinements that lead to better-quality buildings. Practitioners are well aware of these benefits, but their clients less so. There is a role for industry bodies to promote these benefits so FM involvement is considered in procurement of new facilities.

Currently, practitioners enter the industry through relevant experience. However, both industry practitioners and their clients agree that standards in the industry should be improved through a more formal career pathway, elevating the industry from an occupation to a profession.