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Facilities management [1]

Facilities managers ensure that the services that patients need during their stay in hospital are available and meet the required standards.

Training and qualifications required

You can enter facilities management through an apprenticeship or with level 3 qualifications and working your way up through supervisory roles into more senior positions. Relevant qualifications are available through The British Institute of Facilities Management, City and Guilds, Institute of Leadership and Management and Pearson qualifications. Some postgraduate qualifications incorporate facilities management.

Expected working hours and salary range

Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists, and the most senior managers (where very senior managers pay apply). You could work your way through supervisory level roles in hospitality/domestic services at AfC bands 3 and 4 to managerial roles in facilities management at bands 5-8. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

Desirable skills and values

To work in facilities management, as a guide you’ll need an up to date awareness of Health and Safety issues and appropriate legislation, good organisational skills, good communication skills, the ability to manage and motivate a team, be able to work under pressure, solve problems as they arise, an understanding of finance and being able to manage a budget, the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships, be able to sustain housekeeping supplies, to maintain information systems, maintain a safe and secure working environment and a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare.

Prospects

With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further into more senior managerial roles – often combined with other areas of responsibility - typically within operational management.