British Institute of Facilities Management Chairman Ian Broadbent has handed over responsibilities to Chairman elect Ismena Clout ahead of the official changeover date of 12 July, the BIFM has announced.

Broadbent has contributed an immense amount to the BIFM and its membership since the late 1990’s and in the past two years as its chairman during a time of economic difficulties. He has also represented the BIFM and the profession to industry and on the wider international stage. He joined the BIFM board in 2009 as deputy chair and played a vital role in the institute’s development for many years, a statement from the BIFM said.

“Following the chairing of my last board meeting recently and following a period of poor health, I felt it was a good time to pass on the reins several weeks early to newly elected Chairman Ismena Clout,” he said.

“This will allow me time to focus on my role at Hallmark, the farm, other business interests and, of course, my family. Being Chairman has been an amazing experience and I would like to thank colleagues and members of BIFM for all their help and support.”

The latest news of major change at the British Institute of Facilities Management sees the elimination of two top-level positions at the organisation’s HQ.

Late last week, the BIFM said its board had decided to make structural changes in efforts to streamline the business. Two positions have been removed: Director of Professional Standards & Education and Director of Corporate & Public Affairs. That sees the departure of two long-serving staff members: Valerie Everitt and Richard Byatt.

Everitt was until 12 March Director of Professional Standards & Education. She had been a main board member since 2004, having joined the Institute in 1996. Everitt led the team that developed the new suite of professional qualifications and achieved Awarding Organisation status for the BIFM. Following her departure, Linda Hausmanis, Head of Qualifications, will be heading up the Awarding Organisation function.

Richard Byatt, formerly Director of Corporate & Public Affairs, joined the BIFM in 2004 and was appointed to the board in 2007. In recent years, he was focused on raising the profile of FM with government and business through consultation, direct representation and joint working with industry and professional bodies.

Commenting on each departure, BIFM CEO Gareth Tancred and Chairman Ian Broadbent made identical statements: “We are enormously grateful for the work Valerie [Richard] has done over the years. She [He] has contributed significantly to the development of the Institute and the advancement of the facilities management profession. We wish her [him] well in her [his] future endeavours.”

Gareth Tancred, who has been acting CEO at the British Institute of Facilities Management since Ian Fielder’s unexpected departure last year, has now seen his appointment made permanent.  The move was confirmed at a BIFM Board meeting on 23rd February.

Fielder left under unexplained circumstances last autumnn.  At that point, Tancred Chief Operating Officer at the Institute since 2009, was immediately named interim CEO.

Commenting after the Board decision, Chairman Ian Broadbent said: “Gareth has proved to be a very competent interim appointment, providing stability whilst at the same time introducing new ways of working and setting a foundation for future growth.”

Commenting on his appointment, Tancred said: “I am delighted to have been selected by the Board to take on the role of CEO and look forward to keeping up the great work and momentum of the Institute’s development to ensure we deliver what the sector needs. Driving forward the strategy set out by the Board is integral to the success of the Institute and to the support and advancement of this fast-paced profession.”