The Health Sector Forum, launched five years ago, is now recognised by the Department of Health as a valuable initiative in the sector. Over 70 NHS Trusts throughout the UK are directly in touch with the Centre and approximately half of these are Members of the Health Service Forum. A Higher Education Forum, started in 1996, is beginning to play a strategic role within that sector as is a third, Local Government Sector Forum, which started in 1998. The Centre s Postgraduate Programme in Facilities Management offers a flexible programme of education suitable for those currently in full-time employment, as well as those who are looking to enhance their employment prospects by gaining valuable knowledge and qualification in this expanding field. The programme is delivered in short, intensive modules, supported by pre-reading material and tutorial guidance.
All assessment is in the form of work-related written coursework and, finally, a dissertation.
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Facilities Management was the first course of its kind in the country to be accredited by the Institute. In 1997, FMGC was the principal research centre used by the Institute in its Survey of Facilities Managers Responsibilities . The BIFM has recently awarded FMGC the contract to undertake the 1999 follow-up survey. From 1996 the Centre has made considerable progress in developing international links with The University of Natal, South Africa and Material Management Consultants Pte, Singapore.