Space Management for Facilities ManagersUnit FM5.18 Space management for facilities managersThe assessment criteria form part of the unit and specify the standard that a learner isexpected to meet to demonstrate that the learning outcomes within the unit have beenachieved. The additional guidance, which is shown in brackets and italics alongside theassessment criteria, does not technically form part of the unit, in that it is not includedin the reference version of the unit shown by the Register of Regulated Qualifications.The additional guidance is provided to illustrate how the assessment criteria might beinterpreted. The BIFM will generally expect assessors to interpret the assessmentcriteria as described, or to an equivalent level of demand.(At level 5, the evidence provided by learners to confirm that they meet theassessment criteria should relate to organisations where they have worked or wherethey are working.)Aim of the unit:This unit enables a learner to develop a strategy for space allocation andaccommodation, prepare briefs for space layout, implement changes and assessfeasibility of new developments in the use of space.Title:Space management for facilities managersA learner when awarded credit forthis unit will:Assessment criteriaAssessment of this learning outcome will requirea learner to demonstrate that they can:1.1 Evaluate and review space allocationstrategies (see below)1.2 Review the principles of space allocation (seebelow)1.3 Evaluate compliance of space allocation withthe relevant legislation (see below)1.4 Develop space allocation strategy (seebelow)(All of the assessment criteria for thislearning outcome can be addressed by anexercise based on practice at anorganisation where the learner currentlyworks or has worked in the past. Theevaluation of the current strategy shouldtake into account best practice factors suchas space efficiency in building design, spaceutilisation, space norms in different sectors,and financial benchmarking for spaceprovision. The principles of space allocationcould include principles such as the optimaluse of assets, employee retention, costreduction, environmental impact, flexibility,innovation, space reflecting/rewarding rankor status, company vision, space to performtasks, adequate through routes, clear exitroutes, adequate light & ventilation, inter-relationships between individuals and/ordepartments. The developed strategyshould take into account factors such asphilosophy of space utilisation, flexibility tobusiness strategy, benchmarking and KPItargets, space utilisation rates, space cost.)2.1 Analyse the implications of building structureand building services on space use andlayout (using example/s from the learner’sown experience and/or case studies, andmaking reference to factors such as theability to use space effectively and withinlegislation)3.1 Review the technologies available to assist inplanning and managing space. (includingtechnologies such as computer aideddesign, computer aided facilitiesmanagement, and access control systems)3.2 Prepare a space layout brief to meetcustomer requirements (using example/sfrom the learner’s own experience and/orcase studies, and providing a rationale forthe layout)4.1 Implement the processes that FacilitiesManagers should follow when managingaccommodation changes (see below)4.2 Undertake a review to ensure that theprocesses followed to manage the change inaccommodation is successful (see below)(Both of the assessment criteria for thislearning outcome can be addressed by anexercise based on practice at anorganisation where the learner currentlyworks or has worked in the past. Theprocesses used should be based on standardproject management techniques and shouldinclude a post-implementation review.)5.1 Research current and emerging innovativeways of using space in buildings and whatthat means for facilities management (usingcurrent, cited sources)5.2 Compare and contrast potential options andtheir feasibility (identifying the similaritiesand differences between options identifiedfor the previous assessment criterion,including considerations such as theirpotential returns on capital invested, andtheir potential benefits to the business andits main stakeholders)