ISO 41001 - Facility Management

 

What is ISO 41001?

ISO 41001 specifies the requirements for a facility management (FM) system, which incorporates multiple disciplines in order to have an influence on the performance and productivity of economies of societies, communities and industries.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

 

Who requires an ISO 41001 certification?

Although ISO 41001 is not a mandatory standard, any organisations seeking to demonstrate their commitment to providing effective and efficient facility management should consider becoming certified for ISO 41001.

How can an ISO 41001 certification benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 41001 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

 

• Reduced costs


• Improved communication


• Streamlined processes

How can you prepare for ISO 41001 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the ISO 41001 standard


• Conduct a gap analysis to highlight areas that to not meet the standard requirements


• Utilise the guidance provided in the standard to introduce new processes or improve current ones

What are the key requirements ISO 41001?

When working towards becoming certified for ISO 41001, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Process management


• Leadership involvement


• Policies


• Facility management

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 41001?

 

Clauses 1-3 – Introductory clauses:

The first three clauses in ISO 41001 introduce the standard scope, along with examples of sectors in which it can be applied. To assist with understanding, clause three also provides an extensive list of definitions for terms that are used throughout the document.

 

Clause 4 – Context of the organisation:

Clause 4 requires organizations to identify and understand how internal and external issues can affect their FM system. This involves identifying the need and expectations of stakeholders.



Climate change amendments:

The amendments have not changed the requirements of clause 4.1 and 4.2, rather they have added an assurance that climate change is considered for the management system. Due to the necessity of climate awareness, it should be considered by organisations and is therefore included as part of the standard.

Rather than a transition being required, organisations should instead consider and apply the guidance provided in the amendment. Should a company minute their considerations during their Management Review regarding CCC as well as evidence of their considerations and any actions, a discrepancy shall NOT be raised. However, should no minute exist for any considerations, then a discrepancy will be raised.

Where a minute and evidence does exist but is clearly of little relevance to CCC an Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) will be raised.

 

Clause 5 – Leadership:

Clause 5 emphasizes the roles of leadership and top management in demonstrating their commitment to the FM system. The requirements in this section can be achieved through assigning roles and responsibilities and ensuring that the organisations FM system focuses on their strategic direction.

 

Clause 6 – Planning:

Clause 6 highlights a variety of planning methods that can be utilised to address any risks and opportunities that may arise. This is an pivotal phase of implementing a facility management system and forms an important part of the systems lifecycle.

 

Clause 7 – Support:

Clause 7 identifies each of the essential resources that are required to support the facility management system. This includes people, documentation, equipment and competency.

 

Clause 8 – Operation:

Clause 8 places focus on the processes that are implemented alongside the FM system. All of which play a role in ensuring that the services provided meet all of the standard requirements.

 

Cause 9 – Performance evaluation:

Clause 9 introduces the means of monitoring and evaluating the performance of an organisations facility management system, and highlighting areas where improvements can be made in the following clause.

 

Clause 10 – Improvement:

In the final section of the standard, clause 10 demonstrates how an organisation can take the areas for improvement that have been previously highlighted, and implement corrective actions to ensure they are covered. By continually improving the FM system through audits and reviews, organisations can ensure that it is constantly evolving to meet growing needs.

 

How long will your ISO 41001 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 41001 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.

 

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