News on 30 November 2000

Robert Heavisides, Director of Facilities for the West Suffolk Hospital Trust, is the winner of the FM Graduate of the Year Award 2000 and an all-expenses paid trip to the headquarters of Steelcase in the USA. The award is sponsored by office design group, Claremont Business Environments, with the backing of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM).

Robert Heavisides (right) is presented with his award certificate by Graham Smith, Director of Claremont Business Environments

The Award, initiated by Claremont in 1999, aims to recognise the most outstanding FM student in the UK, with the six universities currently running BIFM accredited courses nominating entrants from amongst the post-graduate and masters students graduating in the current academic year.

Nominated by Sheffield Hallam University, Mr Heavisides’ prize-winning essay on the given topic of e-FM, was entitled ‘e-FM …. The new way forward for Facilities?’ and looked at the way in which the Internet, and localised Internets, could provide a competitive edge for those companies prepared to take advantage of web technology. The judges commented on the high standard of all the entries and considered Mr Heavisides’ essay particularly thorough and well researched.

“I am thrilled at receiving this distinguished award,” said Mr Heavisides, who has just been awarded an MSc in Facilities Management (with distinction), “It is also an honour for the NHS and demonstrates that it is able to hold its own in the commercial and facilities world.”

With a background in engineering, Mr Heavisides joined the NHS in 1971, working in estates and facilities at a number of locations. He is a National Council Member of the Health Facilities Management Association (HeFMA), which provides assistance and advice on facilities issues within the NHS.

Click here to download the full text of the essay in a Word document.