Space Management for Facilities Managers
Unit FM5.18 Space management for facilities managers
The assessment criteria form part of the unit and specify the standard that a learner is
expected to meet to demonstrate that the learning outcomes within the unit have been
achieved. The additional guidance, which is shown in brackets and italics alongside the
assessment criteria, does not technically form part of the unit, in that it is not included
in 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 be
interpreted. The BIFM will generally expect assessors to interpret the assessment
criteria as described, or to an equivalent level of demand.
(At level 5, the evidence provided by learners to confirm that they meet the
assessment criteria should relate to organisations where they have worked or where
they are working.)
Aim of the unit:
This unit enables a learner to develop a strategy for space allocation and
accommodation, prepare briefs for space layout, implement changes and assess
feasibility of new developments in the use of space.
Title:
Space management for facilities managers

A learner when awarded credit for
this unit will:
Assessment criteria
Assessment of this learning outcome will require
a learner to demonstrate that they can:

1.1 Evaluate and review space allocation
strategies (see below)
1.2 Review the principles of space allocation (see
below)
1.3 Evaluate compliance of space allocation with
the relevant legislation (see below)
1.4 Develop space allocation strategy (see
below)
(All of the assessment criteria for this
learning outcome can be addressed by an
exercise based on practice at an
organisation where the learner currently
works or has worked in the past. The
evaluation of the current strategy should
take into account best practice factors such
as space efficiency in building design, space
utilisation, space norms in different sectors,
and financial benchmarking for space
provision. The principles of space allocation
could include principles such as the optimal
use of assets, employee retention, cost
reduction, environmental impact, flexibility,
innovation, space reflecting/rewarding rank
or status, company vision, space to perform
tasks, adequate through routes, clear exit
routes, adequate light & ventilation, inter-
relationships between individuals and/or
departments. The developed strategy
should take into account factors such as
philosophy of space utilisation, flexibility to
business strategy, benchmarking and KPI
targets, space utilisation rates, space cost.)

2.1 Analyse the implications of building structure
and building services on space use and
layout (using example/s from the learner’s
own experience and/or case studies, and
making reference to factors such as the
ability to use space effectively and within
legislation)

3.1 Review the technologies available to assist in
planning and managing space. (including
technologies such as computer aided
design, computer aided facilities
management, and access control systems)
3.2 Prepare a space layout brief to meet
customer requirements (using example/s
from the learner’s own experience and/or
case studies, and providing a rationale for
the layout)

4.1 Implement the processes that Facilities
Managers should follow when managing
accommodation changes (see below)
4.2 Undertake a review to ensure that the
processes followed to manage the change in
accommodation is successful (see below)
(Both of the assessment criteria for this
learning outcome can be addressed by an
exercise based on practice at an
organisation where the learner currently
works or has worked in the past. The
processes used should be based on standard
project management techniques and should
include a post-implementation review.)

5.1 Research current and emerging innovative
ways of using space in buildings and what
that means for facilities management (using
current, cited sources)
5.2 Compare and contrast potential options and
their feasibility (identifying the similarities
and differences between options identified
for the previous assessment criterion,
including considerations such as their
potential returns on capital invested, and
their potential benefits to the business and
its main stakeholders)