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EXPLORING PROFESSIONAL CONVERGENCE IN PROPERTY FM, SAFETY, AND SECURITY
Interview with James Pomeroy, Director Global Health and Safety at Arup, and Simon Harris, VP and Head of Global Protection Services at Wood Mackenzie
Chris Edwards (Host): Welcome to today’s discussion on professional convergence within the realms of property facility management (FM), safety, and security. We are joined by two distinguished experts: James Pomeroy, Director Global Health and Safety at Arup, and Simon Harris, VP and Head of Global Protection Services at Wood Mackenzie. Thank you both for joining us.
Chris Edwards: James, let's start with you. Why do you think there's a growing trend for different functions to collaborate more closely? Are there specific issues driving this need?
James Pomeroy: There are a few key areas where collaboration is becoming essential. Firstly, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) concerns. Both facilities and risk management functions are now deeply involved in ESG reporting, particularly in understanding and managing emissions across scopes one to three. This data is critical and must be accurate as it's treated much like financial risk nowadays.
Another area is information and data management. We're inundated with data, and managing this effectively is crucial. AI plays a significant role here, helping us make data usable and relevant to our needs.
Lastly, there's systems management. We've developed numerous systems for different purposes over the past decade. These systems, often costly and not always integrated, need to work together seamlessly. Managing these systems and their costs is a shared challenge.
Chris Edwards: You mentioned the importance of systems convergence. Can you provide examples where this integration is particularly vital?
James Pomeroy: Certainly. For example, both safety and facilities management have a vested interest in managing contractors. Often, they use separate systems for booking, vetting, and permitting contractors. Ensuring these systems communicate effectively is crucial. This not only streamlines processes but also addresses security concerns. Moreover, these integrated systems help in managing increasing cyber risks, making safety and facilities management more about data and systems management than ever before.
Chris Edwards: Thanks, James. Now, Simon, your career path has been significantly influenced by professional convergence. Can you tell us more about that?
Simon Harris: My journey began in the public sector within law enforcement, but I transitioned to the private sector in security and risk management. I soon realized that roles were evolving to encompass safety, security, business continuity, and risk management. Recognizing the need to adapt, I pursued further qualifications in safety, understanding that while security isn't legislated in the same way as safety, having a robust grasp of both is crucial.
Chris Edwards: How did you navigate these transitions and what advice would you offer to others in similar situations?
Simon Harris: My approach was to generalize initially, then specialize as I identified what I enjoyed most. I sought mentors, used platforms like LinkedIn to map out the career paths of professionals I admired, and replicated their steps. Embracing a broad perspective on risk management and then honing in on specific areas of interest helped me adapt to the converging roles of safety, security, and risk management.
Chris Edwards: Given the blurring lines between safety, security, and FM, do you think certain types of organizations are more suited to this integrated approach?
Simon Harris: This convergence can be beneficial across organizations of all sizes. If I were starting my career now, I'd focus on becoming a generalist to understand various facets of these roles before specializing. This broad knowledge base is invaluable, as it prepares you to shift directions and adapt to evolving responsibilities within these converged roles.
Chris Edwards: James, turning back to you, how has the emphasis on fire safety evolved in light of recent changes and high-profile incidents?
James Pomeroy: The tragic Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent Building Safety Act have significantly altered our approach to fire safety. Traditionally, there was a tendency to rely on compliance with codes that might be outdated. Now, the focus is on understanding and mitigating real risks. We must delve deeper into how buildings are constructed and anticipate behavioral responses in emergencies. This shift from mere compliance to comprehensive risk management requires close collaboration across safety, facilities, and security functions.
Chris Edwards: Simon, in your experience, how does professional convergence affect areas like travel security and remote working, which straddle safety and security?
Simon Harris: Indeed, convergence here makes a lot of sense. Rather than having fragmented responsibilities across different departments, it's more efficient and effective to have a unified approach. This not only simplifies risk management but also ensures that responses are cohesive and well-coordinated. Organizations benefit from having a single body oversee these overlapping areas, reducing redundancy and enhancing overall risk mitigation.
Chris Edwards: Lastly, any tips for managing stakeholder relationships when these projects span across multiple departments?
James Pomeroy: Engaging in open conversations about constraints and concerns is vital. While detailed stakeholder analysis and processes are necessary, understanding each stakeholder's limitations and needs upfront can facilitate smoother collaboration. Also, involving end-users early on is critical. Often, systems designed by IT or security experts don’t meet the practical needs of the users, leading to poor adoption and inefficiencies.
Simon Harris: Collaboration and showing value are key. Each department has unique insights and expertise. By approaching them collaboratively and demonstrating how a unified system benefits everyone, you build trust and facilitate smoother integration.
Chris Edwards: Thank you both for your valuable insights today. As we continue to see the convergence of these roles, your experiences provide a valuable roadmap for navigating this evolving landscape. For those attending our upcoming event, Anticipate London, this discussion highlights the critical topics we'll be exploring further. Thank you, James and Simon, for your time and contributions.
This interview underscores the growing importance of professional convergence in managing property, safety, and security. As organizations navigate these complex and overlapping responsibilities, the insights from James Pomeroy and Simon Harris provide a valuable guide for achieving integrated, effective management across these critical functions.
About Anticipate London 2024
In February 2024 the world’s largest exhibition organiser, Informa PLC, announced that the co-located exhibitions of Facilities Show, FIREX, IFSEC and Safety & Health Expo will now become part of newly launched Anticipate London, taking place from the 2nd to the 4th December 2024 at ExCeL London
Anticipate London will bring leaders of property & people together and showcase solutions that create a safer, smarter future for all. More information at www.anticipate-event.com
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