Facilities Management Journal

Share with: Up to 250,000 women will now be protected from unsafe working equipment following a GMB campaign. EDF, JCB, BAE Systems and Bylor are among the companies who have signed up to GMB’s Inclusive PPE Charter. Women’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often men’s equipment shrunk to a smaller size - referred to as ‘shrink it and pink it’ - which doesn’t fit women’s bodies, is completely unfit for purpose and often dangerous.

Minority ethnic groups and disabled people are to benefit as the government commits to introducing mandatory ethnicity and disability pay‑gap reporting for large employers. Firms with 250 or more employees will be required to publish six key pay‑gap metrics and new workforce composition data. The government’s response to the consultation on mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting, shows widespread support for introducing this legislation.

Last night at Vision Hall in London, Sodexo announced the winners of their Cook for Change competition. Consisting of nine finalist chefs from eight countries, Sodexo’s culinary challenge champions a commitment to healthier and more sustainable food and celebrates creativity and individuality of each chef.

Share with: Daikin, the global leader in the heating, cooling, and ventilation industry, has announced that 7,333 installers completed its specialist heat pump training programmes throughout 2025 – a 20% year-on-year increase that underscores the growing demand for heat pump expertise in the UK.

Share with: The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a certification pathway to help ventilation hygiene contractors demonstrate professional and technical competence and compliance in line with the Building Safety Act.

Share with: The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has updated and reissued its Health and Safety Certification to reflect the requirements of the Building Safety Act, ensuring built environment professionals can demonstrate up‑to‑date competence in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. Delivered through Accredex, the refreshed course and test provides profession‑specific compliance tailored to the diverse roles across the built environment.

A poll of 276 HR, health and safety and compliance professionals has found that just under a third (29 per cent) of organisations have committed to publishing a menopause action plan in 2026 or 2027, while most remain uncertain or unprepared. At the same time, almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of those surveyed believe menopause needs stronger legal protection at work – a striking verdict from an audience whose job it is to manage legal risk.

Share with: Food has been at the heart of Sodexo’s heritage since Pierre Bellon founded the company back in 1966. This year as Sodexo renews its focus on its rich heritage its Culinary Academy has been refreshed and forms a central part of Sodexo’s senior culinary leadership’s team efforts to support and empower its chefs at all stages of their careers.

Share with: Recent government announcements have left employers and training providers fearing for the future of apprenticeships, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The Association’s Director of Competence and Compliance Jill Nicholls said there was an “uncomfortable undertone” undermining the activities and celebrations around this year’s National Apprenticeship Week.

Share with: White Oaks, the senior living division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has launched a specialised apprenticeship programme for senior living and hospice catering. The Production Chef Apprenticeship Programme has been designed for those working in care and senior living settings, to equip participants with the skills to prepare nutritious, balanced meals tailored to the dietary needs of individuals in care homes, assisted-living facilities, retirement villages and hospices.