Laura Birnbaum, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Laura Birnbaum manages the recently created facilities management function for the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), comprising a national estate of around 350 sites, many of which are listed and have a significant maintenance backlog.
Since undertaking this role, Laura has established robust control over the FM and utilities expenditure of £130m to maximise the value achieved from contractors while maintaining KPI commitments. She has promoted the significance of duty holding responsibilities and compliance obligations with stakeholders, resulting in additional team recruitment and multiple technical courses being made available to the team.
In addition, she has implemented a communication plan for the FM function including a ‘Building Champions’ programme to facilitate closer working between the facilities team, suppliers and operational staff – all while bringing a “clarity of thought, pace and enthusiasm to the many challenges”. Her initiatives also include the establishment of a senior management team and steering group. She continues to highlight the significance and technical complexity of the FM discipline to the HMCTS Board.
All of this activity has ensured that Laura is at the forefront in talks about the future organisational design of the FM function, and that she is seen as an ambassador for FM within the organisation at both board and operational levels.
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www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service
This award recognises exceptional individuals who have been in a management position in FM for several years. This Award is a unique opportunity for individuals to showcase their exceptional management of people in the delivery of FM service excellence. This award will highlight the criticality of great management practices and the impact they have on FM service success and business outcomes.