Weak leadership and a poor eco-attitude is leading to poor performance in the building services sector, according to research by SummitSkills, the sector skills council for the industry.
Research by Summitskills found the sector does not 'strategically' train its supervisory or management staff in management or leadership techniques and bosses are often reluctant to allow managers time off to undertake training.

Bosses have little knowledge of how effective the qualifications gained by their staff are, according to research by Dr Mike Hammond in 'Key issues update, summary of additional research to develop key themes arising from the Horizon, Sector Skills Agreement'.

The value of management and leadership courses available to the individual and the employer was described as questionable, with the sector possessing large numbers of managers with no adequate training to carry out their management function effectively. In the majority of cases, it is not the employer who identifies and selects training for a manager, but the individual who selects a course and seeks permission to attend.

The chaotic, haphazard nature of much of the management in the sector together with the attitude towards management and supervisory training was described as the primary cause of productivity deficiencies compared with international competitors.

'These shortcomings can be addressed relatively quickly but it is a matter of training not experience, it is not instinctive and cannot be picked up 'on the job' and responsibility shouldn't be delegated without first providing appropriate training', said Professor Tony Thomas at London South Bank university (LSBU).

The sector's inability to deliver cost effective sustainable facilities management was also highlighted by the research.

'Facility managers should seize this lean economic period as an opportunity to make buildings more efficient, environmentally friendly and economical. Instead of 'trudging through mud' and waiting for the 'skies to clear', facility managers and building owners can seize the downturn by adopting an eco-attitude', added Professor Thomas.

London South Bank University has created the 'Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings', (CEREB), to promote the teaching, research and demonstration of low carbon technologies in the built environment.

CEREB is organising a one day workshop on October 22 called 'Cost, Energy and Carbon Savings through Facilities Management and Engineering Leadership'.

The workshop will look at how the sector can get the best out of environmental, financial and social factors combined with the engineering leadership and business acumen to implement engineering solutions get environmental benefits and cost savings.

For more details contact CEREB centre manager JudyTurton at London South Bank University on 020 7815 7105.