It is now recognized that effective management of support services is not only important to the success of an organisation but is also a complex task requiring a wide range of skills.

Facilities Management can be a valuable mechanism for change in service delivery, but the maximum benefits will only be achieved if those involved are fully trained to undertake the role. Moreover, their skills must be continually updated through appropriate training.

The NORTHERN TRAINING ADVISORY GROUPS – Facilities Management, Estates and Hotel Services, were established in 1993 and they constantly strive to meet the training needs of staff enabling them to achieve the level of performance that is now expected. This is done by organising and facilitating conferences, courses, lectures, workshops and master classes for senior managers/managers/supervisors and providing specialist technical training to a range of front line staff employed within Facilities. The TAGs also provide and exchange information and promote good practice in facilities management.

The FACILITIES MANAGEMENT TAG provides management training for senior staff working in Facilities

The ESTATES TAG provides technical estates training

The HOTEL SERVICES TAG provides training for support service staff – catering linen services, portering and domestic services.

TAG MEMBERS are NHS staff who meet regularly to assess training requirements and then organize events to meet those needs. All conferences and courses organised over the past ten years or so have been very well supported and the feedback has been highly positive.

THE AIM OF THE TAGs IS TO CONTINUE THEIR SUCCESS AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE TRAINING REQUIRED BY STAFF EMPLOYED WITHIN FACILITIES, ESTATES AND HOTEL SERVICES.