Background
Runnymede Borough Council appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit a Facilities Management Assistant to support the effective operation and upkeep of its Civic Centre and surrounding areas.
Working within the Council's Environmental Services function, the role provided essential day-to-day support to the Facilities Management Officer and helped keep the Civic Centre safe, clean, compliant and fully operational for employees, visitors and members of the public.
The successful candidate needed to combine practical facilities management experience with strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively within a busy public-sector environment.
The Challenge
Runnymede Borough Council required a Facilities Management Assistant capable of supporting a broad range of operational responsibilities while maintaining consistently high workplace standards. The role demanded someone practical, dependable and confident handling both planned duties and unexpected facilities issues.
A civic building is a demanding place to do this work. It is open to the public, it must visibly meet statutory standards, and the people using it expect the Council's own premises to be run properly. The key requirements were:
- Fault reporting and minor repairs. Managing the fault-reporting process, responding to facilities issues and carrying out appropriate minor repairs where required.
- Maintenance coordination. Arranging repairs and servicing for equipment and making sure maintenance activity was completed promptly and effectively.
- Safety testing and compliance. Supporting routine safety testing and helping keep equipment and facilities processes aligned with relevant statutory requirements.
- Cleaning supervision. Overseeing cleaning staff and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the Civic Centre.
- Logistics and supplies. Coordinating deliveries and supporting the management of stationery and other essential workplace supplies.
- Facilities support. Practical assistance to the Facilities Management Officer, keeping the Civic Centre and surrounding areas safe, functional and well maintained.
- Customer and team communication. Working effectively with colleagues, contractors, visitors and other stakeholders in a public-facing environment.
Our Approach
Maxwell Stephens conducted a targeted search for candidates with relevant experience in facilities management support, building operations and public-facing environments. Our assessment focused on both practical capability and attitude. Candidates were evaluated on their:
- understanding of day-to-day facilities management
- ability to manage fault-reporting systems
- practical maintenance and minor-repair experience
- knowledge of health and safety procedures
- experience supervising cleaning or support services
- organisational and logistical skills
- communication and teamwork
- ability to work reliably within a public-sector setting
Following a detailed recruitment and interview process, Maxwell Stephens placed a highly capable Facilities Management Assistant with Runnymede Borough Council.
The Outcome
The successful candidate integrated quickly into the facilities team and provided valuable operational support across the Civic Centre:
- Improved fault management. The Facilities Management Assistant managed fault reporting and supported minor repairs, so building issues were identified and addressed promptly.
- Stronger maintenance coordination. Equipment servicing, repairs and safety testing were coordinated effectively, supporting the continued reliability of essential workplace systems.
- Better compliance. The candidate supported routine safety checks and helped keep facilities activity aligned with legislative and operational requirements.
- Improved cleaning standards. Effective supervision of cleaning staff maintained consistently high levels of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the Civic Centre.
- More efficient workplace logistics. Deliveries, stationery supplies and other practical facilities requirements were managed so that day-to-day operations ran smoothly.
- Stronger team support. Good communication and a collaborative approach enabled the Facilities Management Assistant to work effectively with the Facilities Management Officer, colleagues and wider stakeholders.
Why This Placement Worked
The placement gave Runnymede Borough Council a dependable facilities professional capable of supporting both the practical operation and the compliance requirements of a busy Civic Centre.
The appointment shows why Maxwell Stephens recruits facilities professionals at all levels, including the operational support roles that are essential to maintaining safe, efficient and well-run public-sector environments. Assessing attitude and reliability alongside hands-on skill mattered here: in a support role, the willingness to spot and deal with a problem before it is reported is worth as much as the ability to fix it.
If you are looking for a Facilities Management Assistant or Facilities Coordinator to strengthen your operational team, Maxwell Stephens can help you define the brief and find the right person. Get in touch with our team.