Background & Client Overview
SBHG, a leading housing association serving communities across West London, appointed Maxwell Stephens to strengthen its Facilities Management function through the recruitment of two important positions: a Workspace, EDI & Wellbeing Business Partner and a Facilities Coordinator.
With a strong commitment to providing high-quality homes and services while creating positive environments for employees and residents, SBHG required professionals who could contribute to both the strategic development and day-to-day performance of its workplace and Facilities operations.
The two appointments represented different but complementary requirements. The Workspace, EDI & Wellbeing Business Partner would focus on workplace experience, inclusion, employee wellbeing and organisational culture, while the Facilities Coordinator would provide the operational structure and support required to maintain efficient Facilities services.
The Challenge
SBHG needed to identify two professionals with distinctly different skill sets who could nevertheless work towards the same objective: creating well-managed, inclusive and supportive environments.
Technical Facilities Management capability was important, but cultural fit, communication skills and alignment with SBHG's values were equally significant.
Workspace, EDI & Wellbeing Business Partner
This appointment required a professional capable of bringing together workplace strategy with equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), employee wellbeing and organisational engagement.
Key requirements included:
Workplace Experience
Helping create working environments that supported employees, encouraged collaboration and reflected the organisation's evolving workplace requirements.
EDI Leadership
Supporting initiatives designed to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
Employee Wellbeing
Developing and promoting programmes focused on creating a healthier and more supportive workplace environment.
Culture & Engagement
Helping embed inclusive behaviours and ensuring workplace initiatives aligned with SBHG's wider organisational values.
Training & Awareness
Supporting targeted training and awareness programmes designed to improve understanding of EDI and wellbeing across the organisation.
Policy Development
Contributing to the development and enhancement of workplace, wellbeing and inclusion policies.
Stakeholder Engagement
Building effective relationships across the organisation and influencing colleagues at different levels to support positive organisational change.
Facilities Coordinator
Alongside the strategic Workplace and EDI appointment, SBHG required a Facilities Coordinator capable of strengthening day-to-day Facilities operations.
Key requirements included:
Facilities Coordination
Supporting the effective delivery of Facilities services and ensuring operational requirements were addressed promptly.
Process Improvement
Reviewing existing processes and identifying opportunities to make Facilities administration and service delivery more efficient.
Operational Support
Providing reliable day-to-day coordination to ensure Facilities issues were managed effectively.
Supplier & Service Coordination
Working with contractors and service providers to maintain appropriate service standards.
Technology & Systems
Using technology and Facilities systems to improve coordination, visibility and efficiency.
Customer-Focused Service
Providing a responsive service to colleagues and supporting the wider quality of SBHG's operational environment.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with SBHG to understand not only the technical responsibilities of each position, but also the organisation's culture, values and longer-term objectives.
Because the appointments required different professional profiles, we developed targeted search strategies for each role.
For the Workspace, EDI & Wellbeing Business Partner position, our focus was on professionals who could combine workplace knowledge with a genuine understanding of inclusion, organisational culture and employee wellbeing.
For the Facilities Coordinator position, we concentrated on candidates with strong organisational skills, practical Facilities experience and the ability to improve processes within a busy operational environment.
Across both searches, candidates were assessed on:
- relevant Facilities and workplace experience
- communication and stakeholder-management skills
- organisational capability
- problem-solving ability
- cultural alignment with SBHG
- commitment to service improvement
- ability to work collaboratively
- proactive approach to change
Through our specialist network and detailed assessment process, Maxwell Stephens identified two candidates whose experience, working styles and values closely matched SBHG's requirements.
Outcome & Impact
The successful recruitment of both professionals strengthened SBHG's Facilities and workplace capability at strategic and operational levels.
Stronger Workplace & Wellbeing Focus
The Workspace, EDI & Wellbeing Business Partner provided dedicated leadership around employee experience, inclusion and wellbeing, helping bring these priorities more closely into SBHG's workplace strategy.
Enhanced EDI Initiatives
The appointment supported the development of training programmes, awareness initiatives and policy improvements designed to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
Greater Employee Engagement
A more structured approach to workplace experience and wellbeing helped create a supportive environment in which employees could feel more engaged and included.
Improved Facilities Coordination
The Facilities Coordinator strengthened day-to-day service delivery by introducing a more organised and proactive approach to Facilities requirements.
More Efficient Processes
A focus on streamlining procedures and making better use of technology supported more efficient Facilities administration and service coordination.
Improved Operational Responsiveness
Dedicated Facilities support helped ensure issues were identified and addressed promptly, strengthening the reliability of everyday operations.
Complementary Strategic & Operational Capability
Importantly, the two appointments addressed both sides of SBHG's requirement: strategic workplace and cultural development alongside dependable operational Facilities delivery.
Outcome
The successful recruitment of a Workspace, EDI & Wellbeing Business Partner and Facilities Coordinator provided SBHG with complementary expertise across workplace strategy, inclusion, wellbeing and Facilities operations.
By understanding the distinct requirements of each role while maintaining a clear focus on SBHG's organisational culture, Maxwell Stephens was able to identify professionals capable of contributing at both strategic and operational levels.
The assignment demonstrates our ability to recruit for evolving Facilities and Workplace functions, where traditional FM expertise increasingly intersects with employee experience, organisational culture, wellbeing and inclusion.
Looking to strengthen your Workplace or Facilities team with professionals who combine operational expertise with a strong understanding of people and culture? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.