Welcome to the IHEEM (Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management) West Midlands Branch — a supportive, energetic network for healthcare estates and engineering professionals from across the West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire.
Over the past year, the Branch has been characterised by strong collaboration, renewed engagement and real momentum. We have welcomed new affiliate and individual members, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and access to wider skills and networks — strengthening the capability of the Branch and the value we offer to members.
Our focus is simple: help members stay ahead in a fast-changing environment. We do this by creating opportunities for high-quality CPD (Continuing Professional Development), practical knowledge-sharing and supportive peer connections.
Recent branch activity has included sessions with external speakers on issues that matter to the profession — such as building safety, compliance, business continuity, asset data analysis, modular buildings, decant, personal liability and government insight sessions — complemented by informal networking that helps members build trusted relationships across organisations and disciplines.
The Branch is also strengthening how we connect with members. Our West Midlands WhatsApp group continues to grow as a useful communication channel, and increased use of LinkedIn has already improved engagement and awareness.
We are now focused on broadening our digital reach further and enhancing the West Midlands webpage, supported by the committee and wider membership.
Looking ahead, we are building on this progress by deepening partnerships that increase learning opportunities and influence. This includes stronger links with NextGen to support the future workforce, re-established collaboration with HEFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association) West Midlands, and growing relationship-building with CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) West Midlands to help raise the profile of estates and engineering at executive level.
Get involved: participate, bring a colleague, and share learning across the region. Please do not hesitate to contact Steve or Andrew — we’d welcome your ideas and involvement in shaping the Branch offer.
Council Representative
Claire Hennessy
Chair
Steve Lawley
Email: chair.wm@iheem.com
Deputy Chair
Andy Rodgers
Secretary
Thomas Butler
Email: secretary.wm@iheem.com