Please meet the executive members
If you have any queries, please get in touch with any of the exec members who will be happy to help.
Alison Harkness, University of Sunderland- Chair
alison.harkness@sunderland.ac.uk
I work at the University of Sunderland as a Facilities Support Manager looking after both Teaching and Accommodation areas and have been in my current role for nearly 9 years. I have over 33 years’ experience in the world of cleaning and portering services and love what I do! I have a passion for people management and ensure my Teams are involved, heard, supported and have the skills and equipment to provide excellent customer service. I enjoy problem solving and I love to work with others to come up with innovative ideas that can have a positive impact on the workplace. I also manage the Waste, Window Cleaning, Cleaning Consumables and Washroom Services contracts at the University.
Lisa Blundell, Durham University- Vice Chair
I’ve been part of the Estates and Facilities Directorate at Durham University for over 10 years, currently in the role of Senior Housekeeping, Cleaning, and General Services Manager, overseeing soft facilities services across the non-residential estate. With more than 20 years of leadership experience, I started my career in hospitality before transitioning into Higher Education. In my current role, I manage a fantastic team of 250+ people across three areas: Housekeeping and Cleaning, General Services, and Postal and Delivery Services, covering over 60 locations. I’m passionate about people management, building high-performing teams, and supporting individual growth. I’m proficient at developing and implementing effective policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and service delivery. A personal goal of mine is to foster engagement, inclusion, and visibility for all team members.
Emily Taylor, University of Manchester
Deputy Head of Facilities within the Residential setting of UOM. Overseeing 8500 student bedrooms. Working closely with procurement and NWUPC for contracts and mini tenders. Managing the FM department and overseeing the operational running as well as refurbishment projects. More recently working with a Joint Venture to design and build a new campus development of 3300 bedrooms. Using my knowledge gained from my Hospitality degree and experience working in hotels in the UK and America, holiday parks and cruise ships. I’ve been a member of BACHE for over 13 years.
Alice Omisanya
I am a workplace, facilities, and operational management professional with experience spanning both the private and public sectors. In my current role, I oversee the Cleaning, Front of House (reception, post room, portering, and AV Services), and FM teams, as well as essential FM contracts across the campus, aiming to deliver and improve our stakeholder experience. I am dedicated to fostering service excellence that inspires confidence and trust among our stakeholders.
I joined the BACHE FM Executive Team in 2020, serving as a representative for our members. My role involves representing industry professionals and developing tools to support their efforts to deliver excellent cleaning and FM services. This involvement allows me to stay connected with industry best practices and knowledge sharing, and to help advance our standards.
Chris Fry, Machester Metropolitan University
Facilities Manager at Manchester Metropolitan University with over 15 years of experience in managing multi-tenanted environments, including offices, higher education facilities and student accommodation. Chris specialises in implementing and enhancing operational efficiencies, with a strong focus on delivering effective, adaptable facilities solutions
Ed Moulding, University of Gloucestershire
I have been working at the University of Gloucestershire for eights years as a Facilities Manager. I cover Grounds Maintenance, Facilities Operatives, Receptions, Waste Management and Logistics for office and school moves. Recently I have had added to my portfolio Cleaning and Security.
Sarah Wood
As Head of Facility Management at the University of Birmingham, I oversee Cleaning, Waste, Soft FM, Post, and Portering Services. I lead an award-winning team of 300 staff and manage contracts with a combined value exceeding £6 million.
I have been part of the University since 2017, following a career in operational management within Local Authorities. In 2018, I joined the BACHE FM Executive Team as a Midlands Representative, supporting Adrian in advancing the sector.
I am passionate about showcasing the vital work carried out by my team at the University of Birmingham and bring this same commitment to BACHE FM, championing the contributions of cleaning and facility management teams across the higher education sector.
