reading real estate foundation pathways to property 2013–2014
TRANSCRIPT
Reading Real Estate Foundation
Pathways to Property 2013–2014 Supported by British Land and The Sutton Trust
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Pathways to Property Project Report
Executive summaryPathways to Property was established in 2012 with the aim to widen access to the real estate profession by raising awareness of real estate as a subject of study amongst academically able pupils from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds. Led by Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) with support from British Land, The Sutton Trust and a number of key real estate firms, the project is targeted at lower and upper sixth form students (16-17 year olds) to raise aspirations about a career in real estate through a series of initiatives both in and out of the classroom.
Support from 23 real estate and other firms has so far provided funding to allow the programme to reach out to over 2,000 students, teachers, parents and careers advisers to introduce them to the idea of a career in property. Of those, 135 students have been able to attend Summer Schools where academic activities, site visits and talks from industry experts have sparked their interest in a career in property. Fifty two of these students have taken up one
week work placements within real estate firms and nearly 25% of students from the first Summer School are now studying a property related degree at university.
In its third year the initiative is expanding its activities to reach out to a larger audience of teachers, careers advisors and sixth-form students, focusing on regional hubs across the UK , through increased communications, school visits, National Careers Shows and bespoke teacher events. This will allow the project to attract the 100 brightest students from targeted areas (low progression to university, areas of high deprivation and across a broad spectrum of social, ethnic and gender diversity) to the 2015 Summer School and on to study property at University.
Pathways to Property is also working in collaboration with a number of other initiatives including Changing the Face of Property, Property Week’s Open Plan, RICS Surveying the Future and RTPI Future Planners programme to ensure the diversity issue is top of the industry’s agenda.
2013In 2013 40 students participated in the first Summer School
completed a work experience place-ment in a real estate firm
of attendees applied and were offered a place to study Real Estate & Planning at the University of Reading
of those…
50%
30%
have accepted and enrolled at the University of Reading for 2014/15
have accepted and enrolled onto re-lated programmes at other universities in the UK for 2014/15
25%
40%
2014In 2014 95 students participated in the annual Summer School.
had no prior exposure to the industry
had no family history of attending university
86%
77%
were female
indicated they would be interested in pursuing a career in property
44%
70%
99% of students described the Summer School as having met or exceeded their expectations
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Project background It is acknowledged that the real estate industry has long suffered from a lack of diversity and this has been reflected in the applications to study real estate at university. There is a lack of awareness and understanding of the profession and the potential career prospects in all but a minority of schools and able students from less advantaged and non-traditional families are not being exposed to these opportunities.Since the project was launched in November 2012 , RREF, with the support of the Project Board, has been able to secure over £800,000 to support the delivery of the initiative over five years. Pathways to Property and its supporters, including British Land and The Sutton Trust, continues to lead the debate on diversity in the real estate sector.
Our aim is to make a meaningful change to the make-up of the cohort of students at the University of Reading and the property industry. However this is a long term project which aims for a steady and sustainable growth of students on the programme each year to ensure the brightest and most needful students are being encouraged to enter the property industry.
Project aims:1 To increase the diversity of applications to the
University of Reading Real Estate & Planning degrees by promoting the attractions of a career in the property industry to students from State schools, focusing on an annual Summer School. Priority at the Summer School will be given to academically gifted pupils from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds.
2 To encourage interest in a Property career amongst talented students from all backgrounds by increasing the effectiveness of communications between the industry and students.
‘I have long been aware how lucky I was to find an exciting career in Property when noone in my home or school knew anything about it. As a RREF Trustee and Chair of the Project Board I am delighted that we are now in a position to change this and I am determined to spread the word in state schools.’
Alan Froggatt, Principal, Touchstone Advisers: Chair, Pathways to Property Board and RREF Trustee
‘Pathways to Property is an important part of the Sutton Trust’s mission to widen access to the most competitive and sought-after careers. It is supporting dozens of state school students each year to recognise the possibilities of a career in real estate - and is helping the property sector to access the brightest and best young people, regardless of background.’ James Turner, Director of Programmes, The Sutton Trust
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Pathways to Property Project Report
Thank youPrincipal donors British Land and The Sutton Trust, along with 23 other real estate firms have provided funding, volunteers, guidance, expertise, contacts and support for Pathways to Property, without which we would not have been able to achieve our goals in these first two years.
Thankyoutothefollowingfirmsfortheirfinancialsupport
Gold Level
British Land (since 2012)
The Sutton Trust (since 2012)
Silver Level
UPP Group (since 2014)
Bronze Level
Allsop (since 2014)
Aubrey Orchard-Lisle Charitable Trust (since 2014)
BNP Paribas Real Estate (since 2012)
Carter Jonas (since 2014)
Colliers International (since 2013)
The Crown Estate (since 2012)
Cushman&Wakefield(since2012)
CBRE (since 2012)
DTZ (since 2012)
The Ellis Campbell Group (since 2014)
Gerald Eve (since 2012)
Gooch Cunliffe Whale (since 2014)
Hammerson (since 2014)
JLL (since 2012)
Knight Frank (since 2012)
Lambert Smith Hampton (2012–13)
Oxford Properties (since 2014)
Redevco (since 2013)
Savills (since 2012)
SEGRO (since 2014)
Strutt & Parker (since 2012)
Vail Williams (since 2014)
About British Land: British Land is one of Europe’s largest publicly listed real estate companies. We own, manage, develop and finance a portfolio of high quality commercial property, focused on retail locations around the UK and London Offices & Residential. We have total assets in the UK, owned or managed of £17.6 billion (British Land share of which is £11.9 billion), as valued at 31 March 2014. Our properties are home to over 1,000 different organisations and receive over 300 million visits each year. Our objective is to deliver long-term and sustainable total returns to our shareholders and we do this by focusing on Places People Prefer. People have a choice where they work, shop and live and we aim to create outstanding places which make a positive difference to people’s everyday lives. Our customer orientation enables us to develop a deep understanding of the people who use our places. We employ a lean team of experts, who have the skills to translate this understanding into creating the right places, and we have an efficient capital structure which is able to effectively finance these places. Further details can be found at: www.britishland.com
About The Sutton Trust: The Sutton Trust was founded in 1997 by Sir Peter Lampl with the aim of promoting social mobility through education. It has funded a wide range of access projects in early years, school and university settings, with a focus on research, policy and innovative practical projects with a system-wide relevance. The Trust exists to combat educational inequality and prevent the subsequent waste of talent. It is particularly concerned with breaking the link between educational opportunities and family background, and in realising a system in which young people are given the chance to prosper, regardless of their family background, the school they happen to attend or the area in which they live. Since 1998 the Trust and its partners have committed £40 million to educational access projects and research. Further details can be found at: www.suttontrust.com
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Over70volunteersfromindustry,bothinbusiness and HR, have given their time to :
• Inspire students during school talks and at careers fairs
• Visit the 2014 Summer School
• Engage with students and teachers at the Teacher Engagement Event
• Write articles and publications
• Promote the project within their networks
• Encourage and co-ordinate other volunteers to participate.
Supportgivenduringthe2014SummerSchool
• UPP Group: student accommodation
• Oxford Properties, Hammerson and The Crown Estate: site visits to Green Park, The Oracle and Windsor Great Park
• British Land,CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Knight Frank, Prudential and Strutt & Parker: allowing staff to volunteer their time and help students with their group work and presentations.
The
Crow
n Es
tate
SEGRO
LSH
Companies that provided work experience placements for students
Colliers International
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Pathways to Property Project Report
The Pathways to Property Project BoardThe Board provides vital strategic guidance and support to the Pathways team and includes alumni, academics from the School of Real Estate & Planning, representatives from the two principal donors and other key individuals from industry and education.
Industry Board Members
Alan Froggatt Principal, Touchstone Advisors and RREF Trustee (Chair)
Paddy Allen Director – Europe, Coral Portfolio
David Backinsell Trustee, The Sutton Trust
Jane Hollinshead Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
Bryan Laxton Partner, Cushman & Wakefield and RREF Trustee
Nick Shepherd Consultant, Deloitte Real Estate
Max Shand Development Director, Exemplar
James Taylor Project Director, British Land
Academic and RREF Board Members
Joe Doak Associate Professor of Urban Planning & Development and Admissions Tutor (BSc Real Estate), Henley Business School
Nicole Gillham Director of Development & Alumni Relations, Henley Business School and Executive Director, RREF
Cathy Hughes Associate Professor, Real Estate & Planning, Henley Business School
Olivia Igbinidu Project Assistant, Pathways to Property, RREF (Secretary)
Rachel Lad Project Manager, Pathways to Property, RREF
Pete Wyatt Director of Undergraduate Programmes and Professor of Real Estate Appraisal, Henley Business School
Reading Real Estate FoundationSupporting education, forging links, building futuresRREF is a unique and forward-thinking educational charity, established to support real estate and planning education at the University of Reading. As well as supporting Pathways to Property RREF engages and nurtures students to help them achieve their full potential and become the best in the industry through financial assistance in the form of bursaries, grants and scholarships and links to industry through Access Internships, a Mentoring Programme and an Evening Lecture Series. RREF is also the alumni network for graduates offering industry-focused CPD, networking and reunion events to encourage alumni to establish new connections and stay in touch.
RREF successes in 2014• Awarded £118,000 to provide support to 29
undergraduate, Masters and PhD students through bursaries, scholarships and research funding
• The Access Internship scheme secured placements for 20 students at 17 firms
• The mentoring programme has helped over 1200 students since it was established and in 2014 allowed 350 undergraduate and Masters students the opportunity to have a one-to-one connection with a real estate professional
Further details can be found at: www.henley.ac.uk/rref
‘I have been a long term admirer and keen supporter of RREF but jumped at the opportunity to become a RREF Trustee. Many in our industry appreciate the benefits the charity brings in terms of its alumni and networking activities but for me of even greater importance are the student led initiatives such as broadening student diversity through the Pathways to Property project, mentoring and internships.’ David Atkins, CEO, Hammerson and RREF Trustee Pathways Supporter
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2013: Project achievements and impact
Developed and delivered a programme of activities to target students
Established relationships with schools and colleges
Established a Student Ambassador programme
Engaged with RREF alumni and industry professionals
DeliveredthefirstSummerSchool
Work placements
Work placements allowed the students to test what they had learnt during the Summer School and further develop their understanding of the various careers in property available to them as well as develop their confidence in a corporate environment.
‘I had an absolutely fantastic week! I carried out research, completed a Desktop Planning Appraisal and went to the East Hampshire Local Plan Housing Hearing which was very interesting. This has definitely confirmed my interest in this career and I have some great contacts for the future. The experience of finding out what travelling to and working in a city centre is like was also very valuable. Thank you for all your support in organising it’
Daniel Hughes, 2013 Summer School participant who spent one week at Savills
2013 Summer School follow up
Courses that students at other universities are studying:
• Urban Planning and Property Development at Heriot Watt University Edinburgh
• Real Estate Management at Birmingham City University
• Architecture and Urban Planning at Newcastle University
• Architectural engineering at the University of Leeds
• Urban planning Design and Management at University College London
of attendees applied and were offered a place to study Real Estate & Planning at the University of Reading
of those…
30%
are now studying Real Estate & Planning or related courses at the University of Reading in 2014/15
are now studying real estate related courses at other Universities in the UK in 2014/15
25%
40%
Pathways to Property Project Report
2014: Project achievements and impactThe project’s key objectives for 2013–14 included:
1 Deliver an expanded programme of activities for student engagement
In 2014 the initiative launched a number of supporting activities to raise awareness of the real estate industry to a wider range of academically able pupils from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds. Building on the outreach activities in 2013, the project engaged with over 1,700 students and 400 teachers and careers advisers in schools and colleges throughout England and Wales. Alumni volunteers and Student Ambassadors were able to visit 50 schools and colleges in London and the South East to present at assemblies, careers sessions or subject specific lessons to talk about careers in real estate and opportunities at the University of Reading.
2 Increase the number of relationships with state schools and colleges
A Teacher Engagement Event was held at The Shard in March 2014 where more than 60 teachers from schools in London met with industry professionals and academics from the University of Reading to learn about where a career in property can take their students. Teachers who attended were impressed with the support around encouraging students into the profession and many booked school talks from the project as a result. The event helped to secure additional applications to the Summer School programme and of the schools that were represented 15 institutions submitted 58 applications which resulted in 30 students attending the 2014 Summer School
‘The reception at the Shard was an excellent opportunity for schools and colleges to find out more about the summer school, not only from RREF but also from each other. Five London Academy of Excellence students took part last summer, and I shared with colleagues at the event how beneficial the experience had been for them. They developed new skills through the range of stimulating and fun activities, and their knowledge about this area of academic study and further employment increased hugely. A seed of a career path has definitely been sown in each of them’
Robert Milne, Headmaster (2012–2014), London Academy of Excellence
Pathways to Property exhibited at a number of national careers events in 2013–14 to widen promotion of the initiative which included Skills London and Skills South West and the National Careers Shows in London, Leeds, & Leicester. The project was able to reach out to both teachers and careers advisers as well as students to advertise the free programme of events for students, including the Summer School as well as offer talks in their schools. Rachel Lad, Project Manager was also able to speak during property career seminars to promote the initiative and the wider aims of the project.
3 Continue to engage with RREF alumni, industry professionals, Real Estate & Planning students and media
Through the Pathways to Property Champion programme and RREF alumni events over 70 volunteers were able to offer their time to help present talks in schools, attend teacher engagement events and national career fairs and at
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the Summer School as well as promote the project within their professional networks. Without these volunteers we would not have had the impact when talking to students and teachers which encouraged so many to apply for the 2014 Summer School. We have continued to receive strong and positive support from the industry and hope to continue this trend in years to come.
‘I wanted to be part of the Pathway to Properties initiative because it seeks to raise the profile of a career in Real Estate to those who are unaware that such an opportunity exists. Until a few years ago I was one of these individuals. The project provides school leavers not only with an introduction to Real Estate, but also offers them an opportunity to experience the industry through the summer school internship. I thoroughly enjoyed assisting at the summer school – engaging with students, exchanging ideas, and providing them with an insight to this exciting industry’
Christopher King, Senior Surveyor, Knight Frank
We recruited a further 19 Real Estate & Planning students to work as Pathways to Property Student Ambassadors who joined our existing team continuing from 2013. These Ambassadors worked with us attending school visits and throughout the Summer School to talk to students and promote studying real estate and planning and coming to the University of Reading.
A Summer School video was developed for schools which was used to promote the 2014 programme and includes interviews with students who attended and can be seen at http://vimeo.com/77980814.
4 Develop new funding opportunities RREF already have a strong Bursary and Scholarship programme for students studying Real Estate and Planning at the University of Reading. The project wanted to ensure that students attending the Summer School who wanted
to study at Reading had no financial barriers and so a Pathways Bursary fund has been established.
Every student who attends the Summer school and subsequently applies and is confirmed a place on the Real Estate and Planning course at the University of Reading will receive a Welcome Bursary of £1,000 in their first term. They then have the opportunity to apply for either a Bursary (which recognises financial need) or a Scholarship (which recognises financial need alongside academic excellence) which normally range from £1,000 to £5,000 a year (although requests for other amounts will be considered) to aid payment for accommodation, books and living expenses.
‘I find it very difficult to find the appropriate words to express my gratitude at receiving such a generous award. I participated in the Summer School in 2013 and ever since I have been very impressed by the work of the foundation and its various initiatives to encourage students like me to consider studying Real Estate. Whilst this award is very significant in helping to finance my university education; this also provides me with very positive encouragement to study to the best of my ability and to take full advantage of this opportunity.’
Bsc Real Estate and Planning student, University of Reading
‘We all have a responsibility for protecting the future of our industry by fostering new talent, and expanding the diversity of the property industry adds an extra dimension to ensuring we can attract the best and the brightest. It will be to all of our benefit that our industry takes steps towards addressing this issue and to that end, we are proud to support and be involved with the Pathways to Property campaign.’
Paul Brundage, Executive Vice President, Oxford Properties Europe, Corporate Supporter
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Pathways to Property Project Report
5 Deliver the second Summer School The second Summer School was held on 20-23 July at Whiteknights Campus, Reading and welcomed 95 students from state schools and colleges from all over England and Wales including Cambridge, Cornwall, Yorkshire and Nottingham. 86% had no prior exposure to the industry and 77% had no family history of attending university. Of the attendees 44% of the students were female and 72% were from non-white British backgrounds. Before attending the Summer School the majority of students answered “how well informed do you feel about a career in property as 3-6 out of 10, however after the Summer School the majority of students answered the same question 6-9 out of 10.
‘I had the privilege of spending the day at the Pathways to Property Summer School. Several things really stood out: first, the quality, diversity and sheer enthusiasm of the 95 students was truly inspiring. My second reflection was on the support for P2P from our industry. And finally, the other striking thing for me was the quality of teaching and logistical support provided by academics and staff from the Henley Business School, University of Reading and the RREF team and student ambassadors. I left feeling very proud, of our industry and this country and notably young people and education, who often get a much harder time than they deserve.’
Chris Grigg, Chief Executive, British Land
Over 40 volunteers from 19 real estate firms visited the Summer School including recent graduates, HR directors, CEOs and other senior managers to help deliver a range of activities and speak to the students about their experience in the profession. Over the four days students participated in academic lectures, site visits to The Oracle, Green Park and Windsor
Great Park and had sessions on university life including information on funding and accommodation. They also worked in groups with their Student Ambassadors on a project to develop a brownfield site which they presented on the final day to guests from the real estate firms supporting the initiative. The panel chaired an impassioned student’s debate around whether the development should go ahead from the perspective of various stakeholders, which each student group was assigned. This was followed by lunch where the students heard from Alan Froggatt, the Project Chairman, and Chris Grigg, Chief Executive, British Land who also awarded certificates of participation and prizes for the best presentations.
Work placementsIn October 2014, 17 real estate firms were able to offer 32 students from the Summer School one week work placements to allow them to gain first hand experience of working in the property sector and encourage them to apply to real estate and planning courses at University.
Rodney Kayitare spent a week at British Land and said ‘My highlight at the work experience placement was being able to sit in meetings with representatives at British Land and see how passionate they were about what they do. I was able to get a sense of drive and determination to succeed in my career path too. They have inspired me to love what I do, encouraged me to never settle for just comfortable and always challenge myself.’
Zach Jones in Birmingham spent a week with Colliers International and commented, ‘I would like to thank you for giving me such an amazing opportunity, as it has shown me the multitude of exciting career paths available within the property sector. This has given me the determination to continue studying hard at A-levels and beyond, in order to achieve my goal of becoming a charted surveyor, and working in a globally respected and recognised company.’
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Press coverage
Early insights into property profession
By Ellen Gylen | 26-04-2014 | 07:00 | Print
This month the government published new statutory guidance for schools
highlighting their duty to secure inspirational careers advice and mentoring for
pupils, the idea being that schools should focus on getting enthusiastic and
knowledgeable employers into schools and colleges.
Pathways to Property
Colliers International supports Pathways to Property, a charity that seeks to
promote greater diversity in real estate by working with academically able but
disadvantaged children to raise aspirations, and awareness about career
prospects and opportunities in property.
Alyson Serby, HR director, says: “Raising awareness of career opportunities at a
younger age can help school-age children make better informed decisions and
choices about A Levels and university courses. Work experience is also
increasingly important in getting a foothold on the property career ladder, so
educating schoolchildren about the types of career opportunities available in real
estate means that those with a keen interest can start to build relevant learning
and work experiences from an earlier age that will stand them in good stead
when they come to apply for jobs.”
Colliers employees volunteer to visit schools to share their passion for working in
property and raise awareness about career prospects and opportunities in the
industry.
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www.estate
sgazette.com
the week
practice & Law
eG Life
the market
2 August 2014
British Land’s Chris Grigg and Oxford
Properties’ Paul Brundage were among
40 industry figures endorsing diversity in
the industry at Reading University.
They attended the Pathways to Property
summer school, run by the Reading Real
Estate Foundation, in which 96 year-12
state school students sampled the life of a
residential property student over four
days from 20 July.
This was the second year of the project,
which is backed by British Land, a growing
contingent of agents and propcos and the
Sutton Trust. The event follows a series of
school visits to encourage students from
non-traditional backgrounds to pursue
real estate studies.
Summer school participants engaged in
talks, activities and site visits and an
impassioned debate about the merits of a
brownfield development from the
perspective of various stakeholders,
Students find Pathways to Property
which was judged by industry volunteers.
Grigg said: “The quality, diversity and
sheer enthusiasm of students was truly
inspiring, as was the support from our
industry and the quality of teaching and
logistical support provided by Henley
Business School, the University of
Reading and the RREF team and student
ambassadors.”
The students now have the opportunity
to apply for a week of paid work
experience in the industry. If they take up
studies at the university, they will be given
additional support.
Of the 40 students in last year’s
programme, 30% have received offers to
take real estate and planning courses.
If your company would like to be
involved in Pathways to Property, contact
Nicole Gillham, executive director of the
Reading Real Estate Foundation, at
OctOBer
Uk infrastructure
conference and expo
where: Queen Elizabeth
II Conference Centre, London
when: 6-7 October
what: A platform for
infrastructure stakeholders
and government departments
to discuss the key challenges
in integrated and sustainable
development across the UK.
www.theukice.com
mipim Uk
when: 15-17 October
where: London Olympia
what: The UK’s first
industry-wide property show,
aimed at dealmakers,
occupiers and local authorities.
www.mipimuk.co.uk
Land aid Day
when: 23 October
where: Nationwide
what: Take part in all
manner of activities to raise
£150,000 for the property
industry charity.
www.landaid.org
Shop agents Society Quiz
Night
when: 8 October
where: Jamie’s Italian,
17-19 Denman Street, London
what: Getting quizzical. Entry
costs £120 for a team of five.
www.shopagentssociety.com.
DecemBer
estates Gazette awards
when: 11 December
where: Hilton Park Lane,
London
what: Nothing celebrates
success like an EG Award.
The 10th annual EG Awards
brings together the most
influential decision-makers
in real estate. Be there.
Tables of 10 cost £2,800.
www.egawardsevent.co.uk
EGA_020814_058-059 events.indd 59
29/07/2014 14:11
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Pathways to Property Project Report
Summer School 2014There was very positive feedback from the students who attended the Summer School.
‘The student ambassadors were approachable, supportive and happy to help. The programme was well planned very enjoyable.’
Mark Hanham, 2014 Summer School attendee, Kent
‘From the word go we were engaged with the world of property, hearing from the experts, teachers and graduates. We then saw property in action through visits to places such as Green Park, the Oracle and even the Queen’s back garden! Seeing first-hand how diverse the world of property was made the industry all the more appealing, the various challenges presented such as issues of supply and demand of housing and thousand year contracts on islands added to the industry’s appeal. I’m grateful for the experience as a whole; it was a blast and really did open up the property industry as an option for me. Now when people ask me what profession I’m pursuing, I make sure I mention property.’
Esther Olusanya, 2014 Summer School attendee, London
‘The course content was really interesting and the trips helped me to see how the property and real estate business works in the real world. I would thoroughly recommend this course to others thinking of pursuing a career in real estate. Most importantly it has given me an insight into what steps I intend to take in my future university and career choices.’
Lauren Harrison, 2014 Summer School attendee, Dorset
‘The experience at this summer school has given me a real insight into the course and I feel very educated about it. The site visits were a great way to interact with members of staff and students. The social was also amazing; bowling, quiz night and team games, a truly great experience. I would definitely recommend the Pathways to Property Summer School.’
Anoosh Baig, 2014 Summer School attendee, Slough
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Pathways to Property Project Report
AwardsIn March 2014 RREF received a University of Reading Collaborative Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning 2013-2014 for their work on the Pathways to Property initiative.The award was open to departments within the University of Reading and required entrants to clearly demonstrate how their initiative had effectively supported student learning using a real team approach to teaching and learning enhancement. The panel felt that the Pathways to Property submission was a very strong project with a clear set of objectives. It demonstrated an innovative approach to identifying and targeting candidates and delivered significant positive impact to students. The collaboration between the School of Real Estate and Planning and the Henley Business School Alumni Relations and Development team was also commended.
Pathways to Property was also short-listed for the Times Higher Education Leadership & Management Awards 2014 for Outstanding Fundraising Initiative of the Year and has recently also been short-listed for the Times Higher Education Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year. Both shortlistings reflect the success which has been achieved over the past 18 months by both RREF and its supporters.
‘Congratulations to all those involved in making the Pathways to Property initiative such a success and thank you to all our donors, volunteers, academics, staff and students who have helped to secure this award.’Professor Tony Downes, Provost and CEO, University of Reading Malaysia and Chair of the RREF Board of Trustees (2009–2014)
October 2014
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CollaborationPathways to Property is working with a number of diversity programmes within the property industry including Changing the Face of Property (CTFOP), RICS ‘Surveying the Future’, RTPI ‘Future Planners’ and Property Week’s ‘Open Plan’ campaign.The project is working where appropriate to ensure a joined up approach, to avoid duplication and to ensure consistent information is being sent to schools and colleges about careers in real estate. This included attending the Total Professions Conference and Skills London in November as one under the brand ‘Property Needs You’ as well as contributing articles to Property Week’s Open Plan Series.RREF have also worked with a number of other organisations helping to promote the project, including:
• Access Professions
• Brilliant Club
• Career Development Institute (CDI)
• Construction Youth Trust
• Into University
• Land Aid
• Society of Property Researchers
• Student Recruitment and Outreach – University of Reading
• Total Profession
The project is working with Estates Gazette and has produced the second edition of Property Futures, an information booklet on the property industry for students, parents and teachers.
Pathways to Property attended British Land’s Community Day on 9 July, helping volunteers to deliver an engaging event for students from Into University centres across North London. Into University attendees had the opportunity to tour The Leaden Hall Building, London’s newest sky scraper before taking part in a competition to design the next iconic landmark.
‘Changing the Face of Property (CTFOP) is delighted to be working in collaboration with Pathways to Property to raise awareness of the property industry amongst a population that has little or no connection with the profession.
We recognise that we are in this for the long term, but believe that together we will achieve our main objectives to increase diversity and engage with a wider audience to bring a new and different potential into the industry.’Pam Duke, Diversity Programme Manager, JLL on behalf of CTFOP
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Pathways to Property Project Report
2015: Project objectivesAs the project enters its third year we are increasingly thinking of the long term goals and sustainability of the project as well as each year’s objectives. Our goals for this year include working with other diversity initiatives to ensure the issue is at the top of the industry’s agenda, to encourage more firms and individuals to support the project and to promote the Summer School and opportunities to more students and teachers, focusing on regional areas within England and Wales.
1 Build better partnerships with external partners
We will continue to work with existing partnerships and strengthen relationships with other diversity initiatives to work in collaboration where appropriate with Changing the Face of Property, Surveying the Future and Property Week’s Open Plan to name a few.
We will also identify and develop further opportunities for collaboration with other third sector organisations that are engaging with targeted students.
This will help build relationships with targeted schools (teachers, parents and students) and encourage engagement in the initiative. It will also avoid duplication and ensure consistent information is being sent to schools and colleges about careers in real estate while ensuring we are working within the recommendations of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) and Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recommendations.
2 Increaseourprofileinthereal estate industry
We need to ensure the profile of the project within the industry and beyond is growing in order to maintain awareness of diversity issues affecting the Real Estate sector in the UK, demonstrate the progress being made by the project and continue to encourage existing and new supporters.
The project will continue to work with Project Board members, supporters, volunteers and the media to
publicise the project using a communication and PR strategy which is currently being developed.
We would encourage anyone involved with the project to publicise it within their networks and use any media and PR opportunity to mention or write about the positive progress being made.
‘CBRE is very proud of its long standing relationship with RREF. We are passionate about increasing the diversity of people coming into the property industry and the work experience placements and summer school that the project provides are very important in helping the industry achieve that aim. I attended the student presentations at the end of the Summer School and the passion and energy of the students, none of whom would historically have come into a career in property, was great to see and very inspiring.’
Chris Dunford, Human Resources Director UK, CBRE
October 2014
17
3 Develop our work with schools outside of the South East
The project has seen great success in London and the South East with over half the 2014 Summer School students coming from schools across London. This year we want to encourage students from a wider geographical area to engage with the initiative by broadening our volunteer base to offer more school talks across the country and an increased number of school talks.
We are aiming to hold further teacher Engagement events in 2-3 locations and we will continue to work with The Sutton Trust and the University of Reading Student Recruitment and Outreach to build links with targeted schools in 2-3 urban locations across the UK.
4 Deliver an inspiring outreach programme
By continually improving our outreach programme we will encourage more students from non-traditional backgrounds to engage with real estate professionals to explore study and career options in real estate.
We will continue to work with volunteers, academics and schools to identify further suitable activities to engage young people in discussions about careers in property and review our existing outreach materials and feedback from students and teachers in order to provide the most up to date and relevant programme to encourage teachers to promote and students to consider, a career in property.
The 2015 Summer School will again offer 100 students the chance to participate in the four day programme and we hope to further increase the number of applications from targeted students.
5 Strengthen volunter engagementsWe would not have been able to run the project and reach out to the students, teachers, careers advisers and parents we have over the last year without the incredible network of volunteers from industry. In order to keep growing the project and reaching out to more people we will need to grow this network and encourage more engagement from industry.
We want to ensure we have more volunteers from similar backgrounds to that which the initiative is targeting so that the students feel comfortable to reach out and talk to them. We also want to ensure volunteers have a positive experience when engaging with the initiative and we can do that by providing core support and relevant materials
and listening to their feedback to improve the programme and ensuring constant two way communication.
Using these methods we hope to deliver an engaging, compelling, and inclusive alumni volunteer programme and provide more opportunities for alumni to connect with the initiative.
‘UPP are delighted to support Pathways to Property. Higher education remains a key driver of social mobility and this initiative at the University of Reading to widen access to the property profession demonstratively changes lives. We feel that businesses have a critical role to play in providing opportunities for young people to learn new skills and our long term partnership with the university provides a perfect opportunity to pursue these goals.’
Sean O’Shea, Group CEO, UPP Group (University Partnerships Programme)
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Pathways to Property Project Report
What more can you and your organisation do?We are always looking to engage more industry professionals and firms in all our activities to provide better information and advice to students, teachers, careers advisors and parents about the potential career opportunities in property and study opportunities at the University of Reading and other real estate focused universities throughout the UK.
Financial support For the project to have an effect on actual numbers of graduates entering the industry, activities will need to continue each year with the aim to grow the programme and increase the number of students studying real estate degrees.
Increase your support to become a Silver Level donor from £25,000 a year for 3 years which offers your firm greater involvement opportunities with the project and its outcomes including the potential for naming opportunities for specific parts of the project and a connection to the Project Board.
If your firm does not currently support the project, consider becoming a Bronze Level donor from £5,000 a year for 3 years which ensures your company name in
all marketing and invitations for firm representatives to Pathways to Property and RREF events as well as a dedicated annual update meeting.
Work placements We are looking for firms across the UK who would be able to provide one week work shadowing placements for students who attended the Summer School. RREF offers students a £200 bursary to cover transport and other costs and firms are not asked to contribute towards this.
Placements take place in the school half-term breaks in October, February and Easter and are offered in London and regional areas including Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Nottingham and York.
The experience will provide a valuable insight to those students who do not have any experience with the industry to find out more about the real estate sector as well as build their confidence of working in a corporate environment.
‘The work placement was an amazing experience, so well organised, interesting and informative and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Everyone I had the privilege of speaking with was very helpful, positive and inspiring. The highlights for me were the tours of The Leadenhall Building and 5 Broadgate – they really were incredible. It has definitely convinced me that this is the industry that I want to work in.’
Elliot Fletcher, who spent one week at British Land
‘As soon as RREF approached us about Pathways to Property we knew we had to help make the programme a reality. We are pleased to have played our part and have continued to lend support beyond just the financial. Improving the diversity of the property industry is crucial if it is to successfully respond to the needs of all its customers. Through Pathways to Property RREF has led the way. The programme has had a successful start. We all need to think about what wider contribution we can continue to make to build on their good foundation.’
Chris Grigg, Chief Executive, British Land
October 2014
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Volunteering Talks in schools and collegesWe are always looking for volunteers from across England and Wales to help delivers talks in state schools and colleges. The talks raise the profile of property to Year 12 students (16 – 17 year olds), teachers, careers advisors and parents as well as promoting the annual Summer School.
You will present alongside a current Real Estate and Planning student during a careers session or in subject-related lessons such as geography, economics and business studies. We ask volunteers to offer their time to give at least one presentation a year. We suggest you talk about your experiences and background and why you enjoy working in the sector in order to inspire students and promote real estate as a potential career path.
If you went to a state school or college why not return to your own school to give a talk?
Pathways to Property ChampionsIf you would like to be more involved, become a Champion. Champions are volunteers who not only attend school talks but actively promote the initiative to others within your organisation and your own networks. This could include writing an article for your organisation’s newsletter or intranet, mentioning the project when writing for the media and encouraging others to volunteer to give talks.
Other project-led events Volunteers are also required to support the Summer School programme and attend Teacher Engagement Events. You will have the opportunity to talk with students who are thinking about studying Real Estate and Planning, and with teachers and parents to introduce the opportunities involved and share your enthusiasm and passion for the property industry.
MentoringIf you would like to help a student to develop their understanding of the sector, become a mentor to a Pathways student and support them during their studies at the University of Reading.
Contact detailsFinancial Support
If your firm is interested in increasing its support or you are a new firm who would like to start supporting the project please contact: Nicole Gillham, Executive Director, RREF at [email protected] or call +44(0)1183784193.
Work placements and volunteering
If you can offer students a one week placement please or would like to volunteer for talks, mentoring or any other activities mentioned please contact: Rachel Lad, Project Manager at [email protected] or call +44(0)1183784196.
For more information, please contact:
Rachel LadProject Manager, Pathways to Property
University of Reading Henley Business School Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6UD
[email protected] Tel +44 (0)118 378 4196
B11331 01.15
www.reading.ac.uk/pathways-to-property
/PathwaysToProperty @PathsToProperty