Reading Real Estate Foundation Pathways to Property 2013–2014

Supported by and The Sutton Trust Pathways to Property Project Report

Executive summary Pathways to Property was established in 2012 with the week work placements within real estate firms and nearly aim to widen access to the real estate profession by raising 25% of students from the first Summer School are now awareness of real estate as a subject of study amongst studying a property related degree at university. academically able pupils from disadvantaged and non- In its third year the initiative is expanding its activities to traditional backgrounds. Led by Reading Real Estate reach out to a larger audience of teachers, careers advisors Foundation (RREF) with support from British Land, The and sixth-form students, focusing on regional hubs across Sutton Trust and a number of key real estate firms, the the UK , through increased communications, school visits, project is targeted at lower and upper sixth form students National Careers Shows and bespoke teacher events. This (16-17 year olds) to raise aspirations about a career in real will allow the project to attract the 100 brightest students estate through a series of initiatives both in and out of from targeted areas (low progression to university, areas the classroom. of high deprivation and across a broad spectrum of social, Support from 23 real estate and other firms has so far ethnic and gender diversity) to the 2015 Summer School provided funding to allow the programme to reach out to and on to study property at University. over 2,000 students, teachers, parents and careers advisers Pathways to Property is also working in collaboration with to introduce them to the idea of a career in property. Of a number of other initiatives including Changing the Face of those, 135 students have been able to attend Summer Property, Property Week’s Open Plan, RICS Surveying the Schools where academic activities, site visits and talks from Future and RTPI Future Planners programme to ensure the industry experts have sparked their interest in a career in diversity issue is top of the industry’s agenda. property. Fifty two of these students have taken up one

2013 2014

In 2013 40 students participated in the first Summer In 2014 95 students participated in the annual Summer School School.

completed a work experience place- ment in a real estate firm 50% had no prior exposure to the 86% industry

of attendees applied and were offered a place to study Real Estate & had no family history of attending 30% Planning at the University of Reading 77% university of those…

have accepted and enrolled at the 25% University of Reading for 2014/15 44% were female have accepted and enrolled onto re- 40% lated programmes at other universities in the UK for 2014/15 indicated they would be interested in 70% pursuing a career in property

of students described the Summer School as 99% having met or exceeded their expectations

2 October 2014

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 ‘I have long been aware how lucky I was to find which aims for a steady and sustainable growth of students on the programme each year to ensure the brightest and an exciting career in Property when noone in most needful students are being encouraged to enter the my home or school knew anything about it. As property industry. a RREF Trustee and Chair of the Project Board I Project aims: am delighted that we are now in a position to 1 To increase the diversity of applications to the change this and I am determined to spread the University of Reading Real Estate & Planning degrees by word in state schools.’ promoting the attractions of a career in the property Alan Froggatt, Principal, Touchstone Advisers: Chair, Pathways industry to students from State schools, focusing on to Property Board and RREF Trustee an annual Summer School. Priority at the Summer School will be given to academically gifted pupils from ‘Pathways to Property is an important part disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds. 2 To encourage interest in a Property career amongst of the Sutton Trust’s mission to widen access talented students from all backgrounds by increasing to the most competitive and sought-after the effectiveness of communications between the careers. It is supporting dozens of state school industry and students. 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

3 Pathways to Property Project Report

Thank you

Principal 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.

Thank you to the following firms for About British Land: British Land is one of Europe’s largest their financial support publicly listed real estate companies. We own, manage, develop and finance a portfolio of high quality commercial Gold Level property, focused on retail locations around the UK and London Offices & Residential. We have total assets in the British Land (since 2012) UK, owned or managed of £17.6 billion (British Land share The Sutton Trust (since 2012) of which is £11.9 billion), as valued at 31 March 2014. Our properties are home to over 1,000 different organisations Silver Level and receive over 300 million visits each year. Our objective is to deliver long-term and sustainable total returns to our UPP Group (since 2014) shareholders and we do this by focusing on Places People Prefer. People have a choice where they work, shop and Bronze Level live and we aim to create outstanding places which make a Allsop (since 2014) positive difference to people’s everyday lives. Our customer orientation enables us to develop a deep understanding of Aubrey Orchard-Lisle Charitable Trust (since 2014) the people who use our places. We employ a lean team of BNP Paribas Real Estate (since 2012) experts, who have the skills to translate this understanding (since 2014) into creating the right places, and we have an efficient capital structure which is able to effectively finance these International (since 2013) places. Further details can be found at: The (since 2012) www.britishland.com Cushman & Wakefield (since 2012) About The Sutton Trust: The Sutton Trust was founded in 1997 by Sir Peter Lampl with the aim of promoting social CBRE (since 2012) mobility through education. It has funded a wide range DTZ (since 2012) of access projects in early years, school and university settings, with a focus on research, policy and innovative The Ellis Campbell Group (since 2014) practical projects with a system-wide relevance. The Trust (since 2012) exists to combat educational inequality and prevent the Gooch Cunliffe Whale (since 2014) subsequent waste of talent. It is particularly concerned with breaking the link between educational opportunities (since 2014) and family background, and in realising a system in which JLL (since 2012) young people are given the chance to prosper, regardless of their family background, the school they happen to attend (since 2012) or the area in which they live. Since 1998 the Trust and Lambert Smith Hampton (2012–13) its partners have committed £40 million to educational access projects and research. Further details can be found Oxford Properties (since 2014) at: www.suttontrust.com Redevco (since 2013) (since 2012) (since 2014) Strutt & Parker (since 2012)

Vail Williams (since 2014)

4 October 2014

Over 70 volunteers from industry, both in business 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. Support given during the 2014 Summer School • 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. Companies that provided work experience placements for students

Colliers International LSH The Crown Estate SEGRO

5 Pathways to Property Project Report

The Pathways to Property Reading Real Estate Project Board Foundation

The Board provides vital strategic guidance Supporting education, forging links, and support to the Pathways team and building futures includes alumni, academics from the School RREF is a unique and forward-thinking educational charity, established to support real estate and planning education of Real Estate & Planning, representatives at the University of Reading. As well as supporting from the two principal donors and other Pathways to Property RREF engages and nurtures students to help them achieve their full potential and become the key individuals from industry and education. best in the industry through financial assistance in the form of bursaries, grants and scholarships and links to industry Industry Board Members through Access Internships, a Mentoring Programme and Alan Froggatt Principal, Touchstone Advisors and RREF Trustee an Evening Lecture Series. RREF is also the alumni network (Chair) for graduates offering industry-focused CPD, networking and reunion events to encourage alumni to establish new Paddy Allen Director – Europe, Coral Portfolio connections and stay in touch. David Backinsell Trustee, The Sutton Trust

Jane Hollinshead Partner, Addleshaw Goddard RREF successes in 2014

Bryan Laxton Partner, Cushman & Wakefield and RREF Trustee • Awarded £118,000 to provide support to 29 undergraduate, Masters and PhD students through Nick Shepherd Consultant, Deloitte Real Estate bursaries, scholarships and research funding Max Shand Development Director, Exemplar • The Access Internship scheme secured placements for 20 James Taylor Project Director, British Land students at 17 firms • The mentoring programme has helped over 1200 Academic and RREF Board Members students since it was established and in 2014 allowed Joe Doak Associate Professor of Urban Planning & Development 350 undergraduate and Masters students the and Admissions Tutor (BSc Real Estate), Henley Business School opportunity to have a one-to-one connection with a real estate professional Nicole Gillham Director of Development & Alumni Relations, Henley Business School and Executive Director, RREF Further details can be found at: www.henley.ac.uk/rref Cathy Hughes Associate Professor, Real Estate & Planning, ‘I have been a long term admirer and keen Henley Business School supporter of RREF but jumped at the Olivia Igbinidu Project Assistant, Pathways to Property, RREF (Secretary) opportunity to become a RREF Trustee.

Rachel Lad Project Manager, Pathways to Property, Many in our industry appreciate the benefits RREF the charity brings in terms of its alumni Pete Wyatt Director of Undergraduate Programmes and and networking activities but for me of Professor of Real Estate Appraisal, Henley Business School 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

6 October 2014

2013: Project achievements and impact

Developed and delivered a Work placements  programme of activities to Work placements allowed the students target students to test what they had learnt during the Established relationships with Summer School and further develop their  schools and colleges understanding of the various careers in property available to them as well as develop Established a Student their confidence in a corporate environment.  Ambassador programme ‘I had an absolutely fantastic week! I carried out research, Engaged with RREF alumni completed a Desktop Planning Appraisal and went to the  East Hampshire Local Plan Housing Hearing which was very and industry professionals interesting. This has definitely confirmed my interest in this career and I have some great contacts for the future. The Delivered the first Summer School 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

of attendees applied and were offered a place to study Real Estate & 30% Planning at the University of Reading

of those…

are now studying Real Estate & Planning 25% or related courses at the University of Reading in 2014/15

are now studying real estate related 40% courses at other Universities in the UK in 2014/15

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

7 Pathways to Property Project Report

2014: Project achievements and impact

The project’s key objectives for 2013–14 included: ‘The reception at the Shard was an excellent opportunity for schools and colleges to find out more about the summer 1 Deliver an expanded programme of school, not only from RREF but also from each other. Five London Academy of Excellence students took part last activities for student engagement summer, and I shared with colleagues at the event how In 2014 the initiative launched a number of supporting beneficial the experience had been for them. They developed activities to raise awareness of the real estate industry new skills through the range of stimulating and fun activities, to a wider range of academically able pupils from and their knowledge about this area of academic study and disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds. Building further employment increased hugely. A seed of a career path on the outreach activities in 2013, the project engaged with has definitely been sown in each of them’ over 1,700 students and 400 teachers and careers advisers Robert Milne, Headmaster (2012–2014), London Academy in schools and colleges throughout England and Wales. of Excellence Alumni volunteers and Student Ambassadors were able to visit 50 schools and colleges in London and the South Pathways to Property exhibited at a number of national East to present at assemblies, careers sessions or subject careers events in 2013–14 to widen promotion of the specific lessons to talk about careers in real estate and initiative which included Skills London and Skills South opportunities at the University of Reading. West and the National Careers Shows in London, Leeds, & Leicester. The project was able to reach out to both 2 Increase the number of relationships teachers and careers advisers as well as students to advertise the free programme of events for students, with state schools and colleges including the Summer School as well as offer talks in their A Teacher Engagement Event was held at The Shard in schools. Rachel Lad, Project Manager was also able to March 2014 where more than 60 teachers from schools in speak during property career seminars to promote the London met with industry professionals and academics initiative and the wider aims of the project. 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 3 Continue to engage with RREF encouraging students into the profession and many alumni, industry professionals, booked school talks from the project as a result. The Real Estate & Planning students event helped to secure additional applications to the and media Summer School programme and of the schools that were Through the Pathways to Property Champion programme represented 15 institutions submitted 58 applications and RREF alumni events over 70 volunteers were able to which resulted in 30 students attending the 2014 Summer offer their time to help present talks in schools, attend School teacher engagement events and national career fairs and at October 2014

the Summer School as well as promote the project within to study at Reading had no financial barriers and so a their professional networks. Without these volunteers we Pathways Bursary fund has been established. would not have had the impact when talking to students Every student who attends the Summer school and and teachers which encouraged so many to apply for subsequently applies and is confirmed a place on the Real the 2014 Summer School. We have continued to receive Estate and Planning course at the University of Reading strong and positive support from the industry and hope to will receive a Welcome Bursary of £1,000 in their first continue this trend in years to come. term. They then have the opportunity to apply for either a Bursary (which recognises financial need) or a Scholarship ‘I wanted to be part of the Pathway to Properties initiative (which recognises financial need alongside academic because it seeks to raise the profile of a career in Real Estate to excellence) which normally range from £1,000 to £5,000 those who are unaware that such an opportunity exists. Until a year (although requests for other amounts will be a few years ago I was one of these individuals. The project considered) to aid payment for accommodation, books provides school leavers not only with an introduction to Real and living expenses. Estate, but also offers them an opportunity to experience the industry through the summer school internship. ‘I find it very difficult to find the appropriate words to I thoroughly enjoyed assisting at the summer school – express my gratitude at receiving such a generous award. I engaging with students, exchanging ideas, and providing them participated in the Summer School in 2013 and ever since with an insight to this exciting industry’ I have been very impressed by the work of the foundation Christopher King, Senior Surveyor, Knight Frank and its various initiatives to encourage students like me We recruited a further 19 Real Estate & Planning students to consider studying Real Estate. Whilst this award is very to work as Pathways to Property Student Ambassadors significant in helping to finance my university education; this who joined our existing team continuing from 2013. These also provides me with very positive encouragement to study Ambassadors worked with us attending school visits and to the best of my ability and to take full advantage of this throughout the Summer School to talk to students and opportunity.’ promote studying real estate and planning and coming to Bsc Real Estate and Planning student, University of Reading 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.

‘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 4 Develop new funding opportunities benefit that our industry takes steps towards addressing this RREF already have a strong Bursary and Scholarship issue and to that end, we are proud to support and be involved programme for students studying Real Estate and Planning with the Pathways to Property campaign.’ at the University of Reading. The project wanted to ensure Paul Brundage, Executive Vice President, Oxford Properties that students attending the Summer School who wanted Europe, Corporate Supporter

9 Pathways to Property Project Report

5 Deliver the second Summer School Great Park and had sessions on university life including information on funding and accommodation. They The second Summer School was held on 20-23 July at also worked in groups with their Student Ambassadors Whiteknights Campus, Reading and welcomed 95 students on a project to develop a brownfield site which they from state schools and colleges from all over England presented on the final day to guests from the real estate and Wales including Cambridge, Cornwall, Yorkshire and firms supporting the initiative. The panel chaired an Nottingham. 86% had no prior exposure to the industry impassioned student’s debate around whether the and 77% had no family history of attending university. development should go ahead from the perspective of Of the attendees 44% of the students were female and various stakeholders, which each student group was 72% were from non-white British backgrounds. Before assigned. This was followed by lunch where the students attending the Summer School the majority of students heard from Alan Froggatt, the Project Chairman, and Chris answered “how well informed do you feel about a career Grigg, Chief Executive, British Land who also awarded in property as 3-6 out of 10, however after the Summer certificates of participation and prizes for the best School the majority of students answered the same presentations. question 6-9 out of 10. Work placements In 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 ‘I had the privilege of spending the day at the Pathways to always challenge myself.’ Property Summer School. Several things really stood out: first, Zach Jones in Birmingham spent a week with Colliers the quality, diversity and sheer enthusiasm of the 95 students International and commented, ‘I would like to thank you was truly inspiring. My second reflection was on the support for giving me such an amazing opportunity, as it has shown for P2P from our industry. And finally, the other striking thing me the multitude of exciting career paths available within for me was the quality of teaching and logistical support the property sector. This has given me the determination provided by academics and staff from the Henley Business to continue studying hard at A-levels and beyond, in order School, University of Reading and the RREF team and student to achieve my goal of becoming a charted surveyor, and ambassadors. I left feeling very proud, of our industry and this working in a globally respected and recognised company.’ 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

10 October 2014

Press coverage

Early insights into property profession

By Ellen Gylen | 26-04-2014 | 07:00 | Print eG Life This month the government published new statutory guidance for schools highlighting their duty to secure inspirational careers advice and mentoring for practice & Law pupils, the idea being that schools should focus on getting enthusiastic and knowledgeable employers into schools and colleges. the week Pathways to Property the market 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 which was judged by industry volunteers. Grigg said: “The quality, diversityindustry. and sheer enthusiasm of students was truly Students find Pathwaysinspiring, asto was theProperty support from our industry and the quality of teaching and logistical support provided by Henley British Land’s Chris Grigg and Oxford Business School, the University of Properties’ Paul Brundage were among Reading and the RREF team and student 40 industry figures endorsing diversity in ambassadors.” the industry at Reading University. The students now have the opportunity They attended the Pathways to Property to apply for a week of paid work summer school, run by the Reading Real experience in the industry. If they take up Estate Foundation, in which 96 year-12 studies at the university, they will be given state school students sampled the life of a additional support. residential property student over four Of the 40 students in last year’s days from 20 July. This was the second year of the project, programme, 30% have received offers to take real estate and planning courses. which is backed by British Land, a growing If your company would like to be wards contingent of agents and propcos and the involved in Pathways to Property, contact Sutton Trust. The event follows a series of DECEMBER Nicole Gillham, executive director of the A school visits to encourage students from Reading Real Estate Foundation, at non-traditional backgrounds to pursue When: 11 December [email protected] Where: Hilton Park Lane, real estate studies. Summer school participants engaged in £150,000 for the property London talks, activities and site visits and an industry charity. What: Nothing celebrates impassioned debate about the merits of a www.landaid.org success like an EG Award. brownfield development from the The 10th annual EG Awards 11 Shop Agents Society Quiz perspective of various stakeholders, MIPIM UK brings together the most When: 15-17 October Night influential decision-makers Where: London Olympia When: 8 October in real estate. Be there. What: The UK’s first Where: Jamie’s Italian, Tables of 10 cost £2,800. OBER 59 OCT industry-wide property show, 17-19 Denman Street, London www.egawardsevent.co.uk UK Infrastructure aimed at dealmakers, What: Getting quizzical. Entry Conference and Expo occupiers and local authorities. costs £120 for a team of five. Where: Queen Elizabeth www.mipimuk.co.uk www.shopagentssociety.com. www.estatesgazette.com 29/07/2014 14:11 II Conference Centre, London Land Aid Day When: 6-7 October When: 23 October What: A platform for Where: Nationwide 2 August 2014 infrastructure stakeholders What: Take part in all and government departments to discuss the key challenges manner of activities to raise in integrated and sustainable development across the UK. www.theukice.com

EGA_020814_058-059 events.indd 59 Pathways to Property Project Report

Summer School 2014

There 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

12 13 Pathways to Property Project Report

Awards

In March 2014 RREF received a University ‘Congratulations to all those involved of Reading Collaborative Award for in making the Pathways to Property Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and initiative such a success and thank you to Learning 2013-2014 for their work on the all our donors, volunteers, academics, staff Pathways to Property initiative. and students who have helped to secure The award was open to departments within the University of Reading and required entrants to clearly demonstrate this award.’ how their initiative had effectively supported student Professor Tony Downes, Provost and CEO, learning using a real team approach to teaching and University of Reading Malaysia and Chair of the learning enhancement. The panel felt that the Pathways to RREF Board of Trustees (2009–2014) 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.

14 October 2014

Collaboration

Pathways to Property is working with a • Student Recruitment and Outreach – University of Reading number of diversity programmes within the • Total Profession property industry including Changing the The project is working with Estates Gazette and has Face of Property (CTFOP), RICS ‘Surveying produced the second edition of Property Futures, an the Future’, RTPI ‘Future Planners’ and information booklet on the property industry for students, Property Week’s ‘Open Plan’ campaign. parents and teachers. 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 Pathways to Property attended British Land’s Community • Brilliant Club Day on 9 July, helping volunteers to deliver an engaging event for students from Into University centres across • Career Development Institute (CDI) North London. Into University attendees had the • Construction Youth Trust opportunity to tour The Leaden Hall Building, London’s • Into University newest sky scraper before taking part in a competition to • Land Aid design the next iconic landmark. • Society of Property Researchers ‘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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2015: Project objectives

As 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 publicise the project using a communication and PR external partners strategy which is currently being developed. We will continue to work with existing partnerships We would encourage anyone involved with the project to and strengthen relationships with other diversity publicise it within their networks and use any media and initiatives to work in collaboration where appropriate PR opportunity to mention or write about the positive with Changing the Face of Property, Surveying the Future progress being made. 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 ‘CBRE is very proud of its long standing that are engaging with targeted students. This will help build relationships with targeted schools relationship with RREF. We are passionate (teachers, parents and students) and encourage about increasing the diversity of people engagement in the initiative. It will also avoid duplication and ensure consistent information is coming into the property industry and the being sent to schools and colleges about careers in work experience placements and summer real estate while ensuring we are working within the recommendations of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) school that the project provides are very and Higher Education Funding Council for England important in helping the industry achieve (HEFCE) recommendations. that aim. 2 Increase our profile in the real I attended the student presentations at estate industry the end of the Summer School and the We need to ensure the profile of the project within the industry and beyond is growing in order to maintain passion and energy of the students, none awareness of diversity issues affecting the Real Estate of whom would historically have come into sector in the UK, demonstrate the progress being made by the project and continue to encourage existing and a career in property, was great to see and new supporters. very inspiring.’ The project will continue to work with Project Board members, supporters, volunteers and the media to Chris Dunford, Human Resources Director UK, CBRE

16 October 2014

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 and listening to their feedback to improve the programme schools to identify further suitable activities to engage and ensuring constant two way communication. young people in discussions about careers in property and review our existing outreach materials and feedback Using these methods we hope to deliver an engaging, from students and teachers in order to provide the compelling, and inclusive alumni volunteer programme most up to date and relevant programme to encourage and provide more opportunities for alumni to connect with teachers to promote and students to consider, a career the initiative. in property. The 2015 Summer School will again offer 100 students the chance to participate in the four day programme and we ‘UPP are delighted to support Pathways to hope to further increase the number of applications from Property. Higher education remains a key targeted students. driver of social mobility and this initiative at 5 Strengthen volunter engagements the University of Reading to widen access We would not have been able to run the project and reach to the property profession demonstratively out to the students, teachers, careers advisers and parents we have over the last year without the incredible network changes lives. We feel that businesses of volunteers from industry. In order to keep growing the project and reaching out to more people we will need to have a critical role to play in providing grow this network and encourage more engagement from opportunities for young people to learn industry. new skills and our long term partnership We want to ensure we have more volunteers from similar backgrounds to that which the initiative is targeting so with the university provides a perfect that the students feel comfortable to reach out and talk to opportunity to pursue these goals.’ them. We also want to ensure volunteers have a positive experience when engaging with the initiative and we can Sean O’Shea, Group CEO, UPP Group (University do that by providing core support and relevant materials Partnerships Programme)

17 Pathways to Property Project Report

What more can you and your organisation do?

We are always looking to engage more all marketing and invitations for firm representatives to Pathways to Property and RREF events as well as a industry professionals and firms in all our dedicated annual update meeting. activities to provide better information Work placements and advice to students, teachers, careers advisors and parents about the potential We are looking for firms across the UK who would be able to provide one week work shadowing placements career opportunities in property and study for students who attended the Summer School. RREF offers opportunities at the University of Reading students a £200 bursary to cover transport and other costs and firms are not asked to contribute towards this. and other real estate focused universities Placements take place in the school half-term breaks in throughout the UK. October, February and Easter and are offered in London and regional areas including Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Nottingham and York. Financial support The experience will provide a valuable insight to those For the project to have an effect on actual numbers of students who do not have any experience with the graduates entering the industry, activities will need to industry to find out more about the real estate sector as continue each year with the aim to grow the programme and well as build their confidence of working in a corporate increase the number of students studying real estate degrees. environment. Increase your support to become a Silver Level donor ‘The work placement was an amazing experience, so well from £25,000 a year for 3 years which offers your firm organised, interesting and informative and I thoroughly greater involvement opportunities with the project and its enjoyed it! Everyone I had the privilege of speaking with was outcomes including the potential for naming opportunities very helpful, positive and inspiring. The highlights for me were for specific parts of the project and a connection to the the tours of The Leadenhall Building and 5 Broadgate – they Project Board. really were incredible. It has definitely convinced me that this If your firm does not currently support the project, is the industry that I want to work in.’ consider becoming a Bronze Level donor from £5,000 Elliot Fletcher, who spent one week at British Land a year for 3 years which ensures your company name in ‘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

18 October 2014

Volunteering Pathways to Property Champions If you would like to be more involved, become a Champion. Talks in schools and colleges Champions are volunteers who not only attend school We are always looking for volunteers from across England talks but actively promote the initiative to others within and Wales to help delivers talks in state schools and your organisation and your own networks. This could colleges. The talks raise the profile of property to Year 12 include writing an article for your organisation’s newsletter students (16 – 17 year olds), teachers, careers advisors and or intranet, mentioning the project when writing for the parents as well as promoting the annual Summer School. media and encouraging others to volunteer to give talks. You will present alongside a current Real Estate and Planning student during a careers session or in subject- Other project-led events related lessons such as geography, economics and business Volunteers are also required to support the Summer studies. We ask volunteers to offer their time to give at School programme and attend Teacher Engagement least one presentation a year. We suggest you talk about Events. You will have the opportunity to talk with your experiences and background and why you enjoy students who are thinking about studying Real Estate and working in the sector in order to inspire students and Planning, and with teachers and parents to introduce the promote real estate as a potential career path. opportunities involved and share your enthusiasm and If you went to a state school or college why not return to passion for the property industry. your own school to give a talk? Mentoring If 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 details Financial 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)118 378 4193.

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)118 378 4196.

19 For more information, please contact: Rachel Lad Project Manager, Pathways to Property University of Reading Henley Business School Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6UD [email protected] Tel +44 (0)118 378 4196

/PathwaysToProperty @PathsToProperty www.reading.ac.uk/pathways-to-property

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