We are delighted that LocatED Development Manager Joyce Ncube has joined the third cohort of the Property Profession Property Leaders Shadow Board. The Shadow Board mirrors the profession’s decision-making board, giving members oversight of, and involvement in, senior level discussions; a unique way to embed diversity of views, experience, and perspectives into the profession’s governance structure. The Shadow Board also offers excellent development opportunities, including mutual mentoring with a member of the Property Leaders Board and the opportunity to work alongside D&I Champions. 

“I am thrilled to have joined the Property Leaders Shadow Board alongside colleagues from across government departments. It is a unique opportunity to work with senior leaders on strategic initiatives, help to understand the real challenges and opportunities within government property and, most importantly, improve diversity of thought when decisions are being made to ensure inclusive practices are implemented.”- Joyce Ncube, Development Manager

Following reviews at the end of the second cohort of the Shadow Board, it was agreed that a senior sponsor would be engaged to work with and champion the board and introduce a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Forum to aid and embed better diversity across the profession. The new D&I Forum will seek to work collaboratively across government and public bodies to support existing and new D&I initiatives which may be tabled by the Government Property Profession, the D&I Champions or the forum members and facilitate a joined-up approach. 

“Diversity is fundamental to LocatED’s continuing success, and that of the wider property profession. As sponsor of the Shadow Board, I’m delighted to support this fantastic cohort as they bring a diversity of ideas, contributions, and talent to the profession’s governance structure. I’m excited to work with them to promote cross-government D&I initiatives and strive for better diversity and inclusion within the wider property profession.” – Lara Newman, Chief Executive

At LocatED, we work with other government organisations, schools, colleges and universities to promote diversity and help improve pathways into the property profession and progression for under-represented groups. We have a programme of outreach to promote the property profession as a viable career for school leavers, which includes taking part in mentoring sessions, careers fairs and hosting insight sessions with university students. We also run in-house apprentice and graduate programmes, providing a mix of hands-on practical experience, and structured learning and development to support apprentices and graduates with completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). In September 2021, we received the ‘5% Club Gold Award’ recognising our significant contribution to the continued development of all employees through “earn and learn” schemes, which we hope will inspire more people to believe that a career in property could be accessible to them.