Property industry event calls for new initiatives to increase social diversity

● Cross-organisation partnership aims to boost inclusion in property sector

A Scottish Property Federation forum will today outline a series of initiatives to improve diversity and inclusivity in the property sector.

The event aims to share and promote best practice across workplace and built environments in the industry, with expert panels focusing on the accessibility of future and current opportunities. Brenda Jones, developments manager for Stornoway Port Authority and outgoing national chairman of the Association of Women in Property, was set to chair today’s gathering.

Speaking in advance, she said: “With digital technology and climate change, the industry is changing, as other industries are, too.

“People want to make property more efficient and sustainable and we need a diverse range of views to achieve that. The lesson learnt now is that diversity and inclusivity doesn’t just happen by itself. Business leaders have to have plans to diversify and need to monitor their effectiveness. We feel that a lot of people want to do that so it’s all about making sure people are using the right tools to make this happen.

“We are looking to help people of all backgrounds and diversities fulfil their potential.”

She added that initiatives to help boost diversity could include anything from setting up apprenticeship schemes to introducing flexible working hours that better combine work with parenthood. She said: “The Association of Women in Property set up a mentoring programme which helped me get into a senior role. We also have a reward scheme recognising female students in their final year of their degrees which helps them to secure work placements and we often find that they are offered permanent roles afterwards.”

Theeventishostedbythespf in conjunction with the Association of Women in Property, LGBT property networking forum Freehold and retail and property community Revo.

David Melhuish, director of the SPF, said: “This Diversity and Inclusivity Forum builds on similar successful events run by the British Property Federation and partners in London and Manchester and I’m delighted that BPF president Paul Brundage will be joining the debate to lend a global perspective on these key issues.

“As an industry we have a pivotal role in inclusive placemaking and appealing effectively to the changing communities in which we live and work.

“The event aims to ensure everyone is united behind these goals.”