Why government property offers rewarding careers
Large, diverse estate presents opportunities for surveyors
UK government property professionals work on perhaps the biggest and most diverse estate in Europe.
Dealing with more than 140,000 buildings, worth almost £200bn, our 7,000-plus property workforce might be transforming communities by building new schools, hospitals or multi-department government hubs – or even travelling the world to look after overseas embassies or military bases.
Regardless of their role, seniority or stage of career, government property professionals benefit from a dedicated programme of support, training and development to help them fulfil their aspirations.
We asked a few colleagues from various parts of our profession to share their stories.
Scottish chief collaborates with ministers and industry
Morag Angus FRICS is the head of the property and construction division and chief surveyor for the Scottish government. She describes the latter position as ‘the principal property adviser to Scottish ministers, providing assurance, scrutiny and advice drawn from our collective expertise’.
‘It’s a fascinating role,’ she says, ‘and means I get to lead a talented and experienced team of around 30 built environment specialists. I also get the chance to work on lots of interesting and challenging projects.
‘These include helping to review the Warm Scots Welcome scheme and source accommodation for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, as well as devising emergency commercial property legislation during the pandemic to prevent businesses being evicted and jobs being lost.’
She continues: ‘As a senior civil servant, I am also able to embed specialist advice at the highest levels with ministers and senior leaders. Just as in any large organisation, it is vital to make sure property advice is heard at the top table.
‘It is such a challenge and fun to work with leaders across the Scottish public sector. The team and I have been developing the Single Scottish Estate programme to improve efficiency across the whole public-sector estate, from the Scottish government’s 65 buildings to around 30,000 in the wider sector. I am also working together with industry on the Scottish Construction Accord and its Transformation Action Plan to support a thriving and modern construction sector.’
Morag reflects: ‘I’ve worked in government property for about 30 years now, with a career break for two lovely children during that time. Before this I was a land surveyor, but exploring other career options through RICS I saw commercial property as an interesting conversion opportunity, and was lucky to get a trainee post with a local authority.
‘So, I studied at the College of Estate Management course and completed my APC. I got the best grounding and training, with experienced people to learn from and every type of property to work on – petrol stations, grazing agreements, tied housing, masts, offices and shops – as well as dealing with compulsory purchase, rating and policy.’
She concludes: ‘A few years ago I completed the Future Leaders Scheme, which was full of learning and opportunities to hear from experienced leaders. I made great friends and still have a supportive network to lean on when times are tricky.
‘I would absolutely recommend working in government property – there are a range of opportunities for interesting and diverse work with development potential, flexibility, professional accreditation and a career to challenge and satisfy even the most curious individuals.
‘I love my job, the challenges and the opportunities to make a positive difference to people’s lives using my skills and experience – and the people I work with are brilliant, rewarding and fascinating by turns.’
Strategic role enables professional development
Kenneth Kelly meanwhile is a chartered quantity surveyor at the Home Office. He says: ‘I began working in what was then the Government Property Profession – now the Government Property Function – in 2014, after working as a senior programme delivery manager in the Civil Service. Before this I worked in local government, contracting and private practice as a quantity surveyor and project manager.
‘I currently work as a surveyor in the
‘Prior to this I provided advice on implementing strategy and monitoring of prison and custodial estate accommodation while working with the Ministry of Justice. I would recommend joining government property as a career pathway because it allows you to grow personally, collaborate and challenge yourself to be the best you can be.’
Partner works across varied estate
Gary Jones MRICS is property business partner at the Office of Government Property (OGP) in the Cabinet Office.
‘Since beginning my government career in 2015 I have worked on multiple projects, starting with the 2017 non-domestic rating revaluation at the Valuation Office Agency,’ he explains. ‘Before this I spent 14 years in the private sector in various property roles. Now in the OGP, which operates at the centre of the property function, my role is to support property organisations and help them achieve their estate goals.
‘I work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), where my focus is on assuring leasehold activity across its estate. The DWP’s estate strategy is expressed through its Workplace Transformation Programme, which is aligned to the three pillars of the Government Property Strategy – smaller, better, greener.
‘The department’s estate is a mix of jobcentres, health assessment centres, national insurance hubs and offices. The jobcentre strategy for instance is aligned to jobseeker demand, and the estate is generally held on flexible short-term leases. The main issue for the DWP relates to site condition. The jobcentre estate is strategically located but, due to the nature of the buildings occupied, hitting sustainability targets is a challenge.
‘I also work alongside the Probation Service, and since June 2021 I’ve been helping it implement a probation reform programme that has seen the Ministry of Justice establish 12 new geographical probation areas across England and Wales. Most recently I’ve been working with the Department for Culture, Media & Sport supporting the disposal of a grade II listed building in West Kensington.’
Gary adds: ‘Government property is a great place to work and build a career. The training and support is the best available in the sector, and for ambitious people there is a clear pathway of progression from qualification through to senior civil servant.
‘The varied nature of the government estate provides the perfect platform for development and the opportunity for employees to gain experience on the biggest and most diverse estate in the UK.’
Structured support available for property talent
These stories only highlight a tiny proportion of the different roles available in government property and the impact that our people have. We need talented professionals like you to maintain a high-quality service for UK citizens and estate around the world.
We offer every member of government property tailored development through our Career Framework and
