Building a better future through Landsec Futures

We’ve long been passionate about creating a fairer, more equitable real estate industry in the UK. The industry contributes over £94 billion to the national economy - and while it’s made up of a wide mix of occupations, the industry’s workforce is lacking in diversity and socio-economic background. A study conducted by The Bridge Group supported by the JLL UK Foundation in collaboration with Landsec, found that nearly half (45%) of employees attended an independent or selective school. That’s compared to just 6% at a national level.

Landsec Futures is a £20 million social impact fund that we’re introducing to help address the need for greater diverse representation in the real estate industry - enhancing social mobility in the sector through four new programmes centred around industry action and local communities. Combined, we’ll deliver £200 million worth of social value by 2030.

 

Investing in diversity

We’ve made progress in diversifying the industry through our local partnerships in recent years – since 2020 we’ve created £16.5m of social value through social sustainability programmes in Bluewater, and through working with Circle Collective in Lewisham to help young people into work. Between 2020 and 2022, we’ve supported over 4,500 individuals facing barriers to employment to enter the world of work.

Through Landsec Futures, we believe we have a fantastic opportunity to accelerate this trajectory and help shape an industry which maximises the potential of people, places and communities – with programmes including:

 

  • Twice-yearly paid internships for eight people looking to start a career in the real estate industry

We’ve just launched Landsec Futures Internships – developed in line with the UK Social Mobility Commission Toolkit. Our entry-level opportunities are available to people of all backgrounds - importantly, the programme will not require previous work experience or university qualifications, which will help us recognise potential from a variety of backgrounds of those who often face barriers to training opportunities in the industry. The programme will offer candidates the opportunity to build skills through bespoke training and on-the-job learning experiences.

  • Bursaries to support five students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to study real estate courses.

We’ll be offering at least five students from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds a three-year bursary of up to £30,000. The bursaries will be available to students undertaking placemaking courses or qualifications at university.

  • Funding solutions for the most pressing socio-economic challenges its communities are facing.

In partnership with Charities Aid Foundation, grants ranging from £1,000-£3,000 will be available for local charities in Landsec places to support their daily work.

  • Formalised educational and employability partnerships to support people into jobs in the real estate industry.

This includes a new approach to educational and employability partnerships with local charities to better address any local specific barriers to employment for people of all ages.

 

Creating an impact

As one of the largest real estate companies in the UK, we recognise that we have the opportunity and responsibility to play an important part in creating a fairer society and economy. If we’re to continue to bring value to the vibrant communities that surround where we live and work, we need to empower them to lead change in the places they know the best. This includes promoting a diverse representation of people within our business – ultimately ensuring that the wider property industry is better equipped to partner with the communities it can’t exist without.

 

Emily McEleny, Senior Sustainability Manager

Benjamin Anderson, Senior Sustainability Manager