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Sign upNextGen committee
The NextGen committee was set up at the end of 2019. We are a group of Real Estate Balance members in the early stages of our careers whose goal is to represent the next generation of property professionals and be the focal point for delivering Real Estate Balance’s objective to develop a diverse pipeline of talent in the property industry.
One of our first tasks in 2020 was to conduct a survey of real estate professionals under 35, to investigate barriers to entry, attitudes and behaviours in the workplace and line management. The results can be found here. We carried out the research again in 2022. Please click here for commentary and to download the results in full. Commentary and research on our 2023 survey findings can be found here.
The findings continue to shape our plans for the programme of events and activities we organise throughout the year.
NextGen LinkedIn network
The NextGen LinkedIn network is a private group for Real Estate Balance members who want to develop and support the emerging generation of real estate talent. It is a chance to connect with peers, exchange information and hear about the activities and initiatives organised by the NextGen committee.
We encourage any existing Real Estate Balance members who are interested in this area of work to join our LinkedIn group.
Get in touch
If you would like to get in touch with the NextGen Committee to discuss an idea for collaboration, please contact one our co-Chairs:
Emma Guthrie - Partner, Property and Infrastructure at Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP: Emma.Guthrie@shepwedd.com
Kevin Boakye - Talent Acquisition and DEI Specialist at Hines: kevin.boakye@hines.com
Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry - Senior Advisor, Strategic Advisory at Montagu Evans: jasmine.ceccarelli-drewry@montagu-evans.co.uk
Joining the committee
We periodically advertise for new members to join the NextGen Committee, so if you would like to get involved, make sure you are on our mailing list by filling in the short form on our homepage.
Who we are
Emma Guthrie, Real Estate Partner, Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP (NextGen co-chair)
My firm became a member of Real Estate Balance in 2019 and I believe we can play an important role in the development and cultural change of the real estate sector. I am delighted to have joined the NextGen committee and be part of continuing and developing the excellent work it is already doing. As a partner in a Scottish-headquartered organisation, and myself based in Scotland, I am keen to support Real Estate Balance's ambitions to ensure that it is truly a UK-wide organisation.
I am committed to empowering and championing opportunities for all, reducing barriers to entry and increasing representation across the sector.
Emma Guthrie
Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry, Senior Advisor, Strategic Advisory, Montagu Evans (NextGen co-Chair)
My own experiences as a young woman in the industry have shaped my perception of some of the challenges that still prevail and prevent progress. I am committed to continuing to learn about individuals' experiences, and breaking down the wider barriers which may prevent or deter people from careers in property and development. I am delighted to be working with NextGen colleagues to bring people together to make real change and am passionate about tackling the big challenges facing the sector.
I believe that the built environment can fundamentally change society for the better when it is positioned to do so. However, truly inclusive design, innovation and the delivery of successful and sustainable places cannot happen unless the industry is able to diversify and become less insular.
Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewery
Kevin Boakye, Talent Acquisition & DEI Specialist, Hines Europe Limited (NextGen co-Chair)
Over the past decade I have had the privilege of partnering with organisations across the property and real estate sectors and have been privy to the distinct lack of diversity – both in terms of gender and ethnicity. Having served as a School Governor, I have also observed a clear lack of awareness of the industry amongst the younger generation as well as the opportunities available. By virtue of joining the NextGen Committee, I am wholly committed to advocating for initiatives that will not just attract employees from less represented groups but also actively retain and promote them.
My commitment to D&I is fuelled by a desire to see individuals from a range of backgrounds being equally recognised for their unique talents and abilities across the industry.
Kevin Boakye
Paul Modu, Surveyor, Knight Frank
In a global environment, there's a pressing need to bring to the table diverse thinkers from a variety of backgrounds. There is vast disproportionality across the real estate industry, including ethnic minorities in the workplace and women in senior management. As one of the NextGen committee, I am committed to driving efforts to build a more expansive pipeline of talent, while installing the mechanisms to develop higher employee retentions from individuals in less represented groups
I’m committed to driving efforts to build a more expansive pipeline of talent, while installing the mechanisms to develop higher employee retentions from individuals in less represented groups.
Paul Modu
Adam Baskett, Senior Analyst, abrdn
My vision is to foster an open industry where opportunities are accessible to all, and prejudice has no place. As part of the NextGen committee, I am excited to collaborate with my fellow committee members on fulfilling this vision, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion that will spread through every level of our industry.
Embracing diversity and inclusivity isn't just a good idea; it's a necessity for creating a more vibrant and productive workplace.
Adam Baskett
Grace Kan, Associate Partner, PLP Architecture
Having experienced firsthand the challenges within the architecture and construction industry, I firmly believe that talented individuals should not be excluded based on their background or gender. Furthermore, creating an atmosphere of respect and open communication in the workplace is essential for both individuals and organisations to thrive. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be involved and make positive changes to the industry together with the NextGen committee.
I believe diversity is the key for both individuals and organizations to thrive. Creating an atmosphere of respect and open communication in the workplace is essential now more than ever.
Grace Kan
Martin Yarwood, Associate, Savills
Despite moving in a positive direction, we cannot ignore the fact that there remains huge barriers to entry in our industry. I believe this starts with the unfortunate failings of the education system, which for most does not provide the necessary support to have a chance at a career in real estate. As part of the NextGen committee, I am committed to supporting the growth of the industry and, in particular, providing support to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who have likely never considered a career in the built environment.
I hope to contribute to driving cultural change in the industry and opening doors to a wider talent pool.
Martin Yarwood
Siobhan Darlington, Events Manager, The Crown Estate
Connecting people and making a real difference to society and the environment make up part of my core values and are pivotal in my conduct whether that be personal or professional. I have had the privilege of managing corporate events over the past 15-years and have witnessed firsthand the EDI progress that has been made, along with seeing the further growth potential and better align with the diversity of the world around us. Being part of the change and delivery is something I feel passionately about, and working closely with NextGen and their ambitions I can do just that.
As a queer person my beliefs have a strong foundation in acceptance and making sure everyone feels comfortable being 100% of their authentic self in a work environment.
Siobhan Darlington
Paras Maalde, Vice President, Legal, Brookfield Properties
I am passionate about addressing diversity and social mobility issues within the industry. Solutions need to be long-term and necessitate a shift in culture, which itself takes a generational dimension. So, working with new, potential talent at the junior level of the industry’s workforce is critical and that’s why I am delighted to be a part of the REB NextGen Committee.
I want to see an industry that recognises and promotes talent regardless of one’s background, education, race or gender, ultimately resulting in a more level playing field in the future for today’s junior workforce.
Paras Maalde
Rachel Lea, Senior Planner, Newsteer
I am lucky to work for a start-up company who are wholly committed to D&I, and I have had an active involvement in our Real Estate Balance membership and the creation of our community values. Whilst this is of course positive, the process has highlighted that there is still a long way to go across our industry generally both in terms of barriers to entry, which cannot unfortunately be addressed by a company-specific D&I policy; and in terms of existing unconscious, and often conscious, bias within our industry, which I have experienced personally.
I am delighted to be involved in the NextGen committee and I am excited about the opportunity to work with the other committee members in promoting diversity across our industry.
Rachel Lea
Georgina Anderson - Asset Management Analyst, Real Estate, DWS
Having discovered the real estate sector through the 10,000 Black Interns Programme, I am passionate about ensuring opportunities in real estate are accessible to diverse talent, rather than being left to chance. I am at the start of my career and my views on EDI in the workplace continue to be shaped, but I am aware of the significant work required to attract and retain diverse talent. I look forward to working with NextGen to drive forward this important agenda.
Real estate is a dynamic industry, and I believe that diversity in thought and leadership is a crucial element for its continued growth and success.
Georgina Anderson
Ada Brahimi – Senior Consultant, Economics, Turley
Delivering human-first, socially driven and inclusive projects is a core component of socially responsible development. A common thread through my work is assessing the impacts of development on local economies and populations, including communities with protected characteristics. As I have navigated into a career that neither I nor my parents/family even knew existed, I began to see the value of my lived experiences and perspective in unlocking inclusive growth within the built environment.
Fuelled by my own experiences, I have a desire to see individuals from a range of backgrounds and abilities access opportunities, progress and succeed within the real estate industry.
Ada Brahimi
Elizabeth Collin – Head of Marketing, Davitt Jones Bould
It is no secret that our sector is one that has historically been associated with privilege (in its many forms) and while awareness around EDI is growing fast and there is a strong desire for change, we still have some way to go. The NextGen committee plays a vital role in not only working with today’s leaders to develop the way forward, but also to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will carry forward progress in order to establish diverse and inclusive workplaces as the status quo. I am delighted to be part of the Committee to help, in any way, towards achieving this mission.
NextGen plays a vital role in working with today’s leaders to develop the way forward and in cultivating the next generation of leaders to progress EDI across the industry.
Elizabeth Collin
Dominic Elliott – Asset Manager, Moorfield
There couldn’t be a more pivotal time to join the NextGen Committee, given the evolving challenges that EDI has faced in recent times. This gives me renewed impetus to offer support, collaborate with the Committee, and help contribute to the progress that Real Estate Balance is achieving. I believe that a balanced approach to EDI is imperative for delivering meaningful change, but often the inclusion element is not given a proportionate level of attention. For this reason, during my tenure with NextGen, I would like to focus my efforts on helping to create inclusive solutions that can be leveraged by firms of all sizes.
There couldn’t be a more pivotal time to join NextGen, given the evolving challenges that EDI has faced in recent times.
Dominic Elliott
Jessa Lee – Senior Quantity Surveyor, Stace
The property and construction industry is a key proponent of building a sustainable future accessible to all. This can only be achieved by incorporating a diverse range of perspectives and encouraging emerging talent to work in this sector. Many young people still don’t appreciate the vast array of jobs available in property and construction, highlighting the need for further industry efforts to improve outreach to students and make these career paths appealing to a wide range of backgrounds. I’m excited to bring my experiences in education, mental health advocacy, and community engagement to the Real Estate Balance NextGen committee.
I am looking forward to working alongside the other dedicated members of NextGen to provide more young people with the opportunities that real estate has provided me.
Jessa Lee
Bethany Richards – L&D and Early Careers Advisor, Newmark
My role in Talent Development focuses on building a more diverse and inclusive real estate sector where all talent can thrive and grow. I see the importance of supporting diverse professionals by ensuring they have access to the right development and progression opportunities, while also equipping managers to foster inclusive teams and drive growth. I am committed to breaking down barriers, fostering an equitable workplace, and championing learning to set people up for success.
By collaborating with others on NextGen, I hope to create meaningful change and help shape a real estate sector that truly supports diverse talent.
Bethany Richards