Based at Henley Business School at the University of Reading, Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) works to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between academia and practice, striving to move the Real Estate industry forward. We do this through three key pillars of activity; encouraging diverse talent to join the industry, supporting early career researchers to explore new ideas, and connecting academics with industry professionals to inform future research that enables the industry to positively impact society and informs policy and practice.

Pathways to Property, led by RREF, was established as a response to the recognized lack of diversity within the real estate industry. Through a successful outreach program, the project exposes students from less advantaged and non-traditional backgrounds to opportunities within the property industry. In addition, the project works with teachers and careers advisors to provide them with valuable information about the industry which can be passed onto their students.

The aims of the Pathways to Property project are:

• To raise awareness of and aspirations about the diverse range of careers within the sector amongst talented students from various backgrounds, increasing the link between the industry and its future talent pool

• To increase the diversity of applications for property related degrees and apprenticeship program by promoting a career in the property industry and providing students from less advantaged and non-traditional backgrounds with support into the industry through their participation on the program.