Recommendation 21

There is a shortage of skilled property management professionals across departments. If the perceived value of working in the public sector property profession has declined, or levels of pay are no longer considered attractive, his would be a matter of concern for the long term health of the profession. The NAO reported that the government set the ambitions in its property strategy for 2022 to 2030 to achieve 90% accreditation of property professionals at grade 7 and above by 2030 and to grow and approve early talent programmes. The strategy does not address future skills resilience or how property professionals should be placed across the civil service to ensure all departments are able to strategically manage their assets.42 The Cabinet Office has hit its recruitment targets by recruiting 302 apprentices, 61 graduates and 60 property surveyors by September 2024, and is on track to meet its accreditation rate ambitions.43 The OGP stated that it is providing cross–training programmes for professionals to update their skills, abilities and capabilities, in addition to holding regular forums to share best practice and fill gaps.44 36 C&AG’s Report, paras 3.11–3.12 37 Q 67 38 C&AG’s Report, para 3.12 39 Letter from the Cabinet Office, dated 11 April 2025 40 Q 53 41 Letter from the Cabinet Office, dated 11 April 2025 42 C&AG’s Report, para 4.2 43 Qq 30, 76; C&AG’s Report, Figure 11 44 Q 30 15