So, what are the steps to establishing a robust property function within a charity retailer in order to mitigate and manage property costs?
1. Accountability
Understand and agree who should do what by creating simple property processes and back these up with appropriate training. The processes should include accountabilities and clarify hand offs and escalations.
2. Data
Establish a single source of property data so that there is a shared understanding of all relevant information. The data recorded should enable those who are accountable for property operations to perform their roles effectively.
3. Governance
Having established a reliable database, the challenge is then to keep it up to date. This is best achieved through defined responsibilities and by embedding data capture into processes where possible.
4. Look back
Review your data to see if any actions have been missed. Is there an outstanding rent review that has not been budgeted for? Are there repairs that you had not realised you were responsible for? Honesty and pragmatism are called for here. Once you know what the issues are, you can make a plan to address and not repeat them.
5. Look forward
Now you know your portfolio. You understand the issues and your team have clarity and training as to the property elements of their roles. You can now look forward in order to anticipate events, adapt to changing circumstances and to plan activity. This will ensure that property becomes a real enabler to lowering overheads and generating income for your charity.
Many organisations will already have sound processes in place but others may not. I offer solutions ranging from a simple initial health check of current process, through to a full property process transformation.
Please contact me for an initial chat.
Justin Plumpton
Plumpton Consulting Ltd
justinplumpton@gmail.com
Justin Plumpton is a brand new Corporate Member of the Charity Retail Association and Cloakroom Sponsor at the Charity Retail Conference, 25-26 June 2025. Read more about Plumpton Consulting
