Social Investment and Property
The Social Investment and Property (SIP) department at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea was established as part of the Housing and Social Investment Directorate in Housing in 2020. We are currently looking for innovative, experienced and diverse individuals to join our dynamic team!
As SIP, we are passionate about making a difference in local government property projects and handling. This is how our five main functions currently do it:
- Social Investment - We are dedicated to maximising social value from our property and transactions. By collaborating with various teams across the Council, including Communities, Procurement, and Housing Management, we ensure that our efforts produce meaningful outcomes for our residents. Join us and be part of a team that truly makes a difference!
- Operational Property - We manage the Council’s impressive property estate, valued at around £540 million. With over 175 assets under our care, we are committed to maintaining and optimising these properties to generate significant capital receipts, income, and revenue savings – We are continuously focusing on making sure all of our properties are health and safety compliant as well as cost effective for the Council. If you hold any property qualifications and a passion for efficiency, we want you in our team.
- Strategic Property - Our team is responsible for managing the Council’s diverse £235 million commercial property portfolio, which includes nearly 300 properties across a range of sectors, such as retail, office spaces, community centres and educational buildings. In addition to overseeing the properties, we also manage the leasing of the operational portfolio, as well as properties used by the voluntary and community sector. Through our activities, including lettings, rent reviews, and lease renewals, we generate a significant and vital revenue stream for the Council. Our work plays a crucial role in supporting the financial sustainability of the Council and enhancing its ability to serve the community. As part of our ongoing efforts, we continuously seek to identify cost-saving opportunities and enhance income generation to ensure the best use of our portfolio. If you’re passionate about strategic thinking, have a sharp eye for property management, and possess the necessary qualifications to thrive in this field, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact!
- Capital Programme PMO - We ensure that projects within the Capital Programme are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Managing a substantial budget of around £180 million for the corporate capital programme and £100 million for the departmental (SIP) capital programme, we focus on delivering value for residents and developing the Council’s Asset Strategy as we create a centre of excellence for the Council. If you’re passionate about project management and delivering high-quality results, we’d love to have you join us.
- Capital Delivery and delivery of the Council’s , New Homes programme - We are on a mission to address the critical shortage of affordable housing by building 600 new homes. Our ambitious Capital Programme, valued at £285 million, includes this residential new build initiative, our award-winning portfolio of new home builds so far has been created by experts in property and the team works with a range of stakeholders internally and externally to create affordable and reliable housing for our residents. If you are excited about making a tangible impact on housing and community development, come be a part of our journey.
- Asset Strategy - The Asset Strategy team plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Council's property portfolio supports the ambitions of the Council Plan. The team is focusing on setting out the future direction of the use of Council land and property, including acquisitions and disposals. They prioritise areas for investment, such as temporary accommodation, adult care, care leavers, and office accommodation. The team also develops high-level plans for delivering the strategy through various projects and a five-year maintenance programme whilst making sure Council-owned properties are safe, accessible, and efficient to meet the needs of the communities and staff who use them. If you have the skills in asset management and strategy, we would love to have you.
Our aims for the next year
- To continue to work with our colleagues in Housing Needs and Housing Management to supply more new affordable homes.
- To create stability and innovation within our teams that allow staff to complete all projects in given timeframes and within budget.
- To continue to make sure our diverse portfolio of operational and commercial properties are utilised effectively to generate revenue that can be reinvested into local services and initiatives for the Council.
