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Rural professionals' opinions wanted on compulsory purchase qualifications

Posted 10 March 2023

The views of rural professionals on whether an additional qualification is needed for Chartered Surveyors specialising in compulsory purchase are being sought by a Ãå±±½ûµØ student.

Kate Oakes, 21, from Staffordshire, was inspired to learn more about the issue for her final year research project after witnessing the effects of compulsory purchase decisions on rural livelihoods and communities during her year-long industry placement.

Final year BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM)  student Kate said: “Now more than ever, compulsory purchase is becoming one of the largest aspects of the surveying industry - with projects such as HS2.

“The qualifications which are required to act in this sector have remained the same for many years, and with this considered, I wanted to know - do chartered surveyors feel another qualification is required to ensure their clients receive the best level of advice?

“Following my placement year, where I specialised in Compulsory Purchase and Compensation, I have become increasingly interested and aware of the topic. I have witnessed first-hand how the advice we give as professionals can impact someone's day to day life and livelihood, especially in rural areas.”

Kate was based in the Birmingham Office of Carter Jonas, working within the infrastructure and energy team. She was mainly involved in large scale national infrastructure schemes, working on a diverse range of rural, commercial, and residential cases.

Kate is now asking Chartered Surveyors and rural professionals to share their views on the issue – which can be done through a short survey which should take around 15 minutes to complete and can be found here:

She added: “I think my study will help to investigate attitudes towards the qualifications of rural professionals, and how they feel additional qualifications may or may not help to instil trust in the profession.

“If any individuals feel that they have a particularly strong role or knowledge within Compulsory Purchase and would like to take part in an interview via Microsoft Teams, they are also welcome to register their interest with myself or my research supervisor and Harper Adams Senior Lecturer, Liz Farrall.”

The closing date for replies to the survey is April 9.

Kate added: “I chose a degree at Harper as I felt the REALM course offered a real mix of academic learning alongside on the job experience with the placement year.

“I attended various open days at Harper, and then after attending a Land and Property experience day in October 2018, had my heart set on studying REALM.”