13 September 2021

The University of Westminster is pleased to announce the beginning of its partnership with Shaftesbury through the selection of its inaugural scholar, Nathan Probert. Shaftesbury PLC is a FTSE 250-listed real estate investment trust focusing on investments and community development in London’s West End. 

The company has awarded £30,000 over the next two years to support a Westminster student from a disadvantaged economic background studying on the Real Estate BSc course. The scholarship is designed to cover the costs of both the tuition fees and maintenance costs of living and studying in the capital and will alleviate any financial barriers to education.

This scholarship represents the beginning of Westminster’s partnership with Shaftesbury. The partnership will add to the company’s ongoing support towards creating opportunities for marginalised or disadvantaged young people to advance in the property sector - recognised as one of the less diverse sectors in the UK economy. 

Shaftesbury also supports real estate introductory programmes such as the Pathways to Property initiative at the University of Reading, and is a member of the Real Estate Balance, an organisation whose mission is to improve gender diversity in senior positions across the industry, and Freehold, a leading networking forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender real estate professionals. Furthermore, as a supporter of the districts of London that the University is active in, such as Soho and Fitzrovia, it is hoped the trust will continue to engage with opportunities available across University campuses.

Talking about the scholarship, Andrew Price, Chair of the Community Investment Committee and Property Director at Shaftesbury said: “We are delighted to have formed this partnership with the University of Westminster and to be supporting the first beneficiary, Nathan Probert.

“We value our local communities and are committed to ensuring we make a positive contribution to the future of the West End. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive difference this partnership will have, delivering sustainable benefits for scholars while helping to break down barriers within the property sector.”

Nathan, this year’s scholar added: “Being selected as the first Shaftesbury scholar is a truly life-changing moment and I am still in complete shock and disbelief that this has happened to me. The work experience opportunity with Shaftesbury will allow me to apply my University studies into the workplace, help me make informed career decisions and prepare me for full-time work in the property industry. In addition, the significant economic support that is provided as part of the programme will alleviate financial pressures and allow me to fully dedicate myself to my degree.”

Jordan Scammell, Head of Development at the University of Westminster said: “I am delighted to announce this partnership with Shaftesbury and the University of Westminster, and the life-changing opportunity it will provide to our inaugural scholar – Nathan. Alongside the generous scholarship package, the opportunity to be mentored by Shaftesbury employees and gain work experience within the company will really set Nathan on the path of a fantastic career in Real Estate. I look forward to seeing Nathan’s progress and building upon this opportunity long-term with Shaftesbury.”

To find out how you or your organisation can support students like Nathan at the University of Westminster, please email [email protected].