The charity sector in England and Wales : A framework for strategic evaluation of operational property

Purpose – To share the author's experience in advising not for profit occupiers on relocation strategy and implementation and to draw conclusions that apply across all occupier sectors. Design/methodology/approach – An examination of the issues impacting the charity sector's selection of operational property with a pros and cons analysis of the benefits of ownership versus leasing. Policy implications are addressed by way of conclusion. Findings – Identifies a tendency for decisions to be taken without the support of a financial framework and to be biased towards an ownership approach, following investment rather than strategic objectives. The need is highlighted to prioritise operational needs and treat property as a business resource. Originality/value – The paper offers an insight into how property decisions are reached in the not for profit sector, an area not widely addressed by analysis or research. The paper is useful to CRE managers in highlighting policy implications and best practice for property selection generally.