DCS Founder becomes ‘first’ black Liveryman of the WCCS

They say that good things come to those who wait; and even though in many ways, 2020 has been a year of ‘quite challenging’ firsts, there are still many positives to acknowledge and share.

That the world remains in a state of perpetual flux, must not preclude our collective need to look out for those less well off and/or in dire straits, whatever those needs may be. True leadership requires empathy, just as much as it requires steadfast, logical decision making with a focus on profit, hopefully with purpose. Fellowship is sought by every human being across the globe, now more than ever before and we are proud to confirm, that at their Quarterly Court Meeting [held on 8th July 2020], DCS Founder and Chairman, Bola Abisogun OBE, was also afforded solace by his peer group, drawn from across the Surveying profession.

With diversity and inclusion being proffered as an integral component of the Company's progression, Bola’s admission, as the 'first male of black origin', has successfully achieved gender parity for its black members. Further research, into the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors 'WCCS' has also revealed that Ms Desrine Oak was admitted as the first woman of black origin to join the Company. In fact, the decision to approach Bola had been built on a 15year, arms-length working relationship with Past Master William Hill, a fellow Chartered Surveyor and Chairman of the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust ‘CSTT'. As part of its Surveying Apprenticeship offer, as it says on their website, “….the CSTT exists to promote the life changing opportunity of surveying and built environment, in collaboration with our Employers…..”. The initial attraction between Bola and the CSTT began almost two decades ago, with the support provided by them towards young people, regardless of their academic, social or financial circumstances. In fact, the CSTT was established by the ‘WCCS’ to help individuals overcome the barriers they face in pursuing a career in Surveying and was acquired by UCEM in December 2017. Its ‘unique’ social value exists and continues through today and has been seamlessly intertwined into the fabric of the WCCS livery company, who themselves maintain charitable aims, with a focus on promoting the value of education to young people in schools, colleges and other learning institutions. The market leading 'virtual / online' teaching capability at UCEM will continue to ensure that the Govt led digital skills agenda alongside that proffered by CDBB will be better understood, exploited and baked into the career learning of current and future UCEM / CSTT learners.

On the same day, [08.07.20] the announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak sought to underpin additional support for placements and traineeships and, further promote the apprenticeship route, all of which has been welcomed by DCS; Bola had this to say:

“My admission to the Worshipful Company, was a fabulous ‘virtual’ experience and one that will be remembered for all of the right reasons. The simultaneous group hand-shake, was well received and sought to demonstrate just another of the ‘new-norms’ that we now have to contend with and adjust to. However, the focus remains on the existing and future talent pool across the Surveying profession; ensuring that all options remain readily available to those who seek entry into and career progression without undue challenge, trial and/or tribulation. At DiverseCity Surveyors, we will continue to do whatever we can to ensure that people from the BAME community, feel empowered to join and thrive in their pursuit of excellence based upon their ‘individual potential’. In closing, I’d like to personally and publicly thank my sponsors, William Hill [Past Master], Amanda Clack PPRICS and Louise Brooke-Smith OBE PPRICS.”

With a focus on the RICS '2020 Futures Report', Bola will be joining the successful and continued efforts of fellow Chartered Surveyors to progress the WCCS-led strategy and implementation on both the Education and Marketing & Communications Committees.