Updated: 25th July, 2025
Created: 17th July, 2024
Robert joined Barker in 2002 and is a Partner based in our Braintree office. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he has over 20 years’ experience of all core building surveying services and provides strategic estates advice to key accounts in the education, commercial, ecclesiastical and public sectors.
An education specialist, he provides the following services: estates and energy strategy, asset management planning, project management and capital funding applications.
Robert works closely with clients to plan and implement energy efficiency and sustainability strategies to save money, reduce carbon emissions and meet ESG objectives.
As a RICS Certified Historic Buildings Professional he provides conservation consultancy for clients with listed and historic buildings.
Robert is an experienced APC Assessor and Chairman and is also an external examiner for Anglia Ruskin University
As a Partner Robert leads the Business Development and Marketing function at Barker, builds relationships with key sector bodies and helps steer the strategic growth of the company.
Email: rgould@barker-associates.co.uk
Tel: 01279 648057
UPDATE: The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) closed on 31st March 2025, and its functions transferred to the DfE in April 2025. Prior to this, ESFA was an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE) responsible for funding education and skills providers in England.
At Barker, we specialise in unlocking vital grant funding opportunities for educational sector clients, particularly funding channelled through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). As seasoned experts in navigating the intricate landscape of education finance, we understand the significance of securing funding to drive your organisation’s growth and success.
Our comprehensive understanding of ESFA funding rules, including the latest ESFA funding rules for the 2023/24 academic year, ensures that your institution remains fully compliant while maximising available funding streams. Whether it’s ESFA 16-19 funding, ESFA CIF funding, or other avenues, our consultants provide strategic guidance tailored to your institution’s specific needs and objectives.
With our deep knowledge of ESFA funding guidance and regulations, we guide you through every step of the funding process, from initial assessment to bid preparation, project delivery and ongoing compliance. Our goal is not only to secure funding but also to empower your institution to effectively deploy the resources needed to thrive in today’s educational landscape.
Partnering with Barker means gaining access to a dedicated team of professionals committed to your institution’s success. We provide personalised support and guidance, ensuring that you make informed decisions and maximise your funding potential. Let us demystify ESFA funding and help you unlock the resources needed to propel your organisation forward.
Curious to learn more about Education & Skills Funding Agency funding and how it can benefit your institution? Reach out to Barker today, and let’s embark on a journey to secure the funding you need to achieve your educational goals. With our expertise and your vision, the possibilities are limitless.
Barker’s bid writing team worked tirelessly using their knowledge and expertise to display a well-planned and compelling bid, followed by their project team carefully managing the works.
– School Business Manager, Hedingham School & Sixth Form College
Our experience and vision have shaped hundreds of projects across sectors, from energy and funding to architecture and design, helping bring ideas to life.
