Created: 14th January, 2026
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
The Department for Education has issued new guidance reminding education providers to prepare for the UK-wide switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), and copper-based services by January 2027.
While this change is being led by telecoms providers, its implications for schools, trusts, and wider education estates are significant and require early, strategic action.
Legacy phone lines often underpin far more than voice calls. Across education estates, PSTN and ISDN connections are commonly embedded within fire and security alarms, CCTV, lifts, access controls, cashless catering, emergency phones and assistive technologies.
Without proactive planning, the switch-off presents a real risk of service failure, compliance gaps and unplanned costs.
Senior leaders should ensure their estates teams are:
Although 2027 may feel distant, telecoms providers are already withdrawing services. Early action reduces risk, avoids emergency replacements and enables better value through planned procurement.
Barker supports education clients with estate audits, digital readiness assessments and capital planning, ensuring estates remain safe, compliant and future-proofed.
Prepare your education estate for the PSTN and ISDN switch-off. Read the guidance here.
If you’d like to discuss how prepared your estate is, get in touch with our education estates team.
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