06th May 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of running our schools. In this session Robert Gould, Partner, Barker answers some of your most pressing questions relating to estate management and construction contracts. The session looks at overall estates management strategy with a focus on....
06th May 2020
Everybody wants to see action on climate change and improvements to the life chances of young people. The education sector is in a unique position to benefit from the energy savings and income-generating opportunities afforded by effective energy management strategies. In this webinar, Jonathan Co....
04th May 2020
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been profound and far reaching in society and not least in the education sector. With schools, colleges and universities all locking their gates on the 20th March 2020, buildings have been left unoccupied. Yet with most non-essential construction also pause....
27th April 2020
The DfE has published new guidance on managing school premises, which are partially open, during the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance adds further information on wider reopening of schools in June. There are increased risks related to safety concerns around water hygiene, building and occupa....
21st April 2020
Rory Kennedy, DfE's Director of Capital set out the DfE’s approach to capital projects in his letter to schools yesterday. The letter outlines DfE’s position on capital funding and how schools’ responsible bodies can address their building projects in light of Covid-19. Key points ....
20th April 2020
This is a summary of the key funding rounds available to education clients with key dates highlighted where published and latest news on CIF and SCA announcements. 1. CIF (Condition Improvement Fund) The Condition Improvement Fund is an annual bidding round for eligible academies....
20th April 2020
The Confederation of Schools Trusts (CST) has been advocating hard on behalf of school trusts and is offering guidance and advice on operational issues surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some key items are highlighted below. GCSE and A-level results days The Secretary of State, has confirmed that ....
20th April 2020
Everyone wants to see action on climate change and improvements to the life chances of young people. The education sector is in a unique position to benefit from the energy savings and income-generating opportunities afforded by LED lighting and PV installations to achieve these twin objectives. A ....
15th April 2020
The Department for Education has announced School Condition Allocation (SCA) amounts for 2020/21. SCA is the annual funding the DfE allocates to help maintain and improve the condition of school buildings and grounds. You can view the full list of allocations here. Both this SCA....
15th April 2020
Barker has worked with the Academies Enterprise Trust for over 10 years. We support the Trust with their strategic estates development, building compliance and capital projects. Specifically, this work involves: Pre-acquisition due diligence access audits – to identify compliance with the ....
04th April 2020
Rising costs, funding cuts and detrimental effects on the environment has made everyone including schools want to review their energy provision, cut their energy consumption and adopt eco-friendly operational options. The difficulty for schools however is where to start. Based on the feedback....
03rd April 2020
Research shows typically over 50% of a school’s energy is consumed when there are no students in the building. Of this, the greatest demand comes from lighting and IT. Here are some simple and effective solutions that can help lower your school’s energy consumption and save money in the....
02nd April 2020
There has been a further delay in announcing the Condition Improvement Fund outcomes. The ESFA has confirmed that the outcomes of CIF 2020/21 round will be announced in June. Historically, CIF has been announced in April each year, however this year's delay is an exception due to the Covid-19....
01st April 2020
At the time of writing (01/04/20) there has been no clear direction from the Government enforcing the closure of construction sites. It is therefore essential that employers and contractors consider the provision within their contracts to determine what rights and duties the parties have under such ....
01st April 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of our schools. Here we answer some of your most pressing questions relating to estate management and construction contracts. Q: What should we be doing with our unoccupied buildings? A: It is unlikely, even in these extraordinary times, that an ed....
23rd March 2020
At Barker we currently have a vacancy within our structural and civil engineering team for a Project Engineer. This is an exciting role based at our Head office in Braintree offering excellent career development opportunities. As a Project Engineer you will be working on a range of civil and ....
19th March 2020
Due to our continued growth we currently have vacancies for three Building Surveyors who will work on a wide range of projects and professional services in the education, residential and commercial sectors. One position will be based at our Cambridge Office, one in London and the other at our Birmi....
17th March 2020
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak develops we want to keep you informed on the steps we are taking at Barker to minimise disruption to operations and maintain the wellbeing of our staff and clients. Operations We are continuing to operate a full service out of our offices in Braintree, London....
05th March 2020
Barker's Cambridge based team of building surveyors and project managers has moved into a new office premises at Stow Court. The new office will enable them to provide their comprehensive building services to clients and industry colleagues as well as providing the team a modern, spacious and....
20th February 2020
Barker is pleased to have achieved Constructionline’s Gold membership certification. The certification validates Barker’s compliance with Constructionline’s enhanced PAS 91 criteria to become an approved and accredited construction services supplier. Constructionline conduct ve....
28th January 2020
Barker is pleased to continue upholding its CHAS Health & Safety Compliance Accreditation this year again. The certificate of accreditation is awarded to Barker for having demonstrated compliance with CHAS standards in line with SSIP Core Critera and UK Health & Safety legistation and....
17th January 2020
Barker are delighted to announce a strategic partnership with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). CST is the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England advocating for, connecting and supporting executive and governance leaders. CST work with selected sector leaders and....
16th January 2020
A summary of the key funding rounds available to education clients with key dates highlighted where published. 1. CIF (Condition Improvement Fund) The Condition Improvement Fund is an annual bidding round for eligible academies and sixth-form colleges to apply for capital funding....
16th January 2020
Government funding announcements: The new government was quick to confirm the £14billion funding pledge made before the election. This included a £780million package for SEND. Education Executive discussed the issues surrounding SEND funding in a feature in December 2019. Click here fo....
16th January 2020
In this, the second in a series of short articles about condition surveys for schools, we will look at methods of data collection and handling and give advice on interpretation of the data and how it can be used to make optimum strategic decisions to benefit the estate. In the first part of this se....
14th January 2020
The Partners are delighted to announce the opening of Barker Associates' new office in London. The office is located at 63 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8AA. Our practice has experienced a steady growth and unprecedented expansion in recent years. Operating alongside our head office in Braintree a....
06th January 2020
We are delighted to announce the promotion of John Lewin as Partner in recognition of his continued hard work, commitment and contribution to the management of the practice. John, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors joined Barker Associates as an Associate Partner in 2016. He is ....
19th December 2019
From the Partners and everyone here at Barker Associates, we wish all of our clients, business partners and colleagues a Wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Please note our offices will be closed from Tuesday 24th December 1pm and re-open on 2nd January 2020.....
25th November 2019
Barker Associates are delighted to be recognised as Kids Inspire’s Corporate Supporter 2019. At their Annual Charity Gala last week, Kids Inspire awarded Barker Associates a certificate of appreciation as ‘Corporate Supporter 2019’ in recognition of our fundraising achievement and....
04th November 2019
We currently have a vacancy for a competent full-time Personal Assistant based in our London office. This role would suit a well organised candidate with good interpersonal skills and fully experienced in Microsoft office. The main duties will include answering & directing telephone call....
31st October 2019
Barker Associates are returning to the Schools & Academies Show at the NEC, Birmingham this year again. Our education estates specialists will be on Stand J35 showcasing our projects, funding application successes and the revolutionary eo portal. Come, take a look how at how we are helping our ....
31st October 2019
This year ISBL’s National Conference will focus on how professionals can illuminate their own leadership and that of their colleagues; both within their own setting and across the sector. Barker Associates are delighted to be a part of the upcoming ISBL National Conference. On Stand 78 we wil....
29th October 2019
The CIF 2020/21 bidding application window is now open. Barker Associates is one of the country’s leading education property consultants and secured over £26million in funding in the last round. Academies and Sixth Form Colleges across England can now bid for a share of more than ....
18th October 2019
Last evening saw the opening of the New Dance and Drama Building at Hendon School. The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet Councillor Caroline Stock officiated the opening at a gala ceremony. Hendon School is a popular and highly subscribed secondary school rated ‘Outstanding....
08th October 2019
Applications to the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2020/21 round are due to be announced this month. CIF is the annual funding available to eligible Academies and Sixth Form Colleges. Administered by the ESFA, CIF supports projects that address compliance, health and safety issues and maintenance....
08th October 2019
We have vacancy for an Administrator to join our team in Birmingham. The candidate will proactively support all aspects of the day to day life of the business playing a key role in ensuring effective communication between the company, its clients and partners. This role will suit someone who is a r....
08th October 2019
Due to success on a number of recent projects we are looking to recruit an experienced Quantity Surveyor/Employers Agent to provide both pre and post contract cost consultancy advice. Based at our head office in Braintree, the successful candidate will ideally be MRICS qualified from a private prac....
27th September 2019
Barker Associates were announced winners of the Professional Services Award at the Business Excellence Awards Essex 2019 last night. Sponsored by Kingswood Group, the Award for Professional Services recognises the high standard and quality of care and service provided by a company and added value i....
19th August 2019
Here is a summary of the key funding rounds available to education clients with key dates highlighted where published. CIF (Condition Improvement Fund) The Condition Improvement Fund is an annual bidding round for eligible academies and sixth-form colleges to apply for capital funding. The priori....
19th August 2019
Government funding announcements: The next spending review was due to take place before the summer recess but political events and delays to Brexit have put this on hold. The new Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson (replacing Damian Hinds) has started in post but is yet to make any formal announ....
19th August 2019
In this, the first in a series of short articles about condition surveys for schools, we will look at the importance of accurate condition survey data, how it can help the estate management function and provide some guidance on procuring surveys to ensure you are getting the most useful output from ....
19th August 2019
Everyone wants to see action on climate change and improvements to the life chances of young people. The education sector is in a unique position to benefit from the energy savings and income-generating opportunities afforded by LED lighting and PV installations to achieve these twin objectives. A ....
14th August 2019
Due to our continued growth we currently have vacancy for a Building Surveyor/Project Surveyor, who will work on a wide range of projects and professional services in the education, residential and commercial sectors. The position will be based at our office in Birmingham and offers good remun....
18th July 2019
We currently have a vacancy for a competent full-time receptionist who has a good telephone manner and is a proficient typist to join our team at our Braintree office. The candidate will provide a professional service to complement the Admin Team in order to ensure smooth running of the main office....
16th July 2019
Barker Associates were delighted to attend Leigh Academies Trust's PCA England Masters Cricket Gala at Bexley Cricket Club, on Friday 5th July 2019. Attendees enjoyed a fantastic day’s cricket starting with a primary school kwik cricket festival and finishing with a 25 overs match between the....
10th July 2019
Barker Associates are proud to announce that our partner, EO Consulting is an approved supplier on Government’s Digital Marketplace Framework - G-Cloud 11 Framework, following a successful application. This means that schools and other public sector bodies can access our Strategic Estate Man....
01st July 2019
Our Partners Stuart White and William Bidewell took part in the Essex to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge in aid of Kids Inspire on 28-30 June 2019. They successfully completed the challenge and achieved their fundraising target. Forming part of the 39 member Kids Inspire team, Stuart and Will rode 140 mi....
20th June 2019
Due to continued growth we currently have a vacancy for an APC level or Chartered Building Surveyor to work and assist in the development of our busy Survey Department at our head office in Braintree. The role offers a highly competitive remuneration package together with career prospects. Principa....
17th June 2019
Since opening a branch office in Birmingham in December 2018, our team and work in and around the area has grown steadily. Reflecting this progress, the team has moved into new premises. The new office is located at - 4 The Cloisters, 12 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1NP Our practice has ....
13th June 2019
Everyone wants to see action on climate change, as demonstrated through the recent students strike and extinction rebellion protests. Students, in particular, are asking schools what they are doing to reduce their carbon emissions. At Barker Associates, we can secure you the funding that would redu....
29th May 2019
Barker Associates is actively engaged in promoting student and staff achievements in and beyond the classrooms. Throughout the year we support various activities that encourage and celebrate student accomplishments. This year we are proud to support The Academies Enterprise Trust’s – A ....
25th April 2019
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) recently announced its allocation of Condition Improvement Funding (CIF) for 2019-20. The limited funding available and excessive number of applications received means that the ESFA are unable to fund all projects. Following an assessment of the feedba....
05th April 2019
The Education and Skills Funding Agency announced its allocation of Condition Improvement Fund 2019-2020. It has been yet another successful year of CIF bids for Barker Associates with over £25 million funding won for our academy clients. 70 of our submissions have been granted funding. Succe....
29th March 2019
A summary of the key funding rounds available to education clients with key dates highlighted where published 1. CIF (Condition Improvement Fund) The Condition Improvement Fund is an annual bidding round for eligible academies and sixth-form colleges to apply for capital funding.....
29th March 2019
Government funding announcements: Spring Statement 2019 Philip Hammond will have disappointed many in the education sector with his Spring statement. The Chancellor announced additional funding to tackle knife crime, housing and the environment but no significant announcements for education fundin....
29th March 2019
It is an issue that provokes fierce debate but is becoming an increasingly important decision to be made by schools. What is the best way to accommodate mixed sex and transgender pupils’ sanitary accommodation needs? Moves to gender neutral toilets in the education and commercial sectors have....
29th March 2019
Saving money and generating revenue through energy efficiency schemes is a current hot topic in the Education sector. LED lighting and Photo Voltaic Panels are being installed to schools across the country but being managed and funded in very different ways. The case study below demonstrates how an....
27th March 2019
Barker Associates and EO Consulting jointly sponsored the Creativity Prize at this year’s Ormiston Academies Trust Annual Awards. The Awards now in their fifth year recognise and celebrate the achievements of exceptional students and teachers from across the Trust’s 38 primary and second....
07th March 2019
Barker Associates are excited to be part of the Schools and Academies Show 2019. Our Education specialist Surveyors and Architects will be on Stand 1112 to talk to you about all things related to School Buildings - Condition Improvement Fund, Energy Efficiency, Compliance, Health & Safety,....
07th March 2019
The Education and Skills Funding Agency has announced the next round of Expansion Funding for Selective Schools in England and Wales. Known as the Selective Schools Expansion Fund (SSEF) the purpose of this fund is to support the expansion of selective schools where: • ....
04th February 2019
The Partners are delighted to announce the opening of Barker Associates' new branch office in Birmingham. Our practice has experienced a steady growth and unprecedented expansion over the years. Operating alongside our head office in Braintree, Cambridge and London branch offices, the Birming....
02nd January 2019
For many years now Barker has supported local charities and organisations. As a business this is an integral part of our ethos. This year Barker is pleased to announce Kids Inspire as its chosen charity. Kids Inspire is a registered charity based in Chelmsford that helps children across Essex who a....
20th November 2018
Barker Associates are actively engaged in promoting education, of successes in and beyond the classroom. Since 2010 Barker Associates have sponsored a Barker Associates LLP Special Award at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, for Construction and Built Environment degree students. The winne....
07th November 2018
The Government announced an additional £400 million capital funding for schools in the recent budget. This funding is for improvements such as to buildings, equipment and other facilities such as ICT rather than major capital projects. Eligible for this funding are; Maintained nurser....
19th October 2018
The Education and Skills Funding Agency has announced the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) 2019/20 round. CIF is the annual funding Academies and Sixth-Form Colleges can apply to. The core priority for CIF remains the condition of school buildings to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. The onl....
26th September 2018
Barker Associates are delighted to be part of the Education Estates Conference and Exhibition 2018 taking place on 16 and 17 October at Manchester Central. Barker Associates will be hosting a complimentary networking breakfast on Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS) and Condition Improve....
18th September 2018
We are thrilled at our nomination as Finalists of The Essex Business Excellence Awards 2018. Barker Associates were shortlisted for the Awards in three categories: SME of the Year, Professional Services and Company of the Year. The Essex Business Excellence Awards aim to celebrate success, re....
13th August 2018
Barker Associates is proud to annouce the provision of Sustainability and Structural & Civil Engineering services in-house as part of the practice's strategy to provide a one-stop solution for its clients. Dedicated teams of professional consultants are in place. They are highly knowledge....
18th July 2018
Barker Associates are delighted to announce the academic successes of our surveyors - Thomas Lynch, Calum Torpey and Sami Orhan. Thomas successfully completed his APC assessment in June 2018 to achieve his RICS Chartership. He is now a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.&nbs....
10th July 2018
Barker Associates were delighted to attend Leigh Academies Trust PCA England Masters Cricket Gala at Bexley Cricket Club on Friday 30th June 2018. The event raised over £17,000 for students throughout the Leigh Academies Trust. Attendees enjoyed a fantastic day's cricket starting with a ....
14th June 2018
We currently have a vacancy for an APC level or Chartered Building Surveyor to work and assist in the development of our busy survey department. The position will be based in our Braintree Head Office and will offer a highly competitive remuneration package together with career prospects. We work o....
12th June 2018
The role will focus on support, development and delivery of projects within a team of existing Building Surveyors. This position will be based at our Cambridge Office and will offer both good remuneration packages and career prospects. Principal tasks will include: Assisting in Measure Surveys a....
07th June 2018
Due to our continued success and growing business demands we currently have a vacancy for a Graduate Structural Engineer. You will be working on a range of projects from concept design through approvals to construction, preparing calculations and technical design information to deliver innova....
02nd June 2018
Due to our continued growth we are looking to recruit a Senior Building Surveyor. The role will focus on development and delivery of projects within a team of existing Building Surveyors based in our head office in Braintree. Requirements Ideally an experienced Senior Building Surveyor, with Ed....
30th May 2018
We have a unique opportunity for a Structural CAD Technician to be part of a newly formed Structural Engineers department which we are looking to expand over the next few years. Initially you will be working directly with our Associate Partner assisting him with an exciting and diverse portfoli....
11th May 2018
The Education and Skills Funding Agency has announced Expansion Funding for Selective Schools in England and Wales. Known as the Selective Schools Expansion Fund (SSEF) the purpose of the Selective Schools Expansion Fund (SSEF) is to support the expansion of selective schools where: &n....
22nd March 2018
Barker Associates and EO consulting jointly sponsored the ‘Budding Linguist Award’ at the recently held Ormiston Academies Trust’s Annual Awards & Dinner 2018. The Awards now in their fourth year recognise and celebrate the achievements of exceptional students and teachers from....
13th November 2017
Barker Associates are delighted to be associated with Anglia Ruskin University’s Engineering & Built Environment Department. The Employability team in conjunction with the department organise events throughout the year to provide their students a chance to get to know employers, learn....
23rd October 2017
Barker Associates are actively engaged in promoting education, of successes in and beyond the class room. Since 2010 Barker Associates have sponsored a Barker Associates LLP Special Award at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford for degree students. The winner of the Barker Associates LLP Special Aw....
12th October 2017
Due to continued growth we currently have a vacancy for a Trainee Building Surveyor. The role will focus on support, development and delivery of projects within a team of existing Building Surveyors. This position will be based at our Braintree Head Office. Principal tasks will include: Assistin....
30th August 2017
The Partners are delighted to announce that Philippa Reed has been shortlisted for the prestigeous RICS Young Surveyor of the Year Award 2017 in the Building Surveying category. As a Chartered Surveyor and a Certified Historic Buildings Professional, Philippa has always demonstrated high stan....
17th July 2017
Our surveyors who took on the Three Peaks Challenge 2017 over the weekend have successfully completed the challenge in aid of PARC(Essex). The team comprised of William Bidewell, Robert Gould, Philippa Reed, Aaron Freeman, Stephen Allen, James Johnson, Peter Horton and David Mugliston. ....
08th June 2017
A public consultation event was held in the Hockerill College Library on Tuesday at which the plans for development of the College were presented. This included proposals for a new Sports Hall and a new Science Building. The event was well attended by local councillors, residents, pupils and parent....
06th June 2017
The Partners are delighted to announce the opening of Barker Associates’ new branch office in Cambridge. Our practice has experienced a steady growth and unprecedented expansion over the years. Operating alongside our head office, the Cambridge office will enable us to effectively service our....
11th May 2017
Barker Associates is delighted to announce St Michael and All Angels Church’s recent success in securing Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) via the Grants for Places of Worship Scheme of an initial grant of £19,300 to repair the Church’s historic tower. The grant will enable Barker As....
08th May 2017
Our surveying team will embark on The Three Peaks Challenge in aid of our chosen charity – PARC (Essex) during the weekend of 14th July 2017. The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in England (Scafell Pike), Wales (Snowdon) and Scotland (Ben Nevis), within 24 hour....
12th April 2017
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed that Grants for Places of Worship (GPOW) scheme will be withdrawn later this year with a final deadline for new applications of 14 August 2017. The GPOW scheme awarded £30m to listed places of worship in the UK and was an invaluable source of fundi....
12th April 2017
We currently have a vacancy for a competent full-time bookkeeper who is proficient in Microsoft Office; Excel & Sage are essential: Sage Line 50 Accounts/Payroll Sales/Purchase Ledger Credit Control Month End Management Reports Bank Reconciliations VAT Competitive salary and company p....
11th April 2017
Our growing architectural team delivers exciting and diverse portfolio of projects throughout the UK and we have an immediate need for highly motivated and technically proficient architectural staff to work on projects at all RIBA stages. Applicants are required to submit a full curriculum vitae an....
13th March 2017
Due to the constant growth and increasing projects within our Architecture team, we are looking to recruit an Architectural Team Administrator. This is a diverse role, within a team of approximately ten professionals reporting to the Architect Partner. Suitable for a well organised candidate wit....
23rd February 2017
Barker Associates will be at the Academies Show on Wednesday 26th April 2017 at ExCel London. Our academy specialist architects and surveyors will be on Stand 340 to provide information and talk through your queries on estate and funding matters. If you would like to book a free one to one consulta....
07th February 2017
A new extension was recently opened at Pear Tree Mead Primary Academy at Harlow. Barker Associates provided architectural services working with Borras Construction. The project provides additional accommodation for a half Form of Entry expansion to 420 pupils and includes the provision of 4 new cla....
13th December 2016
For many years now Barker Associates has supported local charities and organisations. As a business this is an integral part of our ethos. This year Barker Associates are pleased to announce PARC (Essex) http://www.parc-essex.co.uk/as its chosen Charity of the Year. PARC (Essex) is a local register....
22nd November 2016
The Partners are pleased to announce the promotion of Aaron Freeman and Philippa Reed to Associate status in recognition of their contribution to the practice. Aaron has been an important part of the surveying team since 2014, gaining and developing skills in Building Surveys, Fire Risk Ass....
10th November 2016
Barker Associates are actively engaged in promoting education, of successes in and beyond the class room. Since 2010 Barker Associates have sponsored a Barker Associates LLP Special Award at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford for degree students. The winner of the Barker Associates LLP ....
21st October 2016
We are pleased to announce that planning permission has been granted for an expansion project at Cheam Park Farm Junior School. The design proposals submitted by Barker Associates were approved by Sutton Council. The core project object is to provide additional accommodation and internal remodellin....
30th August 2016
The Partners at Barker Associates are pleased to announce that the practice is successfully appointed on Braintree District Council’s Construction Consultancy Services Framework 2016. During this four year Framework Agreement Barker Associates will provide Quantity Surveying, Principal Designe....
25th August 2016
Bungay High School commissioned Barker Associates to submit a CIF bid for new cladding and windows at the School to replace the existing Crittall windows at the site. The bid was successful and we designed, specified and project managed the resultant scheme which will probably be Phase 1 of....
22nd July 2016
Barker Associates are pleased to announce that Senior Surveyor Philippa Reed has just been approved for inclusion on list of the Approved List of Architects and Surveyors for the Diocese of St Albans and Diocese of Chelmsford. Philippa has been involved with the Diocese of St Albans for a number of ....
22nd March 2016
Barker Associates will be at The Academies Show on Wednesday 20th April 2016 at London Excel. Join us at Stand 672 where our surveyors and architects will be at hand to discuss CIF funding, project management and other estates management related matters. If you would like to a book a free one-to-on....