Rightmove renews support for Women in Estate Agency until 2028

Rightmove renews support for Women in Estate Agency until 2028

Rightmove has confirmed a two-year extension of its partnership with Women in Estate Agency, backing the organisation’s events, regional network and training programmes through to summer 2028.

Rightmove has renewed its partnership with Women in Estate Agency (WiEA), extending support for a further two years until summer 2028. This continuation marks the fourth consecutive year of collaboration, providing WiEA with stable backing for its flagship annual event, its UK-wide Regional Champions network, and its practical training programme, which offers places at an affordable rate of £99. The partnership enables WiEA to plan and develop initiatives with greater certainty for the coming years.

Women in Estate Agency is a movement representing over 5,000 women in the sector, focusing on equal opportunities and career progression for women alongside men. Verona Frankish, WiEA chair, emphasises that the organisation is not merely a networking group but a community that supports women at all levels within estate and letting agencies. Rightmove’s continued support is seen as crucial in helping WiEA expand its reach and impact across the industry.

Details of the partnership and its significance

WiEA’s partnership with Rightmove includes support for its flagship event, which has grown in attendance and influence every year, as well as the Regional Champions network that connects women across the UK to share knowledge and encouragement. The practical training programme offers accessible development opportunities at a low cost, addressing a key barrier for many women seeking to advance their careers in estate and letting agencies.

Verona Frankish highlights that WiEA’s approach is inclusive, aiming to ensure every woman in the industry has equal chances to progress, backed by a broad community rather than focusing on a select few. The partnership with Rightmove, a leading property portal, lends significant industry credibility and resources, allowing WiEA to expand its initiatives and maintain momentum.

Jason Charles, Head of Events and Education at Rightmove, notes that WiEA provides a unique platform where women can openly discuss their careers and receive peer support. He states that the decision to continue the partnership was straightforward given the positive feedback from attendees and the growing impact of WiEA’s events. Rightmove sees the collaboration as a direct way to promote equality and opportunity within estate and letting agencies.

Context of diversity and inclusion in the UK rental sector

The UK rental sector, including estate and letting agencies, has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding diversity and inclusion. While women represent a significant proportion of the workforce, leadership roles and career progression opportunities have historically been less accessible. Organisations like WiEA aim to address these disparities by fostering networks, providing training, and advocating for systemic change.

Rightmove’s involvement is notable because property portals play a central role in the housing market ecosystem, influencing industry standards and practices. Their support for WiEA signals a broader recognition within the sector of the importance of diversity and inclusion initiatives, which can improve workplace culture and service quality.

For landlords and letting agents, a more diverse and inclusive industry can translate into better understanding of tenant needs and more effective property management. While this partnership does not directly change tenancy law or landlord obligations, it contributes to shaping the professional environment in which rental properties are managed.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Although the partnership primarily benefits estate and letting agency professionals, landlords with portfolios managed by agents may notice positive effects indirectly. Agencies supported by WiEA may be more committed to inclusive recruitment and training, potentially leading to a more skilled and diverse workforce handling lettings and property management.

Letting agents involved with WiEA’s training programmes could gain enhanced skills around communication, negotiation, and compliance, which are critical in managing tenancies effectively under evolving legislation such as the Renters’ Rights Act. This can improve tenant satisfaction and reduce disputes, benefiting landlords who rely on professional agents.

Agents and landlords should keep an eye on WiEA’s events and training offerings as potential opportunities for professional development or collaboration. The affordable training places at £99 may be accessible for smaller agencies or landlords who self-manage and wish to improve their knowledge and skills.

Uncertainties and future considerations

While the partnership renewal confirms Rightmove’s backing until 2028, the longer-term impact on industry culture and diversity remains to be seen. It is unclear how WiEA’s initiatives will evolve in response to changing market conditions or regulatory developments. The organisation’s ability to influence policy or landlord practices beyond the agency workforce is also limited.

Landlords and agents should monitor how diversity and inclusion efforts intersect with regulatory changes, especially those affecting tenant rights and property standards. Engagement with groups like WiEA may become increasingly relevant as the sector adapts to new legal requirements and expectations around fairness and equality.

What landlords and agents should consider now

Landlords and letting agents should be aware of the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the property sector. Supporting or engaging with initiatives like Women in Estate Agency can enhance professional networks and access to training that may improve service delivery and compliance.

Agents may wish to encourage staff participation in WiEA’s Regional Champions network or training programmes to build skills relevant to tenancy management and tenant relations. Landlords who self-manage could also explore these resources to stay informed about industry best practices and evolving standards.

It is advisable to review current policies and practices to ensure they promote equal opportunities and fair treatment, aligning with broader sector trends. Staying connected to developments in agency training and support networks can help landlords and agents anticipate future regulatory or market shifts.

Supporting diversity and compliance through TLA membership

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers resources and support that complement initiatives like Women in Estate Agency, helping landlords and letting agents maintain compliance and improve property management standards. TLA membership provides access to practical information on tenancy law, safety obligations, and regulatory updates, which are vital as the sector evolves.

TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to assist members in organising portfolios, managing rental documents, and recording key actions such as inspections and communications. While ORBIT does not specifically focus on diversity, its tools can help landlords and agents maintain evidence of compliance and good practice, supporting professional standards that align with inclusive industry values.

Members can explore TLA’s compliance resources and consider how participation in wider sector initiatives, including training and networking opportunities, can enhance their approach to managing rental properties effectively and fairly.

Landlords and agents interested in these benefits should review TLA’s membership options and ORBIT BETA access to support their ongoing professional development and compliance efforts.

Looking ahead, the continuation of partnerships like Rightmove and WiEA highlights a sector increasingly attentive to equality and opportunity. Landlords and agents who engage with these trends may find themselves better positioned to meet tenant expectations and regulatory demands in the years to come.

Sources: Letting Agent Today