The Weston Property Manual logo features a stylized representation of a house. The design consists of four squares forming windows, with two blue squares on top and one blue and one yellow square below. The house silhouette is set against a white background, encircled by three concentric grey circles that create a ripple effect. This modern and clean logo symbolizes property management and confidence for voluntary organisations. It can be found on the Ethical Property Foundation website and is part of a comprehensive guide for acquiring and managing premises successfully in the voluntary sector.

Weston Property Manual

With support from
Garfield Weston Foundation Logo, white capital W in a blue box, a blue line under the box and the words Garfield Weston in lower case and foundation in uppercase, blue text. A Charitable Foundation Supporting UK Nonprofits.

Welcome to the Weston Property Manual. This is an easy-read, practical guide for everyone in the voluntary sector who is looking to acquire and manage premises successfully for their organisation. Each section is self-contained, written by an experienced property adviser and offering practical tips, quizzes, case studies, resources plus a short webinar. Do dip in and also check out our Jargon Buster for any unfamiliar property words.

The Ethical Property Foundation gratefully acknowledges support from the Garfield Weston Foundation in creating this Manual, which we hope has a lasting impact on our sector: enabling voluntary organisations everywhere, to engage with both property and property professionals, with knowledge and confidence.

The Weston Property Manual uses the term ‘charity’ when referring specifically to legislation but generally uses the term ‘organisation’, which can include any other type of voluntary, not-for-profit organisations including: charitable incorporated organisations, social enterprises, charitable & community interest companies and unincorporated community groups, associations, & trusts. 

Videos

Introduction (2 minutes) (click to open/close)

How to use the Manual (14 minutes) (click to open/close)

Antonia Swinson Chief Executive, Ethical Property Foundation introduces the Weston Property ManualStephen Nicholas Associate Digital Knowledge Manager, Ethical Property Foundation

Subjects

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This image features a close-up view of a magnifying glass resting on top of a colourful notebook, with the background consisting of a white brick wall. The magnifying glass suggests themes of scrutiny, investigation, or detailed examination. The text "Roger Annis MRICS - Associate Property Adviser" identifies the content author of the Jargon Buster found in the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual.

Jargon Buster for Commercial Property

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This image shows a hand diligently writing in a spiral-bound notebook using a pencil. The person, wearing a brown sweater, is seated at a desk. Adjacent to the notebook, there’s a white coffee mug. Behind the mug stands an empty photo frame. The text: “Liz Marsh MRICS - Associate Property Adviser” identifies the content author of section 1 in the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual – Preplanning in a Local Context.

1. Preplanning in a Local Context

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This image shows a hand stopping a row of falling wooden blocks, symbolizing crisis management or prevention. The text "Liz Marsh MRICS - Associate Property Adviser" identifies the content author of section 2 of the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Governance: Trustee Responsibility.

2. Governance: Trustee Responsibility

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This image shows a close-up view of a set of keys inserted into the lock of a wooden door, which is slightly ajar. The focus is on the metallic keys and lock mechanism, with a blurred background that suggests an outdoor setting. The text "Simon Kelsall FRICS - Associate Property Adviser" identifies the content author of section 3 of the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual – Acquiring Property for your Charity.

3. Acquiring Property for your Charity

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This image shows a professional setting where three individuals are engaged in a business meeting. One person points at a digital tablet displaying pie charts and graphs, indicating a discussion related to data analysis or performance metrics. Another participant diligently takes notes in an open notebook, suggesting active engagement and record-keeping. Various documents with text and charts are spread across the table, implying thorough examination of materials during this meeting. The image conveys collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and professionalism. The text “Catherine Flexer MA (Cantab) LLB Associate, Russell-Cooke” identifies the content author of section 4 in the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Property Project Planning and the Law.

4. Property Project Planning and the Law

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This image depicts a professional setting—a meeting with three individuals. The central figure, wearing a beige blazer, appears to lead the discussion. An open booklet on the table contains various charts and graphs, suggesting data analysis or strategic planning. To the left, another individual is partially visible, and to the right, a person smiles, creating a positive atmosphere. A coffee cup and additional documents are also present, contributing to the business environment. The text “Virginia Masters - Associate Property Adviser” identifies the content author of section 5 of the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Sourcing Quotes from Suppliers.

5. Sourcing Quotes from Suppliers

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This image features a close-up view of a person’s hands working on architectural plans with a pencil. Another person’s hand is pointing at a specific detail on the plan, suggesting a collaborative discussion or review of the project details. The focus on the hands and plans emphasizes precision and expertise in property planning and advising. The text “Virginia Masters - Associate Property Adviser” identifies the content author of section 6 of the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Planning your Project Delivery.

6. Planning Your Project Delivery

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The image features a close-up of a person’s hands—one hand holding a pen poised above a document, suggesting writing or signing. The other hand rests on the table, holding another pen. The document appears professional, possibly related to property advising or evaluation. The text “John Allen MRICS - Associate Property Adviser” identifies the content author of section 7 in the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual – Post-Project Evaluation for your Charity.

7. Post-project Evaluation for your Charity

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This image depicts an interior view of a dilapidated building with visible structural damage. The scene includes several concrete columns and beams, some of which are charred, indicating possible fire damage. The floor is littered with debris, and the walls show signs of decay and neglect. There are openings where windows or doors might have been, but no glass or frames are present. The text “Simon Kelsall FRICS - Associate Property Adviser” identifies the content author of section 8 in the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Effective Building Management and the Law.

8. Effective Building Management and the Law

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This image depicts a workspace with a person’s hands resting on a financial report that includes various bar graphs and pie charts, indicative of data analysis or business planning. A calculator is placed to the left, suggesting calculations or budgeting activities. To the right, there is a cup of red tea, adding a casual element to the setting. The text attributing authorship to “Mark Foster MRICS” and editorship to “Roger Annis MRICS” of section 9 in the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual – Managing Risk for Charity Property.

9. Managing Risk for Charity Property

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The image shows a person dressed in professional attire placing a coin into a jar filled with coins. Next to the jar, there are neatly stacked coins of increasing height. An open book is also visible in the background. The text "John Hole FRICS - Associate Property Adviser" identifies the professional and credentials of the content author of section 10 of the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Being Green: Energy Use and Conservation.

10. Being Green: Energy Use and Conservation

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This image depicts a professional handshake, symbolizing agreement or partnership, set in a business environment with documents and a tablet on the table. The text "Roger Annis MRICS - Associate Property Adviser" identifies the content author of section 11 of the Ethical Property Foundation: Weston Property Manual - Disposal of a Charity Property.

11. Disposal of a Charity Property

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