LionHeart's first ever associate board members conclude terms

LionHeart’s first ever associate board members will stand down this week following the successful conclusion of their two-year terms.

So Sum Lee and Grace Conisbee were officially appointed to the board in September 2022 (pictured above with previous chair Peter McCrea).

The unusual voluntary positions, actively aimed at newly qualified or trainee chartered surveyors with little or no board experience, were created as part of a drive to further diversify the LionHeart board and bring fresh insight and perspective to the strategic team. There was a strong level of interest in the roles, which were advertised as a fixed two-year term that offered chance to attend board meetings, contribute to discussions and get board level experience under the mentorship of more experienced ‘board buddies’.

At the time of appointing, Grace was a recently qualified management surveyor and So Sum was still on her APC journey to become a planning and development surveyor, having used LionHeart’s services personally.

Thanking both for the contribution they have made to LionHeart over their two-year term, chair of the board Philippa Sampson Bancroft FRICS said: “When we came up with the idea of creating new associate board member positions, we hoped to remove the traditional barriers of experience for surveyors early on in their careers, and offer them the chance to develop the kind of board skills and experience that would benefit them personally and professionally.

“What was in it for us was the chance to hear different perspectives and insight from early career professionals around the board table, and that was certainly what Grace and So Sum  brought to us. They have played active roles in the EDI, global and sustainability task groups, Their constructive challenge and participation has been really valuable and having them both contribute in the strategy development process was mutually beneficial.

“Our thanks go to Grace and So Sum and we look forward to watching their careers continue to go from strength to strength in future.”

During their two years at LionHeart, their professional development was recognised when both were shortlisted for the RICS Matrics Surveyor Awards in the Ambassador of the Year category last autumn (pictured) - a category So Sum has been shortlisted in again this year.

In addition, So Sum  successfully gained her chartered status and was also invited to give a speech at the EG Future Leaders summit, while Grace was promoted to associate director at Innes England earlier this year.

Grace said: "It has been a genuine honour to serve as one of the first associate board members at LionHeart - what they do for the industry is outstanding and I cannot thank the board and the wider charity for the support and guidance they have provided during the term. To gain board experience this early on in my career has been invaluable, but to do that with a charity that adds so much value to the industry has been a privilege."

So Sum added: "I can hardly believe it's been two years since I joined LionHeart as an associate board member. I still vividly recall the nerves I felt attending my first board meeting in September 2022, not knowing what to expect but from day one, I felt listened to, valued and respected. 

"These past two two years have been a truly eye-opening experience. Being able to give back to the organisation that supported me during a challenging time has added special meaning to my role. I’ve not only gained invaluable insight into how a board operates, but have also been empowered to accomplish more than I ever thought possible."

As the pair step down from their positions this week, LionHeart will be announcing new board appointments in due course.