Propertymark has announced that Timothy Douglas will lead their policy team.

Douglas, who joined the organisation in 2015, most recently authored Propertymark’s ‘The Future of Renting’ position paper which he spoke on at the 2021 ARLA Propertymark Conference & Exhibition. He has a strong track record of delivering key campaigns and is said to have an extensive network of contacts within government and across key sector stakeholders.

He has also coordinated member engagement with politicians and government departments, including leading the organisation’s lobbying for a Covid-19 financial support package and was an active member of the UK government’s Electrical Safety Working Group.

He created the policy proposals for Propertymark’s ‘Leasehold: A Life Sentence’ research report and helped to successfully influence the Welsh Government in its formulation of tax bands more suited to the property market in Wales.

Douglas said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this exciting role as I believe passionately in what Propertymark does as a membership organisation and the impact it has on supporting members and championing their needs to decision makers.

“Now more than ever, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic and we find new ways of working that are characterised by uncertainty and further legislative change, it is vital that Propertymark’s lobbying activity harnesses the collective expertise of our membership more effectively, continues to challenge the UK’s governments and politicians, and our approach is coordinated using research, partnership working and an effective media strategy.”

“The policy and campaigns team look forward to meeting the challenges that members face across lettings, sales, auctioneering, valuation, inventories and commercial property.”

Prior to his role at Propertymark, Douglas worked as chief of staff in Westminster for a former business minister and government whip and spent a period of time as a caseworker and researcher for members of the European parliament.

Propertymark CEO, Nathan Emerson, commented: “Timothy has been a dynamic and effective asset to Propertymark in the years he has been with us and I am excited to welcome him to his new role leading the Policy and Campaigns team. Timothy is highly regarded by key policy stakeholders and it is clear that his drive and energy will enhance Propertymark’s impact and amplify our members voice.”

Timothy takes on the role at a key time for Propertymark members, with supply at a historic low, the UK Government on the cusp of publishing a white paper on Renters’ Reforms, new legislation and proposals across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as the hotly debated topic of the future of Regulation of Property Agents.