Returning after a career break

Jennifer Scarff

Jennifer is an Estate Manager with the National Trust

I started life with a geography degree and a job in accountancy which I quickly found was not me! I did some work experience and found land agency was my calling and went back to university to do a MSc in Rural Estate Management. I did my APC and CAAV exams with Carter Jonas and spent 10 years with them gaining experience with a wide range of institutional and landowning clients, particularly focusing on asset management, development and diversification. After a career break to raise a family I joined the National Trust as an Estate Manager, looking after a hugely varied rural property portfolio covering the East of England. This includes the coast to urban environments with a significant amount of stakeholder engagement. I am currently working on our Land Outdoors and Nature Strategy to deliver a healthier, rich in wildlife environment. In the context of climate change and the future of natural capital this is a very topical issue.

During my career break, I was keen to keep in touch with the profession so I took on the role of Eastern Group Secretary and Convenor for the CAAV running the examinations annually. I also became involved in a CPD/training company running conferences in the Eastern region and a two day tutorial for CAAV probationers. This has been invaluable in keeping my contacts, knowledge and profile so that when I came to return to work I was able to reach out to the CAAV network for advice and those rent comparables!

I love the variety of my job and the opportunity to get outside, meet people and work towards providing a landscape and nature for future generations to enjoy.