Jonathan David Harris CBE FRICS
Jonathan Harris CBE FRICS is a qualified chartered surveyor, a past President of the RICS and founder of the Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning. A businessman and entrepreneur, Jonathan’s career has been enriched by his involvement in a variety of fields. In particular, he has a passion for further education and lifelong learning.
Jonathan’s experience in the commercial property sector spans over sixty years, including being Senior Partner of a highly successful London-based practice and President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in its millennium year. In 2002, Jonathan was awarded a CBE for his services to surveying.
Jonathan is Founder, Chairman and a Trustee of the Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning (originally the Continuing Professional Development Foundation) and he also founded the Institute of Continuing Professional Development. His career has included being a University Governor and a Trustee & Chairman of the Enterprise Education Trust. In 1993, he was awarded an OBE for his services to further education.
Current appointments
Chairman & Trustee, The Harris Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Member of Advisory Council, The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Chairman, Cressida Group of Companies
Patron, Commonwealth Housing Trust
Board Member, European Chapter of the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE)
Previous appointments include:
- Babraham Bioscience Technologies Limited, Non-Executive Director
- Bank of England Property Forum, Member
- Cardinal Group of Companies, Director
- Carlisle Group, Director
- Council for Excellent in Management & Leadership (Professions Working Group)
- Eatonbrook plc, Non-Executive Director/Chairman
- Employment Resource Centre, Chairman of Trustees
- Enterprise Education Trust (formerly Understanding Industry, formerly Business Dynamics), Trustee
- Grendon Trust, Director
- Kent County Council, Total Place Asset Management Board, Chair
- Langbourn Income & Growth Property Unit Trust, Board Member
- Lazard Property Unit Trust, Board Member
- Manor Lodge School, Trustee
- Modernising Stamp Duty, Inland Revenue – Member of Technical Advisory Group
- Pepper Angliss & Yarwood, Senior Partner
- Plymouth Development Corporation, Non-Executive Board Member
- Prison Reform Trust, Trustee & Treasurer
- Property Growth Assurance Company, Director
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), President, 2000/2001
- Sackville Property Unit Trust, Board Member
- The London Philharmonic Orchestra Audit Committee, Chairman
- The London Philharmonic Orchestra, Director & Trustee
- The University of Westminster, Governor
- UNECE Real Estate Marketing Group, Member
- UN Real Estate Advisory Group, Deputy Chairman
- University of Reading, Visiting Fellow
- Work-Life Balance Trust, Chairman
Honours and awards
1993 – Appointed an OBE for Services to Further Education
1998 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Westminster, DLitt (Hon)
2002 – Appointed a CBE for Services to Surveying
2004 – Careers Research & Advisory Centre’s 40th Anniversary recognition award to outstanding individuals for contributions in the field of lifelong learning
2009 – Awarded the James Landauer/John White award from the Counselors of Real Estate. Given to individuals in international real estate who excel in their profession.
Personal
Jonathan is married to Jeniffer (née Fass). They have 4 children – Lynne, Joanne, Katie and Matthew – 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Jonathan used to play golf – his lowest handicap was 7. Now his main hobby is competitive duplicate bridge. He is also learning to play the piano.
Team Harris Wins Lederer Memorial Trophy 2022
Jonathan and his team were delighted to earn one of the most prestigious prizes in English bridge this year. The Lederer Memorial was first played 1945 as a tribute to Richard Lederer, and over the years the trophy has become a highly sought-after accolade. The 2022 event took place at the RAC, London. It was organised by the London Metropolitan Bridge Association.
Jonathan has supported the London Philharmonic Orchestra for many years – as a Trustee, Director and Chair of its Audit committee – and is now a member of its Advisory Council. It is one of the world’s leading orchestras – resident at the South Bank Centre in London.
Jonathan is a member of Buck’s Club and a Fellow of the RSA, the royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce – FRSA. He is a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club and the Yacht Club of Monaco. He is also founder member of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors and a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.