Background to the RICS

Question 1

When was the RICS founded?

Answer 1

1868

Question 2

What are the FOUR levels of membership for the RICS?

Answer 2

• FRICS
• MRICS
• AssocRICS
• Trainee/Student

Question 3

Please explain the current governacne structure

Answer 3

• Currently governed under the terms of its Royal Charter, by various internal councils, boards and associations
• Vairous boards and committees report to Governing Council
• There are 17 specilaist proffesional group
• President is Anne Gray since 1st Jan 2023 - also now chairs the Governing council

Question 4

How many members?

Answer 4

Over 137,500

Question 5

How many specialist groups make up the RICS?

Answer 5

17 specialist groups covering property, land and construction.

Each group has an elected board.

Question 6

When was RICs granted a Royal Charter?

Answer 6

1881

Question 7

What governs RICS?

Answer 7

Royal Charter

Question 8

What is the Royal Charter?

Answer 8

Requires RICS to “promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage in the UK and in other parts of the world”. i.e. act in the public interest.

Question 9

How would you become FRICS from MRICS?

Answer 9

• Evidence of 4 fellowship characteristics:
  o five or more years at MRICS
  o a leadership role
  o professional/technical achievement
  o academic achievement
  o or raising profile of the RICS.
• Portfolio of professional achievement (including CPD)

Question 10

What was the Levitt Review?

Answer 10

• Undertaken in 2021.
• Public exposure of the lack of clarity, structure and purpose of RICS governance arrangements.
• Levitt called for a full independent review of ‘purpose, governance and strategy’ of RICS.
• This led to a review by Lord Michael Bichard.

Question 11

What is RICS Matrics?

Answer 11

• ## Early career community designed to support students, apprentices, trainees and those who are newly qualified (up to 10 years).
• It gives the community a platform to influence the profession, as well as an opportunity to network and gain support.
• The network, made up of local committees offer peer support groups, mentoring, free online Continuous Personal Development (CPD) opportunities, networking and social events

Question 12

What are key challenges facing RICS?

Answer 12

1. Women in property – RICS launched first Women in Surveying Insight Report in July 2023. Looked at challenges such as discrimination, bias and inequity. In UK and Ireland, women represent 17% of RICS members.
2. Sustainability – built environment accounts for around 40% of global carbon emissions. RICS Sustainability Report 2022. RICS Value the Planet Campaign (aims to help implement UN Sustainable Development Goals)
3. Technology and Data – changing digitisation of built environment. RICS launched a Tech Partner Programme (collaboration platform for innovation), use of AI.
4. Fire Safety – fire safety in buildings and external wall systems. UK Fire Safety conference in November 2023 on building safety and EWS1. Fire Safety Act 2021, Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Regulations 2022. RICS published professional statement on ‘Valuation approach for properties in multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential buildings with cladding’ in 2022.