The Rural Faculty is the home within RICS for professionals who are involved in a broad spectrum of work across the rural economy and environment, including rural asset consultancy, valuation, agency and management.

It also covers agriculture, forestry and coastal land among others areas.

RICS faculties are responsible for setting the strategic direction for the future of their specialisms and for identifying and serving the information needs of their members. (For web features and information relating to the Rural Faculty, please visit Practice Areas).

The Rural Faculty has approximately 6,600 members who benefit from:

• An internationally respected qualification that is recognised as the ‘gold standard’ of professional competence
• A regular and up-to-date professional journal that provides advice and commentary on key issues facing the profession
• In-depth practice standards and guidance on a wide variety of professional topics
• Access to a cost-effective programme of training events
• The ability to lobby and influence government and other policy makers on government consultations and the future direction for the rural economy and environment
• Opportunities to promote the profession through the technical press and national press and media
• Access to experienced faculty members, a Professional Information team and a Contact Centre, all providing impartial advice
• Access to a network of like-minded professionals through discussion forums.

The faculty is also responsible for setting and maintaining the APC/ATC competencies that make up the APC/ATC pathways for the Rural Chartered Surveyor and contributing to the professional assessment of mature entry candidates.

Member benefits
The faculty provides help and advice to its members and the general public and seeks to stimulate debate and innovate on matters relating to the rural economy and environment.

As a faculty member you will receive regular industry news via e-briefs and through your dedicated technical journal, RICS Land.

You’ll also have opportunities throughout the year to network with similar minded surveyors at various events and conferences. 

About the board
Members of the Rural Faculty Board come from a variety of backgrounds and have a diverse range of skills and experience. 

The Board has number of working groups and also produces regular progress reports. 

The Board is keen to encourage interaction, so please feel free to send us your views via the contacts below.

Contacts/Join
You can join the faculty online, or by calling T +44 (0)870 333 1600.

Alternatively if you wish to use the designation Rural Surveyor, please email Belal Patel, bpatel@rics.org

Your principal RICS Rural Faculty staff contact is Fiona Mannix, Associate Director Land Group, fmannix@rics.org