RICS Expert Witnesses

In 2011 the ground-breaking Supreme Court decision in Jones v Kaney made it possible to sue experts in negligence. In this decision it was found:

• Professionals who act as expert witnesses must apply a high level of professional standards in discharging the role.
• There was no organisation that provides a range of services to help instructing parties identify and source experts witnesses who:
  • are trained and assessed in the role of expert witness
  • are routinely and robustly monitored as part of a quality control regime
  • are bound to follow published professional best practice and guidelines
  • have the specific relevant expertise required by the clients
  • have been checked to ensure they are free from conflicts of interest
  • have been checked to ensure they are available to act as and when required

Our Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) has developed the RICS Expert Witness Accreditation to provide reassurance to parties who instruct expert witnesses that their experts are:

• Appropriately experienced in the relevant subject matter
• Trained and assessed by RICS in the roles and duties of an expert witness
• Subject to the comprehensive quality control regime managed by RICS DRS  

This accreditation signals high standards of expertise and professionalism for expert witnesses underpinned by regulation.

Accreditation as an RICS Expert Witness is open to all property professionals and underpinned by a dedicated training course and assessment.

How do I become a RICS Accredited Expert Witness

1. Review the criteria for inclusion for accredited expert witnesses
2. Complete & return the Accredited Expert Witness Application form
3. Provide a copy of three years’ worth of continued professional development (CPD)
4. Provide details of two people who you would like to act as referees on your behalf. These should be people who are active in your sphere of professional practice and who have first-hand knowledge of your experience.

What if I don’t meet all the requirements of the criteria for inclusion for accredited expert witnesses?

RICS are aware that not everyone who has completed the RICS Certificate in Expert Witness may be at a stage to demonstrate the experience required to apply for accredited status but are on their way. As a middle ground we have developed the list of Registered Expert Witnesses. These people included on this list are expert witnesses who have successfully completed:

• the RICS Expert Witness Certificate (or receive an exemption from the RICS Expert Witness Certificate)
• the assessment of all five competencies of the RICS Expert Witness Certificate
• the online DRS Professionalism module

Applying for an exemption from the RICS Certificate in Expert Witness

If you wish to apply for an exemption to the RICS Certificate in Expert Witness please review and complete the exemption policy below and contact drs@rics.org

Process for after successful exemption: