Inside DRS – Latest news, updates and events

2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the RICS Dispute Resolution Service (DRS).

Since 1976, DRS has been at the forefront of delivering ADR appointment services, training programmes, and innovative solutions for the built environment.

As we mark our 50th anniversary, we celebrate the milestones, people, and progress that have shaped our journey.

This page hosts our latest news, activities, events and updates all in one place. Content will be updated regularly so you will always have updated access at your fingertips.

DRS news and recent activities

Latest update - July 2026

• DRS is incredibly proud of our Head of Operations and Appointments, Gemma Beasley, who was recently admitted as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators. This is well-deserved recognition of the commitment and hard work Gemma gives to the ADR community.
• Our event for London International Disputes Week drew a strong audience again this year. We were pleased to welcome a full room of industry professionals who turned up to hear from an exceptionally high-calibre speakers as they examined ethics, professionalism and the growing impact of AI and evolving regulations on dispute resolution practice. Thanks to all who joined us, and to the excellent speakers for their time and considered insights.
• We were delighted that some of our DRS panel members - Clive Gillingwater, Eric Mouzer and Mark Sanders - were invited to the RICS Members' Recognition Summer Lunch recently as a thank you for all their support to DRS over the years.
• The DRS team were pleased to attend the Indian Council of Arbitration conference in London. We were also delighted to reconnect with a delegation from the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, to explore ways we can work together regarding built environment disputes in the Kingdom.
• The full programme for our flagship conference ‘The Future of ADR’ is now live. Further details on the booking page: DRS Conference: The future of ADR.
• We are incredibly grateful to our panel members, colleagues, stakeholders, and guests who attended the DRS Panellist Summer Reception, celebrating the 50th anniversary of DRS and whose continued support and commitment have been instrumental to the success of the dispute resolution service over the last five decades.
• John Fletcher’s recent engagement programme in Hong Kong and Macau, including key Belt & Road initiatives, highlighted growing demand for proactive dispute avoidance and effective dispute resolution across international infrastructure projects. DRS remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building regional capability, and promoting practical early-intervention approaches such as the RICS Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP).
• The 2nd edition of The Future of ADR - Artificial Intelligence, Social Media and Remote Instantaneous Communications by RICS Head of ADR Research & Development Martin Burns has now been published.
   

Meet our scholarship winners!

We are pleased to announce our new RICS Women in Construction Scholarship winners - Hannah Daly and Rebecca McKeown.

The scholarship supports professionals looking to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and pursue new opportunities within the built environment, by providing them with a place on the RICS Diploma in Adjudication.