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.
Conference bookings now open
Bookings are now open for the DRS50 Future of ADR Conference, our flagship event celebrating 50 years of the Dispute Resolution Service.
Join industry leaders, practitioners and ADR professionals for a day of expert insight, thought provoking discussion and valuable networking opportunities.
A few sponsorship opportunities are still available.
DRS news and recent activities
Latest update - August 2026
- We’re inviting applications to the RICS President’s Panel of Commercial and Rural Rent Review Arbitrators. Read more here.
- Annual Adjudication Dinner postponed. Given the range of DRS events taking place this anniversary year, including the DRS Conference: The Future of ADR on 22 October, the Annual Adjudication Dinner will return in 2027. We look forward to seeing many of you at the conference and continuing our 50th anniversary celebrations.
- 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).
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.
Register now for our upcoming webinars
Expert Evidence in Construction Arbitration - Global webinar | 15 September 2026
Pathway into Dispute Resolution - Global webinar series for those who want to explore a career in dispute resolution. 14 September - 23 September - 05 October 2026
DRS Panellist Summer Reception.
John Fletcher’s recent engagement programme in Hong Kong and Macau
In case you missed it... catch up here
We’ve built an online library of articles, podcasts, and webinar recordings on our DRS Info Hub for you to access and catch up at your convenience. A selection is below:
- Webinar: This discussion is entitled "Mediation in the Americas" but the discussion is not specific to the Americas as it examines current trends, challenges and practical strategies for achieving more effective outcomes | Watch again
- Opinion Piece: 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.
- The 5th edition of Surveyors acting as Expert Witnesses is now available and will come into effect on 30 November 2026. The updated standard provides enhanced guidance on key aspects of expert witness practice, including terms of engagement, conflicts of interest, fee arrangements and the preparation of written reports. It also offers greater clarity on the expert witness role and how it differs from other professional appointments.
- Join the DRS community on myRICS Community - A platform to connect with fellow professionals, take part in discussions, keep up to date with the latest DRS news and events, and share insights on dispute resolution topics.
- The Law Commission is reviewing Part 2 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. RICS is inviting feedback from members who advise landlords and tenants. Your views will help shape RICS' response to the consultation and influence future reforms. Send comments to publicaffairs@rics.org.
- Webinar: "Dispute Boards around the world" looks at how dispute boards function across different regions and what global project experience tells us about the value they can add when implemented effectively | Watch again
- From the archives: Catch up on this recording from 2025 where the topic of conversation is evaluative mediation - the shift, the benefits and the demand | Watch again
DRS Training Programmes
There's no better time to join one of our training programmes. The full range of DRS training courses are on the RICS website, but here's a selection of what's currently popular:
- ADRIC-RICS Construction Adjudication Training Program | Module 1 | 16 Sep 2026 | Book now
- RICS Mediation Training Programme Americas | 05 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 | Online | 50 hours CPD | Book now
- Online Expert Determination Training | 12 Oct 2026 – 11 Nov 2026 | Online | 18 hours CPD | Book for MENA | Book for South Africa | Book for UK
Stay up to date
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest events, training and articles from DRS, and join in the DRS 50 celebrations by visiting our DRS webpages.
DRS Gala Dinner 2026