Elevating the global standard of professional excellence through RICS qualifications
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06 November 2024
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has recently appointed Andrew Sharp as Principal Assessor for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region in Hong Kong, with a focus on the built environment. This newly established role, which reports to the RICS Standards and Regulation Board (SRB) through the RICS Qualifications and Assessment Committee (QAC), underscores RICS’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence. As one of the nine Principal Assessors, Andrew will provide critical insight into entry and assessment policies, deliver assessor training, and champion best practices across the assessor community.
In an exclusive interview with RICS, Andrew shared his thoughts on the vital role RICS qualifications play for individual professionals and companies alike. He also discussed how Arcadis, where he is an Executive Director, supports employees in obtaining RICS qualifications and how these qualifications are integral to the firm’s business strategy. Below are the key insights from that interview.
The importance of RICS qualifications
Andrew Sharp underlined the significance of RICS qualifications, describing them as a global benchmark for professionalism, integrity, and technical excellence in the built environment. “RICS qualifications ensure that our team members adhere to the highest industry standards, which are crucial for maintaining our reputation and delivering quality services to our clients,” he explained.
By equipping professionals with a deep understanding of industry best practices, technical knowledge, and ethical standards, RICS qualifications enhance Arcadis’s capacity to deliver exceptional results on complex projects and programmes. This reinforces the firm’s position as a leader in the field.
Integrating RICS standards into daily practices
At Arcadis, RICS standards are woven into daily operations, guiding every facet of the business. “We align our processes and methodologies with RICS guidelines, from ethical standards to project management best practices,” Andrew noted. This commitment to RICS standards ensures consistency and excellence across the firm's global operations.
He shared two standout success stories where RICS-qualified professionals made a notable impact. In the United Arab Emirates, for a programme of major projects, their expertise in project management and cost control was instrumental in delivering the programme on time and within budget. Similarly, for an International Financial Institution, RICS-qualified professionals delivered strategic advice through global, regional and country level Programme Management Office services, which significantly improved stakeholder outcomes, programme governance and controls and the strategic alignment of project deliverables.
Supporting employees in achieving RICS qualifications
Arcadis is deeply invested in supporting its employees’ professional development, particularly in obtaining and maintaining RICS qualifications. Andrew highlighted the firm's comprehensive support system, which includes mentorship, study groups, and access to a wealth of resources. “Our internal network of RICS-qualified professionals ensures that candidates are well-prepared for their assessments,” he explained.
Arcadis also offers tailored learning programs, workshops, and seminars that address key competencies required for RICS qualifications. Additionally, the firm encourages participation in external courses and conferences to keep employees at the forefront of industry developments.
Client perception of RICS qualifications
From a client perspective, Andrew emphasised the high regard in which RICS qualifications are held. “Clients see RICS qualifications as a mark of excellence, signaling that professionals adhere to the highest standards of ethics and technical proficiency,” he said. This recognition gives Arcadis a competitive edge, fostering strong client relationships and contributing to the firm’s ongoing success and commitment.
Challenges in maintaining RICS standards
Andrew however acknowledged that maintaining RICS standards comes with its own challenges, particularly as guidelines evolve to reflect new market trends. “One of the primary challenges is ensuring continuous compliance with updated standards,” he noted. Integrating these standards across diverse teams and international programmes also requires ongoing training, learning and communication to ensure consistency.
Despite these challenges, Andrew stressed that Arcadis remains firmly committed to upholding RICS standards, recognising their critical role in the firm’s success and reputation.
The future role of RICS qualifications in business strategy
Looking ahead Andrew highlighted the growing importance of RICS qualifications in shaping Arcadis’s business strategy. “As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for professionals who adhere to the highest standards will only increase,” he stated. By ensuring that Arcadis’s professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills defined by RICS, the firm can stay ahead of industry trends and better serve its clients.
Integrating RICS standards into the firm’s strategic planning will enhance its service offerings and reinforce its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Andrew believes that RICS qualifications will play a pivotal role in aligning Arcadis’s business strategy with the evolving needs of the built environment.
About Andrew Sharp
Andrew Sharp brings over 25 years of experience in programme and project management to his role as Executive Director at Arcadis Hong Kong, where he has been based since 2019. He is widely respected for his expertise in managing International Programme Management Offices and delivering complex projects across multiple geographic realms.
In addition to his new appointment as Principal Assessor, Andrew has been an APC Assessor and Chairperson in both the UK and Hong Kong for over a decade, receiving commendations for his work. He is passionate about improving candidate outcomes in the APAC region and actively engages with councillors and assessors to support the next generation of RICS professionals.
In summary, Andrew Sharp’s appointment as Principal Assessor reinforces RICS’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in the built environment. His insights into the value of RICS qualifications reflect their growing importance in shaping the future of the industry, both at Arcadis and beyond.
About Arcadis
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life.
