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    Nothing marks the fundamental shift towards putting members back at the heart of RICS more than the Shaping the Future roadshow.

    It brought together 300 members across 15 locations with members of the Governing Council, RICS Board, SRB and Executive to help shape our strategy for 2027.

    Every member in the UK was invited to a roadshow venue so that they had the opportunity to directly shape plans for the coming year.

    Below are the five key things that we took away from the session.

    Nick MacLean FRICS, RICS President talking to a room of members at a Shaping the Future roadshow

    1. Protect what members value most

    A clear message emerged throughout the roadshow: the strength of our professional standards, regulation and chartered status remain central to the value of membership.

    Protecting and strengthening that reputation continues to be a key focus as we work to ensure the profession remains respected, relevant and trusted by clients, employers and the public.  

    Maintaining and promoting high standards of professional competence within the surveying profession 69%, Membership of a globally respected and leading professional body that signifies credibility and professionalism 63%, Highly-regarded qualifications that are a mark of quality 55%, Training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that enables meaningful progression 51%, Maintaining and promoting high ethical standards within the surveying profession 48%, Membership that opens doors and enables new career opportunities 45%, Provision of insight and learning on key issues to keep ahead of industry trends 37%, An organisation that is influential and shapes key issues relating to the built and natural environment 36%, Provision of networking and business development opportunities to further my career 31%

    Question: “Listed below are some of the ways in which RICS provides value to its members. Which of these are most important to you?” Base: all participants (n=307).

    2. Where members want greater value

    Members identified two priority areas where RICS can enhance membership value.

    The first is raising the profile of the profession by driving greater public awareness of surveying and strengthening the recognition of chartered status. To do this, RICS is carrying out a global brand review alongside developing an integrated global profile and influence programme, to ensure we have a stronger public and policy voice.

    The second is improving access to training, learning and CPD opportunities. Members want practical, low-cost CPD that is easy to access and relevant to local markets. We are exploring how to deliver more accessible local learning opportunities while developing a deeper understanding of SME needs, to shape action in 2027.

    I want RICS to increase the profile of the profession so that people are more likely to use a chartered surveyor, we can command a superior fee and I can feel proud of my profession Ranked one 31% Ranked two 49%, I want access to the thinking (free CPD) that helps me to navigate the market, understand technical standards or develop as a surveyor. I want to access that content easily and I want to be able to access events where I can discuss it with other surveyors Ranked one 25% Ranked two 45%, I want RICS to be seen to drive solutions to the key issues in the Built and Natural Environment, such as Residential Reform, skills, Al, etc. RICS should be influencing policy makers and other institutions in the process Ranked one 16% Ranked two 42%, I want RICS to focus on bringing new people into the profession, making sure there are enough surveyors to employ and they have the right skills Ranked one 15% Ranked two 32%, I want RICS to ensure that no matter where I work in the world, my qualifications and the standards I work to are recognised, without me having to learn other standards Ranked one 12% Ranked two 27%

    Question: “Listed below are some of the ways in which RICS provides value to its members. Which of these are most important to you?” Base: all participants (n=273).

    3. The future of regulation and CPD

    Many members said they would welcome additional communication about regulatory processes and outcomes, alongside clearer guidance around CPD requirements.

    Members can access guidance on mandatory CPD and recommended CPD through the RICS website, and further communications will be issued to support members in completing their annual CPD declaration.

    There was strong support for exploring closer alignment between CPD compliance and annual membership renewal. RICS is now assessing how this could work in practice and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders before making any further decisions.

    4. Preparing for a digital future

    Discussions on the future of the profession highlighted growing interest in technology and AI, and recognition that the role of the surveyor is evolving. Members called on RICS to provide practical guidance on AI, emerging technologies and digital transformation.

    To support this, RICS is launching its inaugural Technology and AI Summit on Monday 30 November 2026, and recently relaunched the RICS Tech Network, creating a network of solution providers to help accelerate ethical AI and tech adoption.

    5. Future qualifications and professional development plans

    We shared an update on the work we've been doing on a new qualifications and professional development model, and how it may work. The feedback, particularly on the modular approach we're proposing, was positive, while members wanted to know more about how the system will operate in practice.

    RICS has taken this feedback into account in the development and design of the new model and will share more details with members as this develops.

    Looking ahead

    As you can see, the insights gathered through the roadshow are already shaping our priorities. We are working to strengthen the profile and influence of the profession and exploring more accessible learning and CPD opportunities for members. We are also improving communication around regulation and compliance, supporting members’ learning on AI, and continuing to develop our future qualifications and professional development model.

    Thank you to everyone who took part. Your feedback is helping shape the future of RICS and ensuring we continue to deliver value at every stage of members’ professional journeys.

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