Protecting consumers and strengthening professional integrity: a year-end perspective

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the work we have done together to uphold the integrity of our profession and strengthen the trust placed in RICS members by their clients and the wider public. Regulation is not an abstract concept – it’s the foundation of confidence in the services we provide. This year, our focus has been on listening, learning, and acting decisively to protect consumers and support RICS members.

Consumer insight and protection

We know how important the public interest is to members and their clients. To ensure our decisions are informed by real-world experience, the Standards and Regulation Board (SRB) has worked closely with the Pilot Consumer Working Group (PCWG), a dedicated group of consumer advocates who brought valuable perspectives to our discussions.

Their input shaped research with recent homebuyers on Home Surveys, which in turn informed our review of the Home Survey Standard and a policy paper exploring whether a regulatory scheme for surveyors undertaking this work is needed. We’ve had strong and varied member responses to both consultations - these are now being considered by the Expert Working Group and the SRB.

We examined our existing consumer protection measures, taking advice from the PCWG, including professional indemnity insurance (PII), client money protection, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). While options such as a compensation fund were considered, concerns about disproportionate risk led us to focus on targeted improvements and explore additional ADR provision for firms exiting regulation. These insights have been essential in shaping practical, balanced measures going forward.

In June, the SRB considered whether to set up a permanent consumer panel. We looked carefully at the costs and whether this would be a proportionate use of funds. Ultimately, we agreed that our need for consumer insight can be met more effectively through targeted research on specific topics and by including a consumer advocate on our new Standards Committee. We are grateful to the PCWG members for their ideas and the valuable experience they shared from other regulators.

Practical steps taken in 2025

Alongside strategic work, we have implemented tangible changes to strengthen consumer protection:

• PII wording clarified to reinforce mandatory consumer run-off cover and improve notification requirements.
• Enhanced due diligence for individuals and firms joining RICS.
• Critical practice alerts issued on housing disrepair and fire/building safety: reminders of our shared responsibility to protect vulnerable groups.
   

Protecting RICS titles and collective reputation

The integrity of our professional designations (MRICS, FRICS, AssocRICS) and the RICS logo is central to public trust, representing deep commitment to excellence and accountability.

In December 2024, we issued a practice alert to remind candidates, members and students about the correct use of designations. However, in recent months we have seen an increase in incorrect or misleading use of RICS titles and logos.

While many of these cases stem from misunderstanding, misrepresentation - intentional or otherwise – does undermine confidence in the profession and disadvantages compliant members. We continue to work with members and resolve any issues as quickly as possible but will also act formally where misuse persists.

I urge all members and regulated firms to review their use of RICS titles and branding across all platforms. Clear guidance is available on our website, and our team is here to advise if needed. Accuracy is not just an administrative detail – it’s a professional obligation. As a collective professional body, our reputation is one of our strongest assets. Each of us plays an active role in safeguarding and reinforcing the trust that clients place in RICS-qualified professionals.

Looking ahead: CPD changes in 2026

From January, a revised CPD framework comes into effect, shaped by extensive member consultation earlier this year. These changes respond to feedback calling for a CPD approach that supports genuine, relevant professional growth.

Key updates include:

• Improved digital tools for planning and recording CPD, including a new CPD app.
• Mandatory CPD topics: ethics, sustainability, AI, and data and technology.
• Greater flexibility for extended learning
• Enhanced quality review, focusing on relevance and impact.
   

These changes reflect the evolving demands on our profession - technological transformation, sustainability challenges and others – with the aim of delivering real value in everyday practice.

On behalf of the SRB, I want to thank all member ad stakeholders for their contribution to this year’s work. Regulation is a shared responsibility, and together we have taken important steps to strengthen standards and protect the reputation of our profession.

As we move into 2026, let’s continue to uphold the principles that define RICS: integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the public interest. By doing so, we reinforce the trust that is the cornerstone of our collective success.