Approximately 1 in 6 of the global population lives with a disability, according to the World Health Organisation. To outline our commitment to becoming a disability-inclusive workplace and professional body, we have launched a Disability Inclusion Framework which sets out actions in four areas:

  • Policies and procedures
  • Recruitment and attraction
  • Knowledge and learning
  • Attitudes and behaviours

The framework outlines our ambition to improve knowledge and understanding, create accessible environments and provide a structured approach to long-term, sustainable impact.

A truly inclusive culture ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health conditions, or chronic/long-term illness, can participate fully in their professional lives.  To achieve this, the framework includes reasonable adjustments policies for employees, as well as members and stakeholders engaging with RICS. The policy sets out our approach to improving RICS services, products and support, ensuring they are available to all through the application of reasonable adjustments and special considerations where necessary.

“Sometimes, small adjustments for a few can make a big difference for everyone. RICS’ Disability Inclusion Framework is all about building awareness and understanding around accessibility, while ensuring the right support is there for members and employees when they need it.”

Sunny-Thomas Obasuyi MRICS

Sunny-Thomas Obasuyi MRICS

RICS Governing Council member

“Accessibility can either be an enabler or blocker of talent in the industry and with this framework, RICS is taking the necessary steps to ensure members and employees get the support they need to thrive.”

Vanessa Curtis FRICS

Vanessa Curtis FRICS

RICS Governing Council member

Member data collection initiative

As part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with five other built environment professional bodies, RICS is working to better understand the current makeup of the membership by collecting demographic data to ensure our ongoing DEI strategy is shaped by accurate, meaningful information.

This questionnaire includes the opportunity for you to tell us about your accessibility needs so we can ensure you get the access and support needed as a member of the RICS.

By sharing this information, which is anonymised and aggregated for reporting, every RICS member can contribute to driving more targeted, collaborative and effective initiatives. Updating your data is simple – just log in to your RICS profile and update your information.

You can access the Disability Inclusion Framework and reasonable adjustments policy via our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Hub. The policy provides contact information for various teams within the organisation where you can request adjustments and/or provide feedback to help us improve our services and support.

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