This month’s message lands during a busy month, where colleagues across RICS will publish reports and resources designed to equip members with the best possible tools for their practice, benefit the wider public, and build trust in the profession.

Launched this week, our latest Red Book Global Standards, sets out mandatory practices and guidance for RICS members conducting valuations. This edition follows extensive consultation with over 200 stakeholders of all sizes, and I’d like to thank all those who contributed. The end result will support our members to deliver exemplary work and facilitate our commitment to maintaining high professional standards in valuation delivery worldwide.

This week we have also published our Disability Inclusion Framework, outlining RICS’ commitment to creating an inclusive environment for everyone who interacts with us – members and colleagues alike. Launched to coincide with International Day of People with Disabilities, it includes a Reasonable Adjustments policy for RICS members. As a professional body, RICS has a responsibility to ensure its products and services are accessible to all members and stakeholders. Likewise, built and natural environment professionals must prioritise disability inclusion to ensure the buildings, spaces and communities being developed, renovated and repurposed are accessible to everyone.

We continue to be a strong and influential voice among policymakers. RICS has contributed significantly to the UK Government’s 2035 Industrial Strategy, positioning surveyors as essential drivers in key growth areas such as housebuilding, energy infrastructure, and revitalised high streets. We are also leading efforts to influence the ongoing curriculum review in collaboration with the government and through the development of Skills England. Our aim is to inspire young people and encourage them to explore careers in the sector.

This all follows a month that saw us advocate for members and RICS standards at COP29. To meet net zero targets, we must adopt a global harmonised approach to whole life carbon measurement. Our presence allowed us to champion our Whole life carbon assessment standard, and highlight the crucial role members play in delivering a low carbon future for our industry.

The time to act on sustainability is now, and RICS and our membership can accelerate decarbonisation. Our flagship Sustainability Report, launched during the event and revealing the sentiments and experiences of 4,000 professionals worldwide, provides evidence of our capacity for positive change. We must remain engaged in the conversation, and share our knowledge, resources and capability. By supporting both industry and governments to adapt their practices, we can make crucial advances and open new doors for members.

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