Update from Justin Young, RICS CEO – March 2026

Before I share what this month looks like, I want to acknowledge the situation in the Middle East. The safety and welfare of our members and staff in the region is our priority. Earlier this week we contacted members in the region directly to share what steps we are taking and the support available through, including through LionHeart's emergency services. We have also outlined information and resources available here. We are monitoring developments closely through our teams on the ground and will continue to keep members updated.

One of our key focuses this year is to increase the influence and profile of the profession by leading on issues that matter most. Last year, RICS had 340 engagements in the UK on policy development with policymakers including Ministers and MP’s, industry leaders and members to discuss improvements to the home buying and selling process, reforming the leasehold sector and delivery of building safety reforms. Alongside this, we had almost 20,000 mentions of RICS in press globally. And we are continuing to build this momentum.

This month is a strong example of our influence in practice. Today, experts, including surveyors, are giving evidence in the UK Parliament on behalf of RICS as part of the ongoing leasehold reform. They are highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with converting to commonhold, the future role of managing agents, and the impact on valuation. Later this week, that advocacy continues as we meet MPs through the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Excellence in the Built Environment to discuss a coordinated national campaign promoting careers in surveying, a topic that is central to the profession’s long-term future.

Our influence also extends to the global stage. Colleagues and I are in Cannes this week for MIPIM, one of the most significant gatherings of global real estate and construction leaders.  Our conversations here span the issues shaping the global real estate profession, from how technology is transforming real estate and construction, to climate resilience, the financial value of responsible investment, stronger global valuation standards, and equality of opportunity in real estate. I also look forward to meeting many of you at our annual members’ reception this evening.

Another example of our advocacy work in action is at our fifth Marquee event, where we recently convened senior leaders from across the built environment. Chief executives of FTSE 100 property companies such as CBRE and Landsec were among the panellists discussing the viability challenges facing residential development.

Alongside our work on policy and industry challenges, we remain focused on building an inclusive profession. This month, we marked International Women’s Day with an event at RICS HQ designed to turn inspiration into tangible commitments. Hosted as part our BE Inclusive commitment alongside fellow professional bodies like CIOB, RIBA, ICE, RTPI and others, this event was a powerful example of working together to champion women across the built environment.

All of these commitments reinforce our goal of being a more influential, impactful and inclusive profession for our members.