Update from Justin Young, RICS CEO – September 2025

It’s been more than two years since I stepped into position as RICS CEO, and in that time my overarching goal has been to drive positive strategic change for RICS. I’m focused on creating the environment, opportunities and influence that best support both members and the public interest.

As our sector evolves, new specialisms emerge, RICS is committed to keeping up with changes in the industry. We're launching a pilot programme to explore the potential for two new professional pathways that could expand the profession’s reach and better serve the changing needs of markets and employers.​ We’re now accepting expressions of interest from professionals and employers for Residential Retrofit Surveying (AssocRICS) and Sustainability Advisory (MRICS) pathways.

Meanwhile, Governing Council elections are open for voting, marking your most significant opportunity of the year to directly influence how we advance the surveying­. We have had another year of high interest from members, and the number of applications shows we are maintaining last year’s momentum. I can also report that we have seen strong interest from younger members, all around the world, and I’m very pleased to see the future of our profession play such an active and engaged role in RICS. Please do use your vote and play your part in the election of your leadership.

I am also asking you to use your voice to share your sector and professional expertise with RICS, as we develop the standards that set our members apart. In recent weeks the voices of residential surveyors, for example, have reached us loud and clear, as we consult on proposed updates to the RICS Home Survey Standard. There is still time to take part – the consultation period has been extended to 14 October in recognition of the sustained high response rate, allowing ample time for you to learn more about the proposals in a dedicated webinar before sharing your thoughts.

This week we launched a consultation on our first Global construction standard, which will establish a guide to delivering absolute best practice for construction professionals, quantity surveyors and project managers around the world. This will be critical in equipping members with the tools to work to their highest potential and further cementing trust in our expertise and authority. There is also still time to have your say as we prepare to update the RICS Surveyors acting as Expert Witnesses standard.  Both of these standards contribute to global consistency and the public interest. If they are relevant to your professional practice, please support us in ensuring that they set the highest bar.

Your commitment to RICS’ standards and regulation is evidence of both your capability and care. Working to the standards that we all set is critical in protecting the public interest.

I’d also like to draw your attention to this month’s launch of RICS’ first global professional standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in surveying. The standard will support you to harness the potential of AI's to drive the profession forward, while placing professional skill and experience at the core. It is relevant for everyone, and its application will ensure responsible use of AI that protects both individual practice and the public interest.

Our commitment to upholding professional standards is matched by our dedication to supporting our members and regulated firms. The Regulation Profession Support and Assurance (PSA) function plays a vital role in this mission, offering independent assurance and proactive compliance reviews across RICS' key regulatory schemes. Last year we launched the PSA Regulated Firms Team to better support SMEs that make up over 95% of our regulated firms. You can read more about this work in an update from Nigel Clarke, Chair of the Standards and Regulation Board.

We also have a critical role to play alongside government, in shaping future regulation in the built environment, drawing on our deep regulatory experience and existing infrastructure. It’s essential that we engage with government consultations to protect our profession and the public. This summer’s announcement of leasehold reforms is a good example of this work.

This snapshot of our latest areas of transformational change serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping pace in an ever-evolving profession. In the coming weeks, you’ll see us launch our first Skills Report and the beginning of a roadmap for closing the gap. This report is based – once again – on insight that came directly from you. Please keep engaging, keep sharing your experiences and insights, and RICS will continue to forge progress that empowers our profession to make a real impact.