Update from Richard Collins, Interim CEO — June 2023

The surveying profession is many things. A worldwide community, a network of expertise, and a group of dedicated members working to the public advantage are all valid descriptions.

Whatever your view, it’s clear to me from many years involvement with this special Institution that RICS is far more than the sum of its parts; and its strength and ability to do good in the world is driven by the unique perspectives and talents of its members.

RICS and the profession can only truly serve society if it is reflective of its people, which is why it is so important that we make our profession a diverse and inclusive one that welcomes the abilities and commitment of all who want to share in delivering our public purpose.

In that light, RICS will be marking Pride month by highlighting the role of allyship in creating a more inclusive professional environment. As well as watching out for inspiring stories and case studies shared on RICS social channels, you can also join RICS and a number of built environment professions and networks at Great George Street for a special event where you can see first-hand how we can all help make a difference in this area.

On a related point, as President Ann Gray highlighted in her most recent Modus column, the ambition to create a more inclusive profession relies on first us knowing our starting point. As such, we are asking UK and Ireland members to provide some additional demographic data as a first step in building a picture of our profession as it is now, as a basis to inform DEI initiatives for the future. I hope you will take this opportunity to update your RICS member profile and help drive positive change that will help to make our profession a place where everyone can thrive.

Core to RICS’ purpose is supporting members and enhancing the impact of their work to the public advantage. It is of course especially important to do so in ways that are relevant to your region and area of work, so this month we are pleased to announce a range of new improvements to in-market member communications and engagement – read the latest Membership Services Steering Group update here.

As we hit the mid-year mark, I am pleased to share an important update on our transformation, relating to the transition of the Knowledge and Practice and Membership Services steering groups into permanent committees. Following a rigorous recruitment process, Simon Rawlinson MRICS, Head of Strategic Research and Insight at Arcadis UK, has been appointed as chair of the Knowledge and Practice Committee and Nick Maclean FRICS, Managing Director at CBRE, has been appointed chair of the Membership Services Committee on an interim basis, until we appoint a permanent chair later this year. Both will also join the newly formed RICS Board. I’d like to convey our collective thanks and appreciation for Andrew Gooding FRICS and Rory Murphy FRICS, for their unwavering commitment in leading these workstreams to date.

Elsewhere, the Annual General Meeting takes place tomorrow, 6 June. This is an important event when members and stakeholders can get the latest updates and ask questions about RICS performance and activities. You can read more about the AGM and register to attend either online or in person here.

At the AGM we will also be welcoming those joining our Governing Council from July, following the recent elections. Members will note a change to the Middle East & Africa (MEA) seat. This is because Anil Singh Rana, who won the largest share of the votes for this seat, is no longer able to take it up due to unforeseen personal circumstances. Instead, the candidate with the next highest share of the vote, Chris Seymour, will take this seat as per the guidance issued to candidates.

Thank you, as ever, to all members who continue to dedicate so much of their personal time and energy to RICS.

Richard Collins

Interim CEO