Update from Richard Collins, Interim CEO — May 2023

I begin this update by joining RICS President Ann Gray FRICS in offering our warmest wishes to His Majesty the King ahead of Coronation celebrations this month. His Majesty's active interests in the built environment and concern for sustainability are shared by RICS, and we look forward with excitement to the Coronation and with optimism to the future beyond.

While I know that many members will have been keen to visit our Great George Street office in order to spectate, we are advised by the authorities that this is not possible due to safety and security provisions that will be in place in the vicinity. We had very much wanted to open our building to members and staff on the day of the Coronation, and while I realise this news may be disappointing, I hope you will appreciate the necessity for such security on this important day.

In recent news, elections for seats on RICS Governing Council concluded last month, with newly elected and returning members announced on 26 April. I thank all members who stood for election, cast their vote, or provided feedback for engaging constructively in this important process for RICS to thrive as a member-led institution working to the public advantage.

As you may be aware, earlier this year we promoted two opportunities to join the presidential team, via a six-month 2023 Senior Vice President role to be served from 1 July 2023, and a twelve-month 2024 Senior Vice President role to be served from 1 January 2024. Given the seniority of the role and its importance as a precursor to individuals becoming RICS President, it is vital that we attract the broadest and best possible range of candidates, reflecting the whole diversity of our profession. With that in mind, the appointment panel responsible for shortlisting candidates has decided to re-open the application process. Interested individuals can find out more and apply here.

As part of our member-led transformation, we are also looking for qualified RICS members to chair and provide leadership for our six Professional Group Panels (covering Construction; Valuation; Commercial Property; Residential Property; Land and Natural Resources; and Building Surveying and Building Control). The six appointeded chairs will also become members of the Knowledge and Practice Committee, whose Chair is expected to be announced in June, and which will report directly to the RICS Board. These opportunities will ensure member scrutiny is further embedded into our governance and that insights from across the profession are reflected in decision-making about RICS activity. Find out more and apply here.

I remind members that they can share views on any aspect of RICS performance and services by responding to Survey of the Profession, which is open until 5 June. This is a vital means for us to improve how RICS supports you and to ensure we are adding value for members by pursuing the right priorities. Many recent changes such as securing backing for local engagement activities and improving member communications have resulted from Survey responses, so I encourage you all to share your views. Members should have received invitation links to the Survey from our research partner Savanta, but please let us know via your MyRICS account if you are experiencing any difficulties or have not received your invitation.

Finally, members should mark their diaries for the AGM, which will take place this year on 6 June — look out for your AGM notice email later this week to see how you can join the meeting and submit questions. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the meeting.