Chair, Standards Committee

Reporting to the RICS Standards and Regulation Board

Guide. Assure. Shape the Future of Professional Standards.

If you have ever wanted to give something meaningful back to your profession, to play a part in defining what good practice looks like for future generations, this could be your opportunity.

As Chair of the RICS Standards Committee, you will oversee an independent group that sits at the heart of RICS' regulatory governance, assuring that professional standards are high quality, globally consistent, regulatable and in the public interest.

You will work alongside independent subject matter experts from fields such as regulation, law, economics, accountancy and consumer protection, all focused on one shared goal: upholding trust in the surveying profession and protecting the public interest.

Why this role matters

Professional standards are the foundation of confidence in the built environment.

With RICS members practising in over 140 countries, the Committee's work has truly global reach, ensuring standards remain consistent, relevant, and effective across diverse markets and regulatory environments.

The Committee assures that those standards are robust, transparent, and defensible, developed through consultation, evidence, and fairness, balancing the needs of members, markets, and the public.

As Chair, you will:

• Guide and question the Committee's work, ensuring every voice is heard and decisions are made through balanced, evidence-based discussion.
• Provide strategic oversight of RICS' global standards framework.
• Work collaboratively with RICS’ Executive and expert staff, and with the Knowledge and Practice Committee (KPC), to ensure the Standards Committee’s oversight complements technical and professional practice development.
• Support collaboration across RICS' professional body and regulatory functions, navigating complex perspectives with calm authority and diplomacy.
• Safeguard integrity by ensuring that standards uphold both technical excellence and the highest ethical expectations.
   

Who we are looking for

A Chartered Member of RICS with a broad understanding of the surveying sector, ideally with international perspective or experience working across different markets and regulatory environments. Someone who can see the bigger picture across disciplines, not just within one area.

Perhaps you have held a senior leadership or board position in a multi-disciplinary firm or have experience overseeing professional or regulatory frameworks.

What matters most is that you are:

• An experienced and balanced Chair who enables open discussion and thoughtful decision-making.
• Analytical and evidence-driven, able to weigh different perspectives and help the group reach fair, evidence-based conclusions.
• Collaborative, able to work constructively with the RICS executives, KPC, Professional Practice Staff and wider stakeholders.
• Committed to raising standards and maintaining public confidence in the profession.
• Above all, fair-minded and respectful, with a genuine interest in supporting others to contribute effectively.
   

Full Role Description and Person Specification details can be found on the SRB Vacancies page.

About the Standards Committee

A permanent sub-committee of the Standards and Regulation Board (SRB), the Committee provides oversight and assurance for the development, approval, and implementation of RICS professional standards worldwide.

Operating independently, it assures that RICS' standards framework is high quality, regulatable, and aligned with the public interest, maintaining globally consistent regulation whilst respecting regional contexts.

See here for the Standards Committee Terms of Reference

Why now?

The Standards Committee was formally established as a permanent sub-committee of the Standards and Regulation Board (SRB) in March 2025, following recommendations from the Professional Standards Steering Group.

As a newly formed body, the Committee is in its establishment phase. The first year is particularly important as governance structures are embedded and effective working rhythms developed. The Chair will also chair the appointment process for Committee members, working with the Regulatory Governance and Professional Standards teams to ensure the right blend of expertise and perspective around the table.

For the right candidate, this offers a rare opportunity to influence how the Committee operates, to build a high-performing team, and to create something of lasting value for the profession.

This is a significant moment to contribute to the next phase of standards governance, strengthening global consistency, maintaining professional integrity, and supporting confidence in the surveying profession worldwide.

The practical details

• Appointment: up to a 3-year term (renewable once).
• Time commitment: Approximately 25 days per year.
• Full Role Description and Person Specification can be found here.
• This is an unpaid governance role (in line with RICS policy), but reasonable expenses will be covered.
• Location: Virtual meetings, with one in-person meeting per year (UK-based; some international travel may be required).
• Eligibility: Chartered Member of RICS; not currently serving on any RICS governance boards, panels, or committees.
• Interview dates: Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November 2025 (subject to change based on candidate and panel availability).
   

How to apply

This recruitment is being supported by Michelle Paoloni at House Recruitment.

Please submit the following by Monday 17th November 2025 at 5pm (UK Time).

• A supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how you meet the criteria in the person specification.
• A CV detailing relevant experience and professional memberships.
• A diversity and inclusivity monitoring form should be completed at the application stage only. It can be found via the link in the role description and in the confirmation email you’ll receive once your application has been submitted.
   

Any queries can be directed to Michelle Paoloni RICS@houserecruitment.co.uk

Diversity and global representation

RICS is committed to building diverse, high-performing governance groups that reflect the global profession we serve.

We actively welcome applications from Chartered Members across all world regions, disciplines, and backgrounds, and from candidates who bring a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and insights to standards development.

Everyone who applies will receive a response.