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UK&I Dilapidations Conference

In-Person

We successfully concluded our annual Dilapidations Conference at County Hall, London on 19 March. The event, a cornerstone for the UK's building surveying sector, attracted over 400 delegates, marking a record turnout.

Mark your calendars for the next event scheduled for 2027!

Stay tuned for updates on our future events!

To register your interest, please contact us at training@rics.org.

Take the opportunity to share your ideas for future-focused topics (2027) by contacting Sin Wei, Portfolio Executive (Commercial & Residential Property, Building Surveying & Control), at ywei@rics.org.

Event highlights

Chaired by Jon Rowling FRICS (Senior Specialist of Building Standards, RICS), the conference provided a comprehensive day of CPD-accredited sessions. The agenda was strategically designed to address the most pressing challenges facing practitioners, from navigating the complexities of the Pre-Action Protocol to integrating AI and digital tools into dilapidations workflows.

A standout moment of the day was the opening keynote, which set the scene with a deep dive into the 2026 commercial property outlook, examining how economic shifts and market trends are directly impacting dilapidations claims. The programme featured high-level contributions from leading specialists who delivered critical updates on changing role of surveyors and core legal principles. The breakout sessions proved particularly popular, with standing-room-only discussions on "Circular Fit-Out and Sustainability" and "AI and Technology in Dilapidations." These sessions explored the future of repair obligations in the context of EPC requirements and the responsible use of automation in data capture and analysis.

The day culminated in a dynamic "Skills Spotlight" panel on negotiation and client care, where experts shared real-world strategies for managing client expectations and resolving conflict. The overwhelming feedback from attendees praised the practical, forward-thinking content and the invaluable opportunity to network with peers from across the legal, valuation, and building surveying disciplines.

Site pictures of 2026 event

Key takeaways

  • Strengthen strategic understanding by connecting market intelligence with practical application, enabling delegates to anticipate trends and valuation shifts that influence dilapidations practice.
  • Deepen technical and professional competence through in-depth sessions aligned with RICS standards, covering fundamentals, legal interpretation, technical analysis, and evolving best practice.
  • Gain multidisciplinary insight from surveyors, valuers, lawyers, and barristers, helping delegates interpret legislative changes, manage risk, and improve the quality of client advice.
  • Enhance professional judgement through real-world case examples and expert-led discussions that refine decision-making across the dilapidations lifecycle.
  • Build collaborative networks with peers and industry specialists to exchange ideas, explore challenges, and support ongoing professional development across the sector.

Speakers

Agenda of 2026 event

  • Start the Day with Confidence: Understanding the Core Concepts of Dilapidations
     
    For delegates new to, or less familiar with, dilapidations, including both early-career and senior professionals from related disciplines 
     
    A clear and practical overview of the key terminology, principles, and process of dilapidations. This session provides a solid grounding for anyone who wants to follow the day’s technical and legal discussions with confidence, regardless of career stage.

    Tim Clarke, Managing Director at Harrison Clarke Limited

  • Jon Rowling FRICS, Senior Specialist, Building Standards, RICS

  • Stay ahead of the evolving pressures influencing dilapidations practice.

    This session brings together expert insights on commercial property market trends, economic indicators, and forecasting, offering a clear view of how shifting market conditions directly impact dilapidations claims.

    You will gain practical, forward-looking perspectives to help you anticipate challenges, mitigate risk, and guide clients with confidence in a rapidly changing environment.

    Mark Tatlow MRICS, Senior Director, Dilapidations, CBRE Turner & Townsend

    Natalie Deuchar, Senior Associate, Charles Russell Speechlys

  • Explore how the surveyor’s role evolves at each stage of the dilapidations journey : from initial instruction and strategic advice to negotiation, settlement, or tribunal. This session will unpack how professional standards, the Pre-Action Protocol, and evolving client expectations are shaping responsibilities and best practice. Gain clarity on where professional judgement, collaboration, and evidential rigour are most critical, ensuring your approach remains compliant, consistent, and commercially effective.

    Alison Hardy, Partner and Head of Real Estate Dispute Resolution, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

    Adam Nash, Director, Building and Project Consultancy, Savills

  • Refresh and update understanding of legal rules that underpin every stage of a dilapidations claim with a particular focus on ADR, Building a Case and Costs Protection.

    This session provides clear, practical guidance on essential concepts and will consider how surveyors can add value at every stage of the process to support effective negotiation, protect client interests, and ensure compliance with professional standards.

     Camilla Lamont, Barrister, Landmark Chambers

  • In an increasingly outcomes-focused and regulated environment, clients expect clarity, consistency, and accountability from their advisors. This session explores what “good advice” looks like in practice — from defining competence and managing conflicts of interest to communicating uncertainty and evidencing value. Learn how transparency, documentation, and professional integrity underpin client confidence and long-term trust, ensuring your advice stands up to scrutiny and supports stronger professional relationships.  
     
    Trust in Advice During End-of-Lease Negotiations 
    In dilapidations cases, clients rely heavily on professional advice, whether it’s a landlord seeking to recover repair costs or a tenant defending against a claim. The quality and transparency of a surveyor’s advice can directly affect: 

    • The negotiation outcome 
    • The likelihood of litigation 
    • The client’s perception of fairness 

    This session reinforces the importance of clear, ethical, and defensible advice, especially when large sums or reputational risks are at stake.

    Jon Rowling FRICS, Senior Specialist, Building Standards, RICS

    Sam Palmes MRICS, Director of Technical Services, M7 Real Estate Ltd

    Peter Fletcher, Senior Associate, DLA Piper

  • Session 1A

    Costing Schedules of Dilapidations: Getting the Numbers Right 
     
    Accurate costing underpins all credible dilapidations claim and defence. This session explores the practical and evidential challenges of pricing schedules effectively, from applying BCIS data and market comparables to understanding the hierarchy of evidence. Gain insight into how surveyors can balance technical precision with commercial realism, manage client expectations, and navigate disputes over methodology to deliver robust, defensible advice in every instruction. 

    Moderator: Jon Rowling FRICS, Senior Specialist, Building Standards, RICS

    Guy Fetherstonhaugh KC, Barrister, Falcon Chambers

    Selina Baptise MRICS, Managing Quantity Surveyor, AtkinsRéalis

    Claire Ramsay MRICS, Senior Associate and Dilapidation Lead, Hollis

    Session 1B

    Circular Fit-Out and Sustainability: The Future of Repair and Reuse 
     
    As sustainability targets and circular economy principles reshape the property landscape, dilapidations practice must evolve to keep pace. This session explores how sustainable fit-out design, material reuse, and energy efficiency ambitions impact repair obligations and negotiation strategies. Hear from experts leading the shift toward circular fit-outs as they share practical insights on balancing environmental goals with lease liabilities, EPC requirements, and client expectations, and discover how surveyors can help futureproof both buildings and advice. 

    Moderator: Chris Sullivan, Founding Director, thesullivanco

    Laura Wardrope, Associate Project Manager, JLL

    Danielle Purkiss, Head of Research & Development, UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub & Institute of Making

    Siobhan Cross, Partner, Pinsent Masons

  • Session 2A

    Valuation in Dilapidations: From Evidence to Strategy - THIS BREAKOUT SESSION IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.

    Valuation plays a pivotal role in resolving dilapidations claims, yet balancing analytical rigour with commercial judgment remains a constant challenge. This session takes a closer look at how valuers can apply sound methodologies, interpret market evidence, and manage uncertainties to deliver defensible outcomes.

    Explore how the various valuation methods can be adapted to real-world dilapidation scenarios. Suggestions on how to manage client expectations, strengthen collaboration with building surveyors and legal teams, and ensure your opinion is credible.

    Simon Crust FRICS, Executive Director, ProMission

    Session 2B

    AI and Technology in Dilapidations: Risks, Rewards, and Responsible Use

    From data capture and analysis to client reporting and portfolio management, digital tools and artificial intelligence are reshaping how surveyors deliver dilapidations services. This session examines the opportunities and challenges of adopting these technologies, from improving efficiency and consistency to managing liability and professional risk.

    Explore how RICS guidance supports responsible use of AI and technology in practice, and gain practical insight into integrating innovation while upholding professional integrity and client trust.

    Moderator: Chris Mann MRICS, Northern Region Dilapidations Lead, CBRE Turner & Townsend

    Nella Pang MRICS, Managing Director, Omega RE, Working Group of RICS Responsible use of AI in surveying practice

    Siddique Miah MRICS, Co-founder of Leasedrop®

    Louis Blaxill, CEO, GoReport

  • The Art of Negotiation and Client Care: Lessons from the Field 
     
    Behind every successful dilapidations outcome lies the ability to communicate with clarity, manage expectations, and build lasting client relationships. This energising closing session focuses on the people skills that bring technical expertise to life, from active listening and persuasion to emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. 

    A panel of experienced practitioners will share real-world examples and diverse perspectives on how they navigate challenging client interactions and negotiations. They will then be joined by the moderator for a wider discussion and audience Q&A, exploring practical ways to manage expectations, resolve conflict, and deliver outcomes that satisfy both client and counterpart. 

    Designed to leave you inspired and equipped, this session will strengthen your confidence, sharpen your communication, and remind you why the human connection remains the most powerful tool in professional practice.

    Moderator: Jon Rowling FRICS, Senior Specialist, Building Standards, RICS

    Eduard Beltran, Lawyer, Author, Speaker: Negotiation and Leadership

    Rosemary Silver FRICS - Associate Director, Avison Young

Sponsors

Gold sponsor

Building Transformation

We Access, We Repair, We Maintain. Solutions for the complete building envelope: facades, roofs and glazing. We simplify complex maintenance, repair & refurbishment tasks through technical insight, access innovation and a partnership-first approach.

Gold sponsor

HD Sharman

HD Sharman Ltd is a UK based specialist manufacturer and supplier of proven, high performance metal roof and gutter refurbishment systems, headquartered in High Peak Works, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire. The company has built a strong reputation over decades for engineered, sustainable solutions such as the BBA approved Plygene Gutterline, Seamsil cut edge corrosion and Delcote roof coating systems that help extend the lifecycle of commercial and industrial building roofs and gutters by preventing leaks and providing long term protecting against corrosion and degradation. These systems are backed by long-term guarantees and are widely specified by roofing contractors, surveyors and property managers to prolong the life of their assets.

Silver sponsor

Garland UK

Your building envelope, protected by the industry experts. For over 20 years, Garland UK have built trusted relationships with thousands of customers nationwide, providing experienced, unbiased technical advice alongside manufacturing innovative building envelope systems - helping surveyors to make the best decision for their assets. Working primarily within the construction, surveying, estates and architectural sectors, our technicians have advised on over 18,000 projects and installed over 5 million square metres of roofing to date. Above all, we’re proud to be 100% employee-owned, achieving ESOP certification in 2008.

Bronze sponsor

Giromax

Bronze sponsor

GoReport

GoReport provides smart, purpose-built software for surveyors and inspectors working across the Built Environment. Designed to streamline the capture, analysis and reporting of site data, our solution enables professionals to work faster, more accurately, and with greater insight. Using a mobile device, surveyors can efficiently record data on-site and seamlessly upload it to a secure web portal for editing, reviewing and publishing. The result: high-quality, client-ready reports delivered with speed and precision.

Looking ahead to 2027

To find out more about sponsoring our next Dilapidations Conference, please contact: partnerships@rics.org.

Register your interest for the UK&I Dilapidations Conference 2027

Stay up to date on speaker announcements, early bird registration, and programme updates by registering your interest below.