RICS is a professional body for Chartered Surveyors working in the public interest to advance knowledge, uphold standards, and inspire current and future professionals. Their members help to create and protect built and natural environments that are sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all. RICS aim to “maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage”.
RICS set qualifications and independently regulate chartered professionals and firms (RICS Regulated Firms, building trust and confidence with clients and consumers.
Their motto is ‘Est modus in rebus’ which means ‘there is measure in all things’.
The precursor to RICS was the Surveyors Club set up in 1792 which became the Surveyors’ Institution in 1868 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1881 before being renamed to the RICS in 1947.
RICS operates using Bye-Laws which are agreed by a majority member vote and ratified by the government’s Privy Council. RICS is self-regulating using these Bye-Laws and RICS Regulations (last updated in 2020) in line with the government’s principals of better regulation:
Proportionality
Accountability
Consistency
Targeting
Transparency
The structure of RICS:
Act as leading ambassadors for RICS working with the CEO to shape the thought leadership agenda, elected by the Governing Council.
Tina Paillet is President at the time of writing supported by the President Elect and then the Senior Vice President.
Oversee the day-to-day running of RICS.
Justin Young is the CEO at the time of writing supported by a number of senior directors and officers.
Chaired by the President, the Governing Council set the strategy and vision.
Delivers the business plan.
Handles the regulatory function including strategy and governance and also oversees the professional standards, entry to RICS, education/qualification standards and dispute resolution.
The Head of Regulation considers disciplinary action with serious cases going to a panel and less serious cases through Regulatory Compliance Orders or Regulatory Tribunal.