Knowledge and Practice Committee (KPC)

With the support of Matt McDermott and Kieran Halliwell, the PGPs are planning a proactive programme of engagement. Some of you will have attended conferences this year convened for a number of the key professional groups, such as the recent Building Surveying and Valuation conferences.  We are also developing a series of RICS podcasts that will keep you informed not only on PGP plans but will also include discussions on issues that are topical for their area of practice.  Keep a look out as these are an excellent resource, and of course, are a source of free CPD.

One area of professional practise that has generated a lot of attention concerns the housing sector and in particular home survey practice.  I have worked closely with members of the residential PGP, the Standards and Regulation Board and Exec Team to ensure that the plans to review and update standards in these areas are properly targeted to address both issues of public interest and member concern.  These issues have been discussed at the full KPC Committee and the RICS Board.  Members active in housing sector can be confident that these issues are being addressed and that their concerns have been heard.

Looking more broadly at standards, I would particularly like to thank David Parker and Charlotte Neal and her team for the tremendous progress that has been made in streamlining the standards review process.  A KPC review group has undertaken a triage of all existing standards and, depending on impact and complexity, will review all future standards during their development. This group works to ensure member engagement with the development of vital professional standards and guidance, but please don’t forget that you can participate directly via the consultation process. 

The standards programme itself is progressing at pace and 2024 will see the publication of an updated edition of the global Red Book to ensure its continued alignment with International Valuation Standards.  The construction PGP is also supporting the initial design of an overhaul of the Black Book, which collates construction standards and professional practice information.

Sustainability remains a major area of focus. The Exec team has been fully engaged in promoting the Whole Life Carbon Assessment Standard into global markets as well as developing supporting training material ahead of full adoption in July.  The team is also planning a global online ESG conference for Q4 2024 which aims to reinforce recognition of how the surveying profession is going to play its role in ESG by assuring a sustainable built environment.

I have been in role as Chair of KPC for nearly 12 months. In that time, we have built our PGP team who are now directly contributing to key areas of RICS development including conferences, CPD development and standards review.

I would like to thank my colleagues on the KPC: Roger Esson, Emma Fletcher, Roddie Houston, Nick Knight, Cliff L’Aimable, David Parker and David Sandbrook and the members of their PGPs who are too numerous to list.  Together, we are helping the Executive Team to prioritise their initiatives focusing on areas as diverse as technology and AI, Planning and Prudential Valuation.

The market continues to be challenging for many members and I can assure you that members and staff working in Knowledge and Practice are focused on delivering products and services in line with the RICS strategy and to meet your need.  I believe that we are making great progress in ensuring the continuing strength and relevance of the surveying profession.