RICS contribution to Pride month

RICS rounded off their Pride month celebrations by marching in the London Pride parade on Saturday 6 July.

Members of RICS staff joined numerous built environment and property professionals marching as part of the Freehold and Changing the Face of Property Group.

Prior to the parade, the Group enjoyed a breakfast hosted by Savills, where the London Gay Men's Chorus performed.

This year's parade was the biggest yet, with an estimated 1.5m people lining the streets. It lasted for an hour and a half, starting at Portland Place and finishing on Whitehall.

Steph Fairbairn, Journal and Content Editor, who marched on behalf of RICS, said: "It was a brilliant day from start to finish.

"I was struck both by the diversity of the crowd watching us march, and the brilliant property and built environment professionals we marched with.

"It was great to get an opportunity to chat to LGBTQ+ professionals in our industry to get feedback on what RICS is doing and how we can better support them.

"For me, it really emphasised the role RICS has to play in championing diversity and equality in the industry. We need to ensure all of our members and staff are valued and supported."

At the start of Pride month, RICS staff worldwide were provided with rainbow lanyards to show support for LGBTQ+ colleagues and members, while the rainbow flag flew outside the London RICS HQ from 1 June until the weekend of the parade.

Staff also marched in Birmingham Pride in early June, alongside representatives of the city's LGBTQ+ community, and RICS recorded a series of videos, speaking to LGBTQ+ professionals in our industry.

A special Pride edition of the Diversity Matters newsletter was also published, including useful resources for LGBTQ+ surveyors and details of a discussion event RICS held in partnership with Freehold earlier in the year.

RICS will also have a presence at Manchester Pride Outreach Day, and the Manchester Pride Parade, both in August.

Barry Cullen, Head of Future Talent, Diversity and Inclusion, says: 'RICS commitment to LGBTQ+ professionals is key to ensuring that people can bring their whole selves to work and to the continued promotion of a wider diverse and inclusive profession for all.'

Our profession will only continue to succeed if it is more diverse, open, and welcoming – drawing on people from all walks of life. That's why RICS is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.