RICS appoints interim Building Surveying and Building Control seat holder on Governing Council

RICS has appointed Richard Cass MRICS as the interim holder of the Building Surveying and Building Control seat on the Governing Council. This appointment addresses the vacancy following the 2024 Governing Council elections, ensuring continued representation for this important practice area.

Richard brings over 25 years of post-qualification experience as a Chartered Building Surveyor, specialising in technical due diligence and development monitoring for property investors, funders, and owners. Based in London, Richard has worked extensively across the UK, Europe, and Australia, leading CBRE’s (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis) UK best practice groups in these fields. Since January 2024, he has been an active member of the RICS Professional Group Panel (PGP) for Building Surveying and Building Control (BSBC), making him an ideal candidate to represent this important practice area on the Governing Council.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said:

"I'm delighted to represent the Building Surveying & Building Control Professional Group (BSBC PGP) on the RICS Governing Council. It's no secret that our industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with changes to the built environment and our profession happening faster than ever. I look forward to supporting RICS in leading their response to this change and contributing to shaping its future strategy, strengthening trust with the public, clients, and investors we serve."

Given the public importance of the building surveying and control practice, it was decided to appoint an interim seat holder rather than leaving this position vacant until the next scheduled elections. This approach allows RICS to maintain a strong focus on ensuring quality and safety for the public advantage. The interim appointment was made by the RICS Presidential Team, following consultations with the Nominations and Remuneration Committee and the Knowledge and Practice Committee (KPC) Chair. RICS Standing Orders allow the Presidential Team to appoint interim members of Governing Council to fill vacancies, after NRC is consulted. This process is designed to ensure a swift appointment of an individual with recognised expertise in the sector, having already demonstrated their credibility through successful appointments to Boards, Committees, and Panels.

The appointment will last for a maximum of six months, with an option for reappointment until 31 December 2025. The Building Surveying and Building Control seat will still be included in this year’s elections, ensuring that a newly elected representative can start their term on 1 January 2026. As a member of the BSBC PGP, Richard will step back from this role for the duration of his Governing Council appointment to prevent any conflicts of interest but will continue to be able to attend PGP meetings.

This appointment emphasises RICS' commitment to maintaining strong governance and ensuring that critical areas of practice are well represented, supporting the excellent work RICS members do in these sectors.