The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) announces the election of 10 new members to the Professional and Geographic seats on Governing Council (GC) – RICS’ highest governing body. Following a rigorous election process, the newly elected members will take their seats on 1 January 2025, providing professional insight relating to the governance and strategic direction of RICS.

“Congratulations to all those elected or re-elected to Governing Council! As a member-led organisation, these elections were a crucial way by which RICS members across the world contributed to shaping the future of our profession, driving positive change in the built and natural environment.”

Tina Paillet

RICS President

In response to member feedback, we conducted a comprehensive review of the election process after last year’s GC election, streamlining the application process and ensuring a more transparent and efficient voting experience. 

Each member who stepped up to stand for election, investing their time and energy, has shown remarkable commitment, passion and dedication to the profession at large. With a diverse pool of candidates, the significant volume of applications this year reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of RICS members across the globe.

We want to extend our thanks to all those who applied for GC seats and cast their votes. Member participation is crucial to the future of the profession, contributing to a built and natural environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all. Thanks should also go to the present GC members, who have worked exceptionally and selflessly, for the benefit of the Institution and the profession.

The elections followed an established process, communicated ahead of and throughout the voting period. This year saw an exceptional increase in members putting themselves forward for election, particularly in the UK&I and Construction seats. While this is undoubtedly a positive development, the share of vote achieved by the elected members reflects the votes being spread out more widely among all candidates.

Full GC election results

Overall voter turnout: 6.53%

Voter turnout for the geographic seats:

UK & Ireland 3.60%

Asia Pacific 5.85%

Americas 15.54%

Middle East & Africa 20.32%
 

Newly elected members will take their seats on 1 January 2025.

For some seats, the winning candidate’s percentage of votes may seem low. This reflects the high number of candidates standing for election this year, resulting in votes being spread more widely among them.

Seat

Total number of candidates

Candidate elected

Percentage of vote

Commercial Property

14

David Hourihan FRICS

14.7%

Construction

37

Graham Jones FRICS

8%

Valuation

17

Jason Hardman MRICS

16.9%

UK&I

30

Victoria Clapp FRICS

6%

UK&I

30

Alison Cosa MRICS

4.4%

UK&I

30

Johanna Gill MRICS

5.9%

UK&I

30

Lynda Rawsthorne FRICS

6.1%

Americas

9

Uche Obi FRICS

36.4%

Asia Pacific

16

Stephen Ballesty FRICS

20.2%

MEA

20

Jagath Keerthisooriya FRICS

20.9%


To find out more about the new GC members, click here

We are committed to continuous improvement and will carry out an updated review of our current election process in the coming months, so that refinements can be made where necessary. We welcome feedback from all members, including those who stood for election and those who voted.

The review will also explore why members may have been reluctant to apply for the Building Surveying and Building Control seat, Until the seat is filled, we will work closely with the Building Surveying and Building Control Professional Group Panel on all relevant matters and ensure this practice area is represented where necessary.

With the new members joining and current members being re-elected, GC will continue to provide the leadership and expertise to implement a strategy that advances public trust in the profession and ensures that RICS and its members continue to be a force for positive social impact.