RICS Governing Council statement

London, 21 January 2021

The Governing Council of RICS today voted unanimously to proceed with an independent review into the events that took place in 2018/19, the outcome of which will be made public. Having listened to the views of members in recent weeks, and appreciating their need for further reassurance, Governing Council has decided to appoint an experienced, fully independent individual to undertake the review according to terms of reference which it will set.

Separately, over the course of the last year we have been reviewing engagement and governance. Members have recently raised a wide range of issues and we would like to thank everyone who contacted us with their views and ideas. Having considered all inputs very carefully, Governing Council has decided to widen the scope of the current work relating to governance and engagement, and undertake a comprehensive review looking at the ongoing purpose and relevance of RICS in 2021 and beyond. It will examine a range of issues including member experience and engagement.

We know that members will be keen to hear more and further information will be made available soon as to how all members can contribute to shaping the future of RICS.

Statement from RICS Chair, President and CEO
Following the Governing Council meeting of 21 January 2021 Interim Chair of Governing Council, Christopher Brooke, RICS President Kathleen Fontana and Chief Executive Sean Tompkins, made the following statement on the decisions made today by the RICS Governing Council:

"We welcome this important decision taken by Governing Council and lend our wholehearted support to the implementation of an independent review. We have listened to our members carefully, and we are confident that decisions agreed by Governing Council today are in the best interests of RICS and its members.”