Update from Justin Young, RICS CEO - October 2024

I would like to start by congratulating all those elected to Governing Council this week. You can find the election results on RICS.org today. The significant increase in applications reflects the growing enthusiasm and dedication of RICS members to drive positive change in the profession, for a built and natural environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all. Congratulations also to Maureen Ehrenberg FRICS, who will be RICS’ new Senior Vice President from January next year.

Enhancing value for members is one of our strategic priorities, and over the last year we have devolved more powers and funds to our local boards, delivered more member events, reinstated print options for our publications and are in the processes of refurbing our London member facilities. In the next year, you’ll notice an improved speed and quality of service when you contact us, as well as the allocation of more resources to PGPs and boards, recognising that they are key to delivering value for more members. We’ll also begin implementing the outcomes of the Entry and Assessment and CPD reviews.

As always, we appreciate your continued support and feedback to shape how we deliver our transformation programme to provide more on-the-ground member support, high-impact events and engagement, and leading international standards and regulation​.

One member benefit that has undoubtedly stood the test of time is the support LionHeart RICS. This month the charity celebrated its 125^th anniversary in a reception at RICS HQ, which I was glad to attend. LionHeart was established by outgoing RICS president Robert Vigers with a donation equivalent to more than £50,000 in today’s money. 125 years later, it still provides RICS members with help when it’s most needed, whether that’s support with finances, mental health, legal issues, career or personal development. It stands as tangible proof of our connected and compassionate community.

Meanwhile, building on our work to influence for the profession on global platforms, our President, Tina Paillet, attended Climate Week NYC, which is organised to coincide with the meeting of the UN General Assembly. As well as meeting RICS members and influential stakeholders from around the world, she was able to speak to federal and local government officials about plans for the built environment and decarbonisation, emphasising the importance of shared standards. Next month, she will take this message to COP 29, where the built environment is the subject of a whole day of events and discussions, ensuring that any decisions are informed by the views and needs of our members.

Before then, at the end of this month, RICS’ new Residential Retrofit standard will come into force for members in the UK. The standard sets a framework for high quality retrofit advice, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and consumer confidence across the UK. It is an example of RICS responding to the changing needs of both professionals and the wider public.

Also this month, we announced an update to our compulsory purchase professional standard, which will come into effect in the UK on 23 December. Large infrastructure projects such as the HS2 rail line have placed compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) at the forefront of national discussions and this update ensures that the standard remains relevant and fit for purpose in a complex and evolving sector.

Finally, in the UK, late September into early October is the traditional time for annual political party conferences. This year we attended the Labour Party, Conservative and Liberal Democrat conferences, meeting with ministers and senior politicians to discuss the skills investment needed to deliver high-quality homes and our future infrastructure needs. This is part of a series of ongoing dialogues with decision-makers and influencers worldwide that enable us to shape the policy environment to support RICS professionals. From the vast projects that will touch the lives of everyone in the UK, to ensuring that we have skilled workers to deliver them with robust regulation and world-leading standards, it’s clear that RICS and its members have an important role to play in addressing major issues, for the benefit of the profession and the wider public.