Update from Nigel Clarke, independent Chair of RICS SRB

As independent Chair of the Standards & Regulation Board (SRB) I have, of course, been interested in the various media and Linkedin thoughts and comments published recently relating to home surveys.

I cannot comment directly on specific cases referenced, given that one is subject to an appeal and the other to an ongoing investigation, but it is worth pointing out that these are in no way representative of the standards of the profession at large. Nevertheless, where malpractice or misconduct has occurred within the profession, we invest significant time and resource into our comprehensive investigations to implement effective sanctions. The small number of surveyors who let down the profession can severely impact those that they fail, who have my utmost sympathy. The SRB works to support consumers affected to seek redress. There will be lessons to be learnt from disciplinary cases – any regulator knows that there always are – and we will use these to deliver improvements wherever possible.

Since July 2023, as a part of the new leadership at RICS, I have worked closely with the interim SRB members, wider RICS governance and the executive team delivering RICS’ professional standards and regulatory functions. I have a long background in independent regulation, and I am clear that the foundation of work in the public interest is reflected in the operation of the SRB. Equally clear is the commitment by RICS and SRB to this; all are passionate about building on a strong public interest foundation, further enabling RICS and its members to meet the challenges facing the profession which will, in turn, strengthen trust. We will shortly be announcing the appointment of a new permanent Board of SRB, which will have equal representation from RICS members and independents. Informing this Board will be a pilot Consumer Working Group, comprising independent representatives from globally recognised consumer brands and consumer interest organisations, to support that greater public interest focus.

On the question of RICS Fellowship generally, this was considered carefully for the SRB by its Entry and Assessment Review Steering Group and referred to in its interim report. Proposals for the route to Fellowship in the future form a component of that group’s recommendations. We encourage RICS members to review the final proposed RICS Entry and Assessment report when it is released in the coming weeks and share their feedback.

The recent commentary has not given the complete picture of the extensive investigations and activity that our teams have undertaken, and on which they continue to work. Inevitably, as a professional regulator, it is often the case that we are unable to disclose highly confidential information. This is essential to protect the integrity of the overall regulatory framework and to ensure there is confidence in it, for both complainant and those about whom a complaint has been raised. As with all such cases, this is part of the foundation of upholding the public interest.

I am, however, clear too that RICS and the SRB need to communicate better with members, stakeholders and the public, not only about the sophistication of RICS’ regulation through the SRB but also to ensure there is clarity about the scope and responsibilities of an independent regulator. I, along with the wider RICS leadership, will be seeking as many opportunities as possible to engage directly with members on the issues that matter to them. We will be arranging this in partnership with member regional boards. This is important to ensure our role and activities are not being misunderstood or misrepresented, and demonstrate that we moving forward and taking the right steps to strengthen confidence with all stakeholders.