Update from Richard Collins, Interim CEO — January 2023

A new year is always an opportunity. It offers the chance to take on new challenges while reinvigorating our commitment to existing endeavours, and 2023 promises both elements for our professional community.

In that regard, I am delighted that we enter this year with two very experienced and committed members having taken up pivotal roles for the delivery of this transformation and leadership of the Institution, with Ann Gray FRICS becoming President and Chair of Governing Council, and Martin Samworth FRICS becoming the Chair of the RICS Board. I welcome them both to their roles, and I look forward to seeing their unparalleled insight and passion for professionalism help to make this Institution the best it can be for members and in the service of the public interest.

I would also like to provide an update on the Director General (DG) role advertised in autumn of 2022 alongside the Chair of the RICS Board position which Martin has taken up. While we were hoping to bring this recruitment process to a close early in this new year, the appointment panel for the DG position, led by Harriet Kemp, Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, has decided to re-launch this process in coming weeks

While some talented candidates were under consideration, the panel did not consider anyone 100% suitable for what we were looking for or needed as an organisation. Selecting the best possible executive leader for RICS to achieve our goals; support our members; and deliver for the public interest; is the priority. To achieve this, the role has been updated to recruit a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to attract a broader, more diverse pool of candidates from around the globe, covering a range of backgrounds.

I decided last year not to apply for this role, as it is my clear view that the best outcome for RICS will be to secure a new leader from outside of the organisation. However, I look forward to supporting Martin as our new RICS Board Chair, and he will play a key role in this new recruitment process. Until a new CEO is appointed and can take up their role, I will continue to be wholly committed to my current role as interim CEO.

There are many exciting opportunities for RICS members to take a leading role in the direction of the Institution this year, including via elections for seats on Governing Council, and the opening of the window for applications to become next Senior Vice President. In total, over the next six months we aim to fill 60 positions across RICS Governing Council, Boards, Committees and panels This is a great time to be involved in shaping the direction of your institution, and I encourage all members to register their interest at the appropriate time when relevant opportunities are published on rics.org and the MyRICS community.

Finally, World Built Environment Forum Week 2023 is fast approaching, with opportunities to share insight and engage in debate with a stellar line up of speakers and panellists from across the built environment and beyond. The online programme will run from 16-20 January, with a blend of topics and issues due to be covered under the theme of sustainable placemaking in a resilient, net zero world. 

I wish all RICS members a happy new year, and I look forward to working with you this year with renewed vigour on our shared purpose of delivering positive impact in the built and natural environment for the public advantage.