RICS UK QS and Construction Conference 2024

Navigating the future of Quantity Surveying

This year’s annual QS & Construction Conference brought together delegates from across the UK&I and industry experts who shed light on the most pressing market issues. With over 80 delegates present, the conference provided an excellent opportunity to listen to a wide variety of presentations and panel discussions. It was a pleasure to see everyone on the day and we appreciate the support of our delegates, speakers and exhibitors.

Make sure to keep an eye on updates around next year’s conference scheduled for 2025!

To register your interest, please contact us at training@rics.org.

Take the opportunity to have your say on what we should cover in 2025, and contact Zynab Yaseen, our Content Product Specialist to discuss your suggestions: zyaseen@rics.org

Overview of 2024 event 

Our conference was built around the most important and pressing challenges facing the construction sector, offering the opportunity to stay updated on the latest industry trends and regulations.

Sessions included:

• Industry skills shortage – Can we make construction cool?

The age-old dilemma around the skills shortage has remained stagnant over the recent years, with talent pools continuing to shrink. To couple with the predicament, the drive towards decarbonisation, technology advancements, hybrid working, and an ageing workforce creates a further layer of complexity. Why are we struggling to attract the younger generation? How can we create a compelling case that resonates with tech-savvy youth?

• Mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry

With pressures ranging from tight contracts and long working hours, to managing complex budgets and the rising costs of supplies, various reports have emerged, stating many in the industry struggle with their mental health. In the past, organisations have focused more on physical injury than on mental health.

• JCT Contracts 2024 Edition: A new perspective

The JCT 2024 Edition launched in May 2024, offering newly incorporated features, to include the adoption of gender-neutral language, and more flexibility around electronic notices. What are the main changes covered by the JCT 2024 Edition? How can you benefit from these changes at the various stages of your construction project?

• Impact of the Procurement Act 2023

The Procurement Act was passed into law in October 2023, following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. It aims to make public procurement more ‘flexible, transparent, efficient and competitive’, while delivering value for money and public benefit. How will the Act impact Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers in the tendering procurement process?

• RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment

Measuring the environmental impact of our infrastructure has become increasingly crucial. The WLCA Standard was first introduced in 2017, for consistent and accurate carbon measurement in the built environment. Its objective, to guarantee that the data we collect on carbon emissions is consistent, accurate, and comparable across different projects and asset classes. The 2nd Edition WLCA, which came into effect in July 2024, builds upon the previous standard, extended to cover all buildings and infrastructure throughout the built environment life cycle. What are the changes to the 2nd Edition, and how will it impact the industry.