The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a global professional body that sets and enforces standards for the valuation, management and development of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. RICS was founded in London in 1868 as the Institution of Surveyors, after a meeting of 49 surveyors at the Westminster Palace Hotel.
The inaugural president was John Clutton, who founded Cluttons, a property firm still in business today. RICS received a royal charter in 1881 and became the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1947. Today, RICS has over 134,000 members in more than 140 countries and regions, and works in the public interest to promote and protect the built and natural environments.
Some of the activities that RICS undertakes include developing and maintaining standards, providing education and training, conducting research and innovation, offering guidance and advice, and regulating and accrediting professionals.
The regulatory functions of RICS are delegated from RICS’ Governing Council to the independently led Standards and Regulation Board (SRB). The role of the SRB is to build and maintain trust and confidence in the profession for the public advantage. It is delegated responsibility for overseeing the setting of professional standards, entry to the profession, the dispute resolution service and to provide assurance to the profession, stakeholders and the public that RICS-qualified professionals and regulated firms operate to the required standards of conduct and competence.
RICS regulation provides benefits for surveyors, such as enhancing their credibility and trustworthiness, increasing their marketability and employability, improving their quality and consistency of service, and enabling them to access global networks and resources. RICS regulation requires surveyors to comply with complex regulatory requirements, to maintain continuing professional development (CPD), and to manage the risks and liabilities associated with their work. RICS regulation also offers some opportunities for surveyors, such as developing new skills and competencies, embracing new technologies and innovations, and contributing to the social and environmental goals of the profession.
Sanders Cobb Chartered Surveyors are regulated by the RICS and our clients can therefore be assured that we are governed by the highest standards in the industry.
