COMMENT Anthony Walker’s recent comment shares a number of views and thoughts regarding the principle of self-regulation of the surveying profession.
As the senior executive officer for standards and regulation at the RICS reporting to the standards and regulation board, my role is to ensure the day-to-day operation of the RICS’ regulatory function is delivered at a consistently high standard. I welcome Anthony’s opinions and also acknowledgement that he personally has had no negative experience of RICS regulation and that his engagement with staff has been positive.
This important recognition chimes with my experience in leading staff undertaking the proportionate regulation of the RICS members and regulated firms, as well as the feedback we regularly receive. It is important to stress there has not been any interruption in the operational exercise of the RICS’ standards and regulatory functions – indeed, we continue to operate professionally and seamlessly.
Integrity
In my view, it is incumbent on RICS as an institution – as well as through embracing the professionalism of the overwhelming majority of members – to provide assurance that self-regulation can continue to be successfully delivered with independence, integrity and the public interest at its heart.
Within RICS, there are clear structures and processes in place to ensure the independence of standards and regulatory functions – for example neither the RICS board or chief executive have oversight of regulation.
Following an independent review of regulation by Sir Bryan Carsberg in 2005, which the RICS itself initiated, the institution implemented an independent self-regulatory model well ahead of many other professions. With the support of members, the institution has continued to strengthen and evolve the model further – for example with the establishment in 2019 of the standards and regulation board.
Through recent external reviews undertaken by Peter Pereira Gray and by Lord Bichard, the RICS’ model of self-regulation has been analysed and assessed as being viable. Lord Bichard made a number of recommendations for strengthening governance at RICS, which the institution is well on the way to implementing in full. This shows our commitment to delivering a model of self-regulation focused on robustly setting and upholding professional standards.
The recent appointment of Nigel Clarke as interim chair of the SRB, alongside an experienced interim board, provides reassurance and confidence that the RICS’ model of self-regulation is viable, credible and resilient. Nigel brings invaluable experience as a UK professional regulator, having spent eight years as chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council. He understands how independent self-regulation can and should work, and I believe it is important for the profession at this time that he is bringing this expertise to RICS.
Refreshed leadership
Beyond the SRB, the refreshed leadership at the RICS provides an opportunity to revitalise the institution and ensure it is operating as effectively as possible. Justin Young became chief executive of the RICS on 5 July this year, bringing an external perspective to the role with his previous post as chief operating officer at Knight Frank. His background is business transformation in the property, legal and technology sectors. In the six weeks I have worked closely with Justin, I have been impressed by his leadership. I am left in no doubt about his commitment to the RICS’ overarching responsibility to act in the public interest and his respect for the independence of the standards and regulatory functions within the RICS.
This refreshed leadership has made clear that its immediate priority is to reinforce the RICS’ credentials as a globally recognised and leading institution in the natural and built environment. I look forward to Justin and Nigel saying more in due course about their plans to ensure the RICS continues to operate in the public interest, to complete implementation of the Bichard report, and to continue to strengthen the independence of the SRB within the overall institution.
I am confident the transformation programme and forward plan currently under way at the RICS will demonstrate that independent self-regulation is not only viable, but the best framework for the global surveying profession.
Christopher Alder is senior executive officer, RICS standards and regulation
