Last year marked a “turning point” for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), according to chair of the board Martin Samworth following the publication of the institution’s 2024 Annual Review.
In the review, released this week, RICS said that last year, it had made “significant progress” in modernising the profession, expanding membership and leading on global sustainability standards.
It reported that membership in the UK had surpassed 100,000 for the first time, with over 7,600 new global enrolments, the highest number since 2017.
It added that more than three quarters (76%) of industry professionals were confident in the professionalism and expertise of RICS members and that member satisfaction with RICS leadership in sustainability had also risen, with 70% of members reporting a positive experience, a 6% increase on 2023.
Engagement had also reached new heights, it said, with more than 23,000 members and stakeholders participating in events, consultations and learning programmes throughout the year, including 500 hybrid events across 50 countries.
Martin Samworth, chair of the RICS board, said: “2024 marked a turning point for RICS. We not only grew our global membership but also strengthened how we engage and support professionals. That trust is reflected in rising satisfaction levels and greater member-led involvement.”
The institution said that the review also highlighted RICS’ growing global influence on critical issues. It cited its ‘Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment’ sustainability standard, which it said had seen major adoption in 2024, with the UK government, Welsh government, DEFRA and Queen’s University Belfast among those now using the standard.
It added that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) remained a core strategic priority following the launch of its first ever global DEI strategy in 2024, establishment of a dedicated DEI forum and inclusion of DEI guidance in the RICS Rules of Conduct.
Going forward, RICS said it would continue to focus on growing its membership and leading the profession on critical global issues ranging from housing and infrastructure to climate resilience and bridging the skills gap.
