The RICS Podcast

George Clarke HonRICS is an architect, television presenter, campaigner and educator whose position allows him to bridge gaps between the built environment and those less acquainted with the construction industry.In this episode of The RICS Podcast (originally broadcast in December 2024), George joins Emma Martin MRICS and Ayo Ajayi MRICS as they discuss his passion for construction, the industry’s image, the value of work experience and how to make progress with diversity in construction.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:George’s influences to get involved with constructionThe impact of media on public perception of construction and the built environmentWhat it means to work in the public interestGeorge’s passionate campaigning for social housingHow evolving technology impacts the work of  built environment professionalsGeorge Clarkehttps://georgeclarke.com/Ayo Ajayihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ayo-ajayi-7356376a/Emma Martinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-martin-arcadis/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

In light of the renewed global energy crisis following the conflict in Iran, we’re re-releasing one of our most pertinent episodes. Originally recorded during a period of greater market stability, this discussion between Roger Esson MRICS, Amit Patel MRICS, Jenny Stanning and Stephen Thompson FRICS explores how the surveying profession can help drive the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.The conversation highlights the continued reliance on oil and gas, the importance of professional standards, and the role surveyors play in supporting infrastructure change and workforce reskilling. As geopolitical pressures reshape the energy landscape, these insights are more timely than ever, offering a clear perspective on how surveyors can lead in building a more resilient, sustainable future.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The surprising amounts of energy still being derived from oil and gasRICS members’ roles in transitioning to a greener energy mix and a more sustainable futureHow to get young kids, particularly young girls, interested in construction and STEMThe role of standards in the energy transitionAmit Patelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-patel-902a341a/Jenny Stanning https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-stanning-40217539/Roger Essonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rogeresson/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

As RICS introduces the refreshed continuing professional development (CPD) framework effective from January 2026, it’s important to know what this means for day‑to‑day professional practice. In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Charles Golding MRICS is joined by Olga Turner Baker MRICS to set the scene for those changes, and explore how the new RICS Member App can help keep professionals up to speed on their CPD throughout the year.This episode of the RICS podcast covers:What has and hasn’t changed in the RICS CPD framework for 2026The shift from not only counting hours, but also focusing on relevant, adequate and appropriate CPDThe introduction of mandatory topics on sustainability, AI/technology, and ethical and professional standardsHow to plan and record CPD more effectively, including practical strategies to avoid the year‑end rush and recognise more of the learning you already doUsing the new RICS Member App and online resources to plan, track and document CPD and learning outcomesInformation about the new CPD app and where to download it https://www.rics.org/surveyor-careers/career-development/continuing-professional-developmentOlga Turner Baker MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-turner-baker-mrics-well-ap-non-exec-director-128b5729/Charles Golding MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-golding-23512b175/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

This episode is part of RICS Legal Landscapes, a limited podcast series developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is CPD-compliant and designed to support professional development across the surveying profession and the broader built environment.Gateway 3 is the final, mandatory checkpoint under the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher risk buildings (HRBs) in the UKThis episode of the RICS Legal Landscapes series dives into what Gateway 3 really means in practice, as both a regulatory hurdle and as a decisive moment of legal accountability, commercial viability and building safety. Gary Strong FRICS is joined by building surveyor Graeme Manley MRICS and construction lawyer David Savage to unpack Gateway 3, why it’s often called the ‘point of no return’ for clients and duty holders, and what legal responsibilities arise if a building fails to secure a completion certificate. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The role of Gateway 3 as the final pre‑occupation checkpoint for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs)How responsibility and accountability crystallise at Gateway 3 for clients, principal designers and principal contractorsThe legal and commercial consequences of failing Gateway 3, including a range of criminal sanctions The importance of the ‘golden thread’ of information, accurate as-built records, change control, and digital systemsPractical steps for surveyors, developers and building owners to plan for Gateway 3 from day one.Building Safety Act information centre:https://www.rics.org/news-insights/building-safety-act-information-centre Gary Strong FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-strong-bsc-hons-frics-fciarb-c-builde-fcabe-fcila-b52667b/Graeme Manley MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/graememanley/David Savagehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjsavage/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Amid high housing costs and construction challenges, the UK Government's 1.5 million new homes target by July 2029 is an ambition impacted greatly by macroeconomics, planning reform, and a shifting market.In this episode of the RICS podcast, Tony Mulhall MRICS, senior specialist, land and resources at RICS is joined by Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist at RICS, to unpack the economics behind the Government’s ambitions. We’ll hear the origins of the ‘300,000 homes per year’ figure, why it’s more totemic than concrete, and how interest rates, gilt markets and political uncertainty are shaping mortgage costs and housebuilder confidence.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Origins and limitations of the 300,000 homes per year target How interest rates, gilt yields, and political uncertainty are influencing the pace of housebuildingThe balance between supply-side planning reforms and demand-side support The impact of rising construction costs, skills shortages, and the struggles of modern methods of construction on delivery capacityThe role of government intervention on land value capture and development viabilitySimon Rubinsohnhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rubinsohn-43124162/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The new RICS professional standard ‘Responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying practice’ represents a pivotal shift in how professionals understand and use artificial intelligence in the surveying industry.Ahead of the standard coming into effect on 9 March 2026, Chris Alder, Senior Executive Officer for Standards and Regulation at RICS, is joined by Nella Pang MRICS, Managing Director at Omega R‑E Ltd and member of the RICS Commercial Property Professional Group Panel, and James Garner FRICS, Head of AI and Data at Gleeds and part of the Construction Professional Group Panel. Together, they explore common misconceptions about AI, its potential to transform the sector, and the ethical issues that every surveyor should keep front of mind.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Definitions of the many variations and use cases of AI tools in the professionThe role of the ‘human in the loop’, maintaining responsibility for the work that’s undertaken with AI assistanceHow AI helps surveyors in more creative aspects of their rolesThe increased dangers of cybersecurity which come with the advent of new technologiesJames Garner FRICS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgarner1976/Nella Pang MRICS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nella-pang-mrics-0m3gar3/Chris Alder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-alder-b528822a/James Garner’s AI newsletter - Project Flux: https://www.projectflux.ai/RICS Professional Standard - ‘Artificial Intelligence in the natural and built environment sector’: https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/conduct-competence/responsible-use-of-aiRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

In this episode of the RICS Podcast, Jon Rowling is joined by conservation experts Karen Gwilliams FRICS, Joanne Williams MRICS, and Sam Wheeler MRICS to explore what it takes to safeguard the UK’s historic buildings. We find out about the rewarding projects in heritage surveying, the growing skills gap in traditional crafts and conservation surveying, and how technology & AI are changing the future of the sector.This episode of the RICS Podcast covers:The rewarding nature of working on historic buildingsThe growing skills gap in traditional crafts and conservation surveyingPractical pathways into a career in historic building conservationHow climate change, flooding, and extreme weather are affecting historic buildingsThe evolving role of technology and AI in assessing, monitoring, and managing heritage assetsJon Rowlinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-rowling-41a09329/Joanne Williamshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-williams-364468b1/Karen Gwilliams FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-gwilliams-8834a220/Sam Wheeler MRICShttps://www.pha-building-conservation.co.uk/profile.htmRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The month of Ramadan begins in February, observed by many professionals in the built environment and other corporate industries.In this episode of the RICS podcast, membership DEI manager Tomi Ayede is joined by Gohar Nawaz, land and development manager for Kandore Properties in Nottingham, and Amir Latif MRICS, portfolio manager at M Latif and Sons in Birmingham, to explore what it means to be a surveyor observing Ramadan. How can we support Muslim colleagues and build considerate workspaces during the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection?This episode of the RICS Podcast covers:How observing Ramadan shapes the daily routines, wellbeing, and work patterns of Muslim surveyors in the built environmentPractical ways employers and colleagues can support fasting staff, including flexible hours and meeting etiquetteCommon myths and misconceptions about Ramadan and fastingInclusive policies and practices to consider during RamadanOn Thursday 26 February, join RICS Matrics Birmingham, RICS Matrics Nottingham, and Muslims in Real Estate (MiRE) for a special Iftar evening at RICS Birmingham.Book your place: https://www.rics.org/training-events/networking-events/rics-matrics-birmingham-nottingham-iftar-event-muslims-real-estateTomi Ayedehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomiayede/Gohar Nawazhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/goharnawaz-property/Amir Latif MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-l-225b58106/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The Renters Rights Act 2025 brought with it a host of new considerations that will impact surveyors’ work in the very near future.In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Mairead Carroll is joined by property litigation solicitor Adrian McClinton and CBRE executive director Sharief Ibrahim to unpack the real-world implications of the Renters Rights Act 2025 for landlords, tenants, and the build to rent sector. We’ll also cover what’s in the Act, how it affects the build to rent sector, and how the industry at large will shift over the years to come as the Act comes into place.This episode of The RICS Podcast discusses:An overview of the Renters Rights Act 2025 and how it amends the Housing Act 1988How the Act affects the build to rent sector, in comparison to the private rented sectorThe phased implementation, enforcement, and practical preparation steps for landlords and agentsSharief Ibrahimhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sharief-ibrahim-4419193a/Adrian McClintonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-mcclinton-5061a032/Mairead Anne Carrollhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mairead-anne-carroll-3998b078/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

This episode is part of RICS Legal Landscapes, a limited podcast series developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is CPD-compliant and designed to support professional development across the surveying profession and the broader built environment.In this episode of the RICS Legal Landscapes CPD series of podcasts, host Charles Cowap MBA, MRICS, FAAV, FRAgS, PFIAgrM, CEnv is joined by Kate Russell FRICS FAAV CEnv ARAgS  and Ben Sharples FRICS to unpack the fast-evolving world of natural capital. You’ll learn what natural capital really means in practice, how markets such as biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality, and natural flood management work, and why land ownership structures, tenancies, trusts, and lender interests make these projects legally complex. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:What natural capital is and how it translates into soil, water, air, and functioning ecosystems on the groundHow markets like biodiversity net gain, nutrient neutrality, and natural flood management operate and create new income streamsThe legal complexity of rural land and why it matters for long-term natural capital projectsHow policy change, government schemes, and private finance are shaping the future of natural capital and opportunities for farmers and landownersKate Russell FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-russell-a8137133/Ben Sharples FRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensharples/Charles Cowap MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlescowap/Ecosystems Knowledge Network Wellbeing and prosperity for everyone through a healthy natural environment - Ecosystems Knowledge NetworkGreen Finance Initiative Green Finance Initiative | Climate, Markets & Sustainable Investing NewsTellus Natural Capital Tellus Natural CapitalMichelmores Leading Natural Capital Law Firm - Lawyers | MichelmoresDepartment for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - GOV.UKRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/