Hot Topics

Question 1

Levitt Report 2021

Answer 1

• Independent review
• Commissioned by the RICS following a Treasury Management Audit in 2018.
• Audit rasied concerns about internal financial controls within RICS

Question 2

The Bichard Report 2022

Answer 2

• Independent review
• Review RICS Purpose, Governance and Strategy
• Advised on 36 recommendations inc:
  
  • RICS Matrics should give younger voice members stronger voice
  • D&I panel to be set up
  • Improvement of technology within RICS
  • Simplify election process
  • Commerical activity to be seperate from other activities at RICS

Question 3

RICS DEI Guidance (Diversity, equity and inclusion)

Answer 3

Recently published DEI Guidance
- Provides actions for firms dependant on sizes
Sole practitioner
- Accesible office
- Making website accesible
- Offer work experience to different backgrounds
Smaller firms
- Job advertise with inclusitivity
- Consider flexible working hours to attract more
- Staff events all can enjoy
Larger firms
- Leaders welcoming new starters
- Reverse mentoring
- Employee groups
- Provide training

Also guidance on
- Inclusive culture
- Inclusive recruitment
- Inclusive policies and procedures
- Inclusive spaces
- Career progression and development
- Everyday life at work

Question 4

Explain understanding RICS Inclusive Employers Quality Mark?

Answer 4

• Scheme launched by RICS
• To improve Diversity and Inclusion in sector
• Requires employers to following six principles:
  • Leadership and Vision
  • Recruitment
  • Staff Development
  • Staff Retention
  • Staff Engagement
  • Continuous Improvement

Question 5

Guidelines that apply to RICS members using Social Media

Answer 5

RICS Introduced ‘Use of Social Media: Guidance for RICS members’

Reminds professionals that RICS Rules of Conduct apply to social media (Professional, respectful language - Dont post offensive - could undermine public confidence and trust)

Question 6

When would RICS investigate SM post by one of its members?

Answer 6

If post is:
* Discriminatory
* Dishonest
* Abusive or threating
* Likely to cause significant harm, distress or offence

Question 7

How could AI affect the industry

Answer 7

• Autonomous Equipment - Digital tools to peform tasks more efficiently
• Design - Producing detailed 3D models from concepts
• QS - cost automation, take offs - can analyse a large amount of data and identify problems
• As a QS, need to adapt and learn new skills to manage the data

Question 8

What impact do you think demographics might have on recruitment in construction?

Answer 8

• The industry has lost more workers than have gained last 5 years
• Root of the problem is the age distribution of UK workforce
• Significant concentration of workforce age between 50-64

SOLUTION
* Enhance apprenticeship programs
* Promoto construction to younger people
* Explore technological solutions to reduce labour dependence

Question 9

Building Safety Act

Answer 9

UK Law - improve building safety
Particuarly high risk and high rise buildings
Introduced stricter regulations for design, management, and construction
Emphasis on accountability for those responsible
New Bodies
- Building safety regulator oversees performance
- National Regulator for Construction Products
- New Homes Ombudsman help oweners of new builds resolve issues with their homes

New Responsibilities
* Accountable persons
* Building oweners, Landlords and Developers
* Dutyholders
* Residents

Other Legislation
* Approved doc B - Fire Safety

Question 10

Actions as a QS for Building safety act

Answer 10

Ensure client appoint a Building Regs PD
BR PD ensure design complies with building regs
* Ensure design is compliant