The RICS Podcast

The Surveyor’s Role in the Energy Transition with Roger Esson MRICS, Amit Patel MRICS, Jenny Stanning and Stephen Thompson FRICS #234

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/

Changes to CPD: everything you need to know. With Olga Turner Baker MRICS and Charles Golding MRICS #233

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 Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

RICS Legal Landscapes: Passing Gateway 3 and maintaining the Golden Thread with Gary Strong FRICS, Graeme Manley MRICS and David Savage #232

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 Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Ambition vs Reality: Funding, Planning and Capacity in UK Housing with Simon Rubinsohn & Tony Mulhall MRICS #231

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 Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Human in the loop: RICS’ groundbreaking AI standard with James Garner FRICS, Nella Pang MRICS, and Chris Alder #230

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 Page https://www.rics.org/podcast/ Kieran Halliwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/