Mental health and wellbeing is a key pillar in today’s world, and while it’s historically been more challenging for men in construction to be open, there’s more vital support now than ever before.

Tomi Laguda leads a deep and honest discussion on The RICS Podcast this week with Scott Pearshouse MRICS, as he shares his own mental health journey in construction, and Mark McBride Wright, who shares essential steps we can all take to foster a safer working environment for everyone.

CONTENT WARNING // This episode of The RICS Podcast discusses sensitive topics surrounding suicide to raise awareness for those affected - if you or someone that you know is in need of support, resources can be found in the ‘Links and References’, or Samaritans are available to call free at 116 123.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Major day-to-day pressures on men’s mental health
• Identifying the signs that you, or someone you know, should seek support
• Our collective responsibility for changing the culture to one where mental wellbeing is prioritised
• Leaders’ roles in creating a more open, safe and welcoming workplace 

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:

https://www.rics.org/uk/

RICS Lionheart

https://www.lionheart.org.uk/

Mark McBride Wright

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcbridewright/

Tomi Laguda

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom%C3%AD-l-9a0782139/

Scott Pearshouse MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pearshouse-mrics-b3391952/

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/

Every infrastructure project requires the work of a surveyor, and when developing economies and public opportunity this role is akin to that of a ‘silent hero’.

In this episode of the RICS Podcast, host Kieran Halliwell is joined by Dorothy Natukunda MRICS, Principal Government Valuer at Uganda’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. 

This special member profile tracks her route into the industry, landmark work on the Standard Gauge Railway project, and how she’s balancing technical demands with empathetic stakeholder engagement to bring the project to life.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Dorothy’s journey into surveying and her influential role in Uganda’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development
• The complexities and human impact of land acquisition for major infrastructure projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway
• The importance of proactive stakeholder engagement and transparent communication in public sector valuation work
• The influence of international standards like RICS on local practice and professional development in Uganda
• The evolving opportunities for women and young professionals in the surveying and valuation profession

Dorothy Natukunda MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natukunda-dorothy-mrics/

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/

From the very start of enrollment to the APC, your APC Diary becomes one of the most vital tools in helping you document your progression. So what should the diary look like by the time you’re ready for assessment?

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Adam Quinn speaks with APC assessors Steve Joel-Dicks FRICS, and Alicia Styring MRICS, to share what makes a good APC Diary, what shows maturity and progressions, and some common pitfalls to avoid.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The importance of maintaining a consistent and detailed APC diary to support professional development and assessment readiness
• Best practices for diary entries, including context and justification for competency selection
• Common mistakes candidates make, such as misclassifying experiences and neglecting to refer to the pathway guide
• The value of tracking growth and progression through diary entries, and using visual tools to identify gaps in experience
• The role of ownership and responsibility in the APC process

Steve Joel-Dicks FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-joel-dicks-mapm-frics-1a65b713/?originalSubdomain=uk

Alicia Styring MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-styring-mrics-494aa412a/

Adam Quinn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-quinn-395938265/?originalSubdomain=uk

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/

New Zealand’s ‘Central Interceptor Tunnel’ project represents a huge step towards upgrading the territory’s infrastructure for decades to come.

Central to its success is this week’s guest on The RICS Podcast, Dr Inoka Withana Gamage MRICS, Principal Contracts and Commercial Manager at Jacobs New Zealand.

In this member profile, Inoka talks us through the delivery of such a major project, the importance of collaboration, and how commercial and contract management plays its role in one of New Zealand’s largest landmark projects.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The engineering and delivery complexities behind New Zealand’s largest wastewater infrastructure project, the Central Interceptor Tunnel
• The importance of collaborative working and stakeholder engagement in delivering major infrastructure
• Leadership lessons and the value of practical, adaptable management plans in large-scale projects
• The role of commercial and contract management in mitigating risk and ensuring project success
• Professional growth, continuous learning, and advice for early-career professionals in the built environment sector

Dr Inoka Withana Gamage

https://www.linkedin.com/in/inoka-withana-gamage-722a4b2b/?originalSubdomain=nz

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/

The diverse future of our built environment industry relies on converting a broad university intake into an inclusive community of professionals.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Machel Bogues heads up a panel with Matthew Fedigan FRICS, Sybil Taunton and Lucy Day. With a breadth of experience and backgrounds, our guests weigh in on the barriers that need breaking for new, diverse talent to transition from education into the profession as a whole.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Examining the barriers that might prevent diverse talent from transitioning from higher education into the built environment
• The impact of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background on access, progression, and experiences within the sector
• Preparing students for successful careers through practical skills development, placements, and apprenticeships
• The role of mentorship, visibility, and support networks in fostering inclusion 
• How industry-wide collaboration, cultural change, and accountability can drive greater access and equity within the profession

Diversity and the Built Environment:  student experiences and challenges with accessing the labour market: https://www.ciob.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/Diversity%20and%20the%20Built%20Environment%20Pipeline%20REPORT_.pdf

Sybil Taunton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybil-taunton-97261246/

Machel Bogues

https://www.linkedin.com/in/machel-bogues/

Matthew Fedigan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fedigan-837a8822/

Lucy Day

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-day-4b0834251/

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/

The Jewry Wall Museum plays a core role in Leicester’s history, and RICS member Emily Thorpe Jones MRICS has been the Project Manager on the it’s revamp since 2022. 

In this first member profile episode of The RICS Podcast, Emily speaks with Podcast Lead Kieran Dhunna Halliwell to share the complexities behind managing  a major heritage conservation project, and the collaborative efforts required to balance historical preservation with modern visitor experiences. 

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The transformation and revitalization of the Jewry Wall Museum as a significant Roman heritage site in Leicester
• Complexities and rewards of managing large-scale heritage conservation projects, including overcoming contractor insolvencies and logistical challenges
• Collaboration among project managers, conservation officers, archaeologists, artists, and specialist contractors in delivering successful outcomes
• The evolving role of technology in the surveying profession and its impact on heritage projects
• The crucial role of community engagement and public advocacy in preserving and valuing historic buildings for future generations

Modus LiDAR Article

https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/modus/technology-and-data/harnessing-data/lidar-preserving-historic-monuments.html

Emily Thorpe Jones MRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-thorpe-jones-a62a68154/

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/

SMEs play a key role in developing the next generation of surveyors for an ever-evolving industry, mentoring them and fostering a culture in which they grow.

In this episode of The RICS Podcast, we hear from Craig MacDonald FRICS, Jodie O'Connor MRICS, Marina Gerogieva MRICS and Callum Saville MRICS, as they discuss strategies for bridging the skills gap, professional development, and how SMEs are helping to shape the future of surveying.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The unique challenges and opportunities faced by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing the next generation of surveyors
• The impact of digital tools, automation, and emerging technologies on training, efficiency, and professional growth within the industry
• The value of mentorship, open communication, and constructive feedback in supporting early-career professionals
• The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning for both new and experienced surveyors
• Strategies for fostering a supportive and innovative culture that encourages ownership, responsibility, and professional development

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/

The Conflict Avoidance Process is a fast-growing tool in resolving disputes while avoiding the costs of both arbitration and litigation, making it invaluable if used correctly.

Two firm advocates heading up the Conflict Avoidance Coalition are RICS’ own Martin Burns, and Kier’s Jim McCluskey FRICS, who discuss how CAP provisions can be integrated into contracts to help shift towards more cooperative project management.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• Conflict Avoidance Process (CAP) as a timely, cost-effective alternative to traditional dispute resolution methods
• The importance of early intervention when addressing potential disputes
• Numerous benefits of CAP, from swift resolutions to lower costs
• The role of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition and the Conflict Avoidance Pledge in promoting more collaborative practices in the construction industry
• Potential for CAP to become a standard clause in construction contracts

Martin Burns

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-burns-36a14226/

Jim McCluskey

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmccluskey/

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/

Welcome back to The RICS Podcast! We enjoy showcasing the work of RICS members on our episodes and in this special update we’re previewing what’s to come in the next few months.

Kieran Dhunna Halliwell, the show’s Podcast Lead, shares a brief update on what we’ve published so far, and what’s happening behind the scenes as we prepare for more interviews, member profiles, and CPD-focused episodes.

If you’d like to contribute to the show, and suggest what you’d like to see from future content, be sure to get in touch via the form on the RICS podcast page.

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/

The built environment and construction sectors should be a space for all to feel welcome and to belong, and with June being Pride month it’s an apt time to evaluate how that looks in the industry.

In this week’s episode of The RICS Podcast, Sharon Slinger FRICS is joined by Scott Wilkinson FRICS and Mark Bennett AssocRICS to discuss the current atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community, and how we can work together to encourage a safe and inclusive industry for all.

This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:

• The importance of bringing your whole self to work in construction 
• What employers and colleagues can do to to create safe, inclusive environment for all
• The solutions to educating professionals on key inclusivity issues

Sharon Slinger FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-slinger-4190a619/

Scott Wilkinson FRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleewilkinson/

Mark Bennett AssocRICS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bennett-mciob-assocrics-49a84318/

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/